Sr. Automation Engineer

Title: Sr. Automation Engineer

Reports To: Director of Engineering

Work Location: Corporate – Piperton, TN

Summary

The Sr. Automation Engineer is responsible for implementing, overseeing, and continuously improving automation systems throughout all AOC North America plants. The ideal candidate for this position should have demonstrated ability to manage large automation projects from conception through startup and will be expected to scope and execute LEAN and utility improvement projects. The Sr. Automation Engineer will champion best practice adoption, lead a team of process control engineers or contractors, manage automation-related capital investments, and ensure effective integration and utilization of control system data enterprise-wide. This position requires comprehensive knowledge of manufacturing processes, expertise in control system technologies (particularly DeltaV), exceptional project management abilities, and the capacity to drive innovation and operational efficiency through automation while maintaining strict adherence to safety policies, environmental regulations, published codes, standards, internal policies, and Recognized and Generally Accepted Good Engineering Practices (RAGAGEP).

Responsibilities

Automation Leadership & Governance

• Execute corporate automation strategy aligned with business goals, manufacturing excellence, and digital transformation objectives.
• Maintain corporate technical standards for control system design, instrumentation specifications, programming standards, system architecture, and cybersecurity protocols.
• Evaluate emerging technologies (advanced process control, machine learning, AI tools) to determine implementation value and feasibility.
• Facilitate regular technical forums to promote knowledge sharing, collaboration, and standardization among site and corporate engineers.
• Conduct systematic benchmarking of automation systems against industry standards and best practices.

System Design, Optimization & Lifecycle Management

• Provide oversight for the design, configuration, programming, simulation, testing, and commissioning of process control solutions for major capital projects and standardization rollouts.
• Champion the design and implementation of S88-compliant batch control systems, providing tools and training for plant engineers.
• Oversee specification and selection of instrumentation, control valves, and network hardware, ensuring adherence to corporate standards and hazardous area requirements.
• Direct the development and maintenance of control system architecture, ensuring scalability, reliability, and secure integration with enterprise systems.
• Lead control loop optimization, alarm management rationalization, and advanced regulatory control strategies.
• Develop and manage control system lifecycle plans, including obsolescence management and upgrade strategies.

Capital Project & Vendor Management

• Develop and manage the corporate automation capital plan, working with plants to identify needs, justify projects, and secure funding.
• Provide final technical approval for automation-related Capital Expenditure Requests (CERs), ensuring strategic alignment and technical soundness (typical project values $25K–$2M ).
• Oversee execution of major automation projects, ensuring adherence to scope, schedule, budget, quality, and safety standards.
• Manage relationships with key automation vendors, system integrators, and engineering contractors; negotiate service agreements and support structures.

Data Integration & Management

• Ensure seamless integration and effective utilization of the data historian system (AVEVA PI) across all sites, connecting various process control platforms.
• Leverage business intelligence tools to develop reports, dashboards, and analytics supporting operational efficiency, quality control, and leadership initiatives.

Safety, Compliance & Cybersecurity

• Ensure all automation designs, implementations, and modifications adhere to PSM, OSHA, EPA, NFPA, and other applicable regulations and codes.
• Champion safety-in-design principles for control systems, including participation in HAZOPs and LOPA reviews.
• Contribute to development and enforcement of OT cybersecurity policies and procedures, including network segmentation, access control, patch management, incident response, and vendor security assessments.
• Other duties as assigned

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in engineering (BSChE, BSME, or BSEE) from an ABET-accredited institution
• Professional Engineer (PE) License preferred
• 10 years of relevant experience in automation and process control
• 10 years DeltaV or relevant DCS platform experience; DeltaV Batch experience preferred
• Proficient knowledge of MS Office and computer systems
• Must be able to work independently
• Direct management or leadership experience preferred
• Excellent communication, organization and project management skills
• Ability to think analytically and problem-solve
• Willing and able to travel 20% annually; PPE required in Plant Environments
• Legally authorized to work in the United States without sponsorship

What We Offer

• Competitive Pay Paid Vacation and Holidays
• 401(k) with Company Contributions and Matching
• Medical, Dental and Vision Insurance - Effective the 1st of the Month After Hire!
• Company-Paid Life Insurance Disability Insurance
• Tuition Reimbursement Program
• Service Recognition Rewards
• Relocation Assistance
• Pet Insurance