Senior Automation Engineer

Location : On-Site at our facility in Hugoton, Kansas Why this role matters In your first year, you will establish and own the automation function at Flora Food Group’s new dairy manufacturing facility in Hugoton. Your work will ensure smooth, reliable production of processed milk, creamers, and cream cheeses by delivering robust automation systems and resolving faults quickly. This role is critical to building a foundation for operational excellence and innovation in dairy processing, directly impacting the quality and consistency of the food we bring to kitchens. Your expertise will shape how automation supports our mission to create better food, every day. What you'll do Program, configure, and maintain PLC, HMI, and SCADA systems on the Rockwell Automation platform to keep production running efficiently. This is more than hands on- we need a strategic leader to own the end to end process. Lead automation capital projects from design through commissioning, coordinating with suppliers and global teams to deliver on time and on budget. Manage server virtualization and industrial network infrastructure to ensure system stability and security. Troubleshoot and resolve automation faults in real time to minimize downtime and maintain product quality. Develop and maintain preventive maintenance programs and documentation for all automation assets. Performance You will own the full automation landscape at the Hugoton site, driving uptime and system reliability inch by inch. Your data-driven approach will reduce production interruptions and support continuous improvement initiatives. By delivering projects and maintaining systems with precision, you will enable the plant to meet its production targets and uphold Flora Food Group’s standards for better food. Care This role reports to the Plant Engineering Manager and works closely with operations, maintenance, and global engineering teams. You will foster collaboration across functions to ensure automation solutions are safe, compliant, and sustainable. Your leadership in preventive maintenance and lifecycle management will protect critical assets and support long-term plant performance. Passion You are a hands-on automation expert who loves solving complex challenges in food manufacturing. Your curiosity about dairy processing and commitment to food safety drive you to innovate and raise the bar. You take pride in crafting reliable systems that support the taste, nutrition, and functionality of our products, contributing to a more delicious and sustainable future. About you You bring strong technical skills in Rockwell Automation PLC and HMI programming, server virtualization, and industrial networking. You have experience leading automation projects and troubleshooting in food or dairy manufacturing environments. You are a self-starter who thrives in a greenfield setting, balancing daily operational demands with strategic delivery. Your communication skills help you collaborate effectively across teams and with external partners. You are genuinely interested in food culture and curious about how consumer behavior and future food trends shape innovation. You understand that strong brands are built by anticipating what’s next in taste, nutrition and functionality, and by translating insight into meaningful consumer experiences. Where this could lead to This role typically leads to senior leadership positions within plant engineering or automation management, with opportunities to influence multi-site automation strategies. Over time, you could shape broader digital transformation initiatives across Flora Food Group’s manufacturing network. What's next If this opportunity sounds exciting, we'd love to hear from you.   #LI-Onsite #LI-AM1