Automation Specialist

Automation Specialist

Reporting to The Director of Manufacturing, The Automation Specialist plays a critical role in ensuring the reliability, performance, and continuous improvement of automated operational technology (OT) systems within a manufacturing or industrial environment. This position is responsible for maintaining levels of production uptime, diagnosing and resolving automation issues, and optimizing control system performance. The specialist will collaborate closely with the Automation, Project Engineering, Operations, and Maintenance departments to provide hands-on technical support and contribute expertise to the design, commissioning, and integration of automation solutions. This position requires a strong understanding of control systems, industrial networks, and troubleshooting methodologies. The ideal candidate will ensure adherence to Safety & Compliance Standards, Best practices, and proactively identify opportunities for automation improvement across the manufacturing production system.

Essential Functions and Responsibilities:

1. Provide both proactive and reactive technical automation support for operational needs
2. Work closely with maintenance to respond to automation related breakdowns to minimize downtime
3. Participate in the selection, testing and validation of new automated equipment that will be used on production lines
4. Contribute to the continued improvement of OT systems and ensure conformity with company automation initiatives
5. Supervise and perform the programming of PLCs, HMIs, and SCADA systems
6. Work cross functionally supporting the organizational strategy for US plants
7. Ensure that knowledge and skills are continuously improving as the needs evolve.
8. Manage and ensure the reliability of technical support for automation systems.
9. Carry out periodic preventive audits of automation systems and ensuring system health, backups, firmware updates, and version control of automation equipment.
10. Schedule and participate in new projects from the industrial team (must take into account the project team’s specifications).
11. Work in collaboration with maintenance and project teams related to the optimization, development and implementation of automated equipment (existing and new).
12. Collaborate with the HSE department to ensure equipment safety following OSHA guidelines and manufacturer recommendations.
13. Work in collaboration with the IT department to ensure proper functionality of industrial IT/OT equipment.
14. Develop and maintain a continuous improvement plan based on the condition of automated equipment.
15. Serve as subject matter expert for automation technologies, standards, and best practices.
16. Interpret electrical schematics, P&IDs, and control logic diagrams

Minimum Qualifications:

1. 3-5 years experience in manufacturing automation experience.
2. In-depth knowledge of industrial computing, automation and electrical systems.
3. Understanding of network IT/OT architecture and troubleshooting industrial equipment
4. Understanding of communication protocols (Ethernet/IP, Modbus, Profibus, OPC, etc.)
5. Strong understanding of Motion control, process control theory, and instrumentation
6. Understanding of ISO standards and safety industrial equipment.
7. Experience with PLCs, industrial controllers, HMIs, SCADA systems and Historians.
8. Experience with troubleshooting and integrating electrical and mechanical equipment.
9. Bilingual (French and English) a plus but not required.
10. Knowledge of the following software and platforms considered an asset:
11. Allen Bradley and Schneider Electric PLC software
12. Structured Text and Ladder Logic programming
13. Schneider and Parker brand drive software
14. 2D or 3D design software
15. AVEVA Citect/Plant SCADA
16. Vijeo Designer
17. CMMS platforms
18. MES and ERP Platforms
19. Bachelor’s degree in electrical, mechanical, mechatronics, computer engineering or equivalent is preferred.
20. Integrity, respect, professionalism, and ability to lead.
21. Proactive mindset, Self-sufficiency and sense of responsibility.
22. Ability to analyze and solve problems efficiently.
23. Willingness to contribute the time and effort required to carry out projects to completion.
24. Adaptability and calm under pressures in manufacturing environment
25. Safety and quality driven innovation

Working Conditions and/or Physical Demands:

1. Travel up to 25% within the United States and Canada.
2. Willingness to be on-call for after-hours support and on rotation with other specialists.
3. Breakdown support is both on site and remote.
4. The role is based on-site at US headquarters in Wadsworth, OH
5. Work performed in an industrial environment for commissioning and troubleshooting
6. Work in an industrial environment. Protective equipment is mandatory.
7. Vigilance, thorough knowledge of facilities, and situational analysis coupled with strong safety leadership are paramount.
8. May be required to lift up to 50lbs

Reports to Director of Manufacturing – Asphalt Roofing Plants