Automation Engineer

Job Title: Automation Engineer

Department: Engineering

Reports to: Automation Engineering Manager

Location: Modesto, CA

Salary range listed is based on experience: $90,000.00 To $130,000.00

The Automation Engineer designs, implements, and maintains industrial automation, control, and instrumentation systems. This role requires expertise in electrical design, control programming, instrumentation, and system troubleshooting. The ideal candidate is detail-oriented, analytical, and thrives in a fast-paced manufacturing environment.

Essential Functions Include:

• Design and develop industrial automation systems, including PLC, HMI, and SCADA applications.
• Program, test, and commission PLC/HMI control systems for new and existing equipment
• Design, construct, modify, and maintain control panel layouts and electrical schematics.
• Develop and update P&IDs and instrumentation diagrams using CAD software.
• Develop Functional Design Specifications and Control Narratives
• Specify, integrate, and calibrate industrial sensors and measurement devices.
• Troubleshoot automation hardware and instrumentation issues
• Ensure compliance with industry standards, safety regulations, and company policies.
• Lead and manage automation initiatives during entire project lifecycle from concept through commissioning
• Collaborate with engineering, maintenance, and production teams to improve automation and control processes.
• Stay current with emerging automation technologies and best practices.
• Perform other duties as assigned

Qualifications Include:

• Bachelor’s degree in electrical engineering, automation engineering, or related field.
• 2 years of experience
• Hands-on experience with PLC programming and HMI/SCADA development (Ignition preferred)
• Experience in commissioning activities, including I/O checks and sequence testing.
• Familiarity with motor controls, PID loops, VFDs, sensors, and industrial instrumentation.
• Ability to read, redline, and update electrical schematics, P&IDs, and technical documentation.
• Strong analytical, troubleshooting, and problem-solving skills.
• Excellent communication and teamwork abilities
• Ability to travel up to 25% to company and supplier sites across North America.

Preferred Qualifications:

• 5 years of relative experience
• Proficiency with electrical design tools (AutoCAD Electrical or EPLAN preferred).
• Experience designing and constructing control panels utilizing applicable design standards.
• Strong Knowledge of industrial communication protocols such as Modbus, Ethernet/IP, etc.
• Understanding database integration including SQL, MES, or data historians.
• Experience with controls for utilities systems, such as steam, refrigeration, etc.

Food Safety Requirements:

• Place high priority on food safety, quality, and sanitation by understanding and executing Thrive Freeze Dry’s food safety and sanitation policies and procedures.
• Hold self and others accountable to Thrive Freeze Dry’s food safety & sanitation guidelines and policies by communicating any food safety incident, observation, or opportunity to your leadership team or teammates.

Physical Requirements – Must be able to perform the following functions with or without accommodations:

• Consistent and reliable attendance
• The usual and customary methods of performing the job's functions require the following physical demands: some lifting, carrying, pushing, and/or pulling; some stooping, kneeling, crouching, and/or crawling; and frequent fine finger dexterity. Generally, the job requires the following percentages of time committed to physical activity: 50% or more sitting, 50% or more walking, and 50% or more standing.
• The job is performed under some temperature variations and in a food manufacturing production environment. Unrestricted visual and audio abilities are required for the safety of all employees. The ability to lift to 40 lbs. is required.