Maintenance Automation Engineer

Location of post: Leprino Foods, Magheralin Role Purpose: To maintain and optimise the site-wide automation and instrumentation systems. Make sure to read the full description below, and please apply immediately if you are confident you meet all the requirements. First point of escalation and support for the plant maintenance team to investigate and rectify any control related issues impacting operational performance. Ownership of the calibration schedule for all site instrumentation, ensuring adherence to plan and accuracy of all measurement points. Accountable to: OpEx Automation Engineer Contract Type: Full-Time Permanent Position Responsibilities & Measures of Success: Relationship Development Operate as a key member of the Engineering and Services Teams , supporting, colleagues and team performance to deliver on our business objectives. Attend team meetings and contribute positively and constructively to these meetings. Build positive relationships at all levels with other departments, utilising these positive relationships to assist delivery of results Build an excellent working relationship with the Production team to ensure operational issues are fully understood and activities actioned to resolve. Build and maintain strong relationships with Site Management, establishing two way communication and accurate provision of information to support the efficient running and continuous improvement of the site. Ensure relationships are developed on the basis of One Leprino, One Team moto, with strong and effective communication, where agreement on work plans, activities and actions to be completed are clear and defined as part of a regular routine. Build effective relationships with external 3rd parties to gain expert knowledge on equipment and processes that can impact department performance. Ensure supply of high-quality product through ensuring equipment and system availability maximize performance through continuous process improvement initiatives and other relevant operational support requirements Adhere to the workflow process where automation issues are logged, prioritised and delivered in an acceptable timeframe, with visibility to the wider site. Operational Excellence Work alongside the plant maintenance team to support shop floor fault diagnosis on all plant automation systems and networks Maintain PLC, VSD, device and backups for all systems to ensure timely return to operations following catastrophic failures Responsibility for the automation network (management of network diagram, switches, asset record), PLC hardware (installation validation, audit and end of life management), server hardware and operating systems Optimize control systems for faster and more efficient operations Own the automation calibration schedule for the site and ensure calibrations to be carried out by internal and external personnel are executed in a timely manner to ensure accuracy and compliance with regulatory requirements. Record and communicate detailed instrument calibration information and usage procedures to line managers, supervisors, peers or subordinates. Responsible to review reports generated and look for trends to highlight improvements / need for improvements. Ensure supply of high-quality product through ensuring equipment and system availability maximize performance through continuous process improvement initiatives and other relevant operational support requirements Use data-driven insights to refine processes and enhance capabilities. Develop preventive maintenance schedules to minimize downtime. Responsible for supporting a culture of Continuous Improvement by deploying Six Sigma tools within Automation in relation to problem solving to support any associated investigations Facilitate training sessions and share best practices within the team. People/Team Our people are our most valuable asset. We need to ensure a fully engaged, and highly trained workforce, with a can-do mindset Support the OpEx Automation engineer in the delivery of learning and development plan for all shift engineers to ensure competency to effectively diagnose front line control issues and rectify any issues defined to be within their remit. Work closely with the OpEx Automation engineer and Maintenance Manager to close any personal development gaps to ensure individual competency to fulfil the role. Support the engineering management team and provide insights into day to day operations from an automation perspective and also from a more general capacity as a leader within the team Responsible Care Our health and safety vision as an operations team is to ensure that we have an effective world class safety culture which ensures that our colleagues are empowered, bought into and have the tools, skills and knowledge to think safely, work safety and get home safely every day Adhere to regulations: Ensure all systems comply with industry safety standards and regulations Conduct regular risk assessments to identify and mitigate potential hazards Implement eco-friendly technologies and processes to reduce environmental impact Optimize systems to minimize waste and conserve energy Ensure systems operate within specified parameters to maintain product quality Maintain transparency in documenting and reporting systems performance and issues Champion the change management process within the organisation and ensure all changes are communicated, approved and controlled before implementation Foster a culture of ethical team work and open communication Keep all stakeholders informed about safety and environmental initiatives Undertake any other duties as considered by the company to be within the scope of the role. Core Values Every employee at every level within Leprino Foods Ltd must act, behave and operate in line with the company core values. QUALITY SERVICE COMPETITIVE PRICE ETHICS PERSON SPECIFICATION In applications for this role, the applications will be shortlisted and candidates will be assessed at Interview on the following criteria. Physical – No health issues likely to preclude employment in the dairy industry Qualifications and Training – 3rd level Qualification in Engineer related discipline Degree qualified preferably Electrical/Automation/Instrumentation or other closely related discipline Relevant Experience – Food manufacturing environment experience Fast paced production line Process industry experience Specialist Knowledge- PLCs & HMIs Allen Bradley, Siemens Field bus/communication protocols: Ethernet Ip/Modbus TCP/IP/Modbus Serial/Profinet/Asi Scada Packages: Ignition/Wonderware InTouch Instrumentation various pieces of equipment Variable Frequency Drives Knowledge Previous experience as Automation Engineer Specialist Skills Negotiation skills Strong Communication skills Good IR skills and experience Able to develop policies Assertive Qualities & Behaviours Self motivated Calm and focused under pressure Adaptable to long and short term change Proactive Additional Requirements or Circumstances May need to attend off site meetings or training on occasion at companys other locations Flexibility outside core working hours when necessary