Michigan Milk Producers Association is actively interviewing for an Industrial Automation/Process Project Engineer. Provides engineering support within manufacturing operations including, but not limited to- fluid milk receiving, separation, blending, batching, culture manufacture, pasteurization, evaporators, dryers, RO, CIP, packaging, and product storage systems. All functions are to be performed in accordance with PMO, FDA, MIOSHA, IOSHA, OSHA, and MMPA requirements, while at the same time maximizing operational efficiencies. All activities should be managed in alignment with company goals of safety, quality, regulatory preparedness, financial performance, inventory controls, and environmental mission. Facilitation of continuous improvement of the process through constant and effective communication is essential for this role. This position will have a high level of experience in fluid and batch processing automation systems. Preparing, scheduling, coordinating, documenting, and validating assigned engineering projects. Interacting daily with engineering and plant teams to support operational needs and requirements.

ABOUT US:

The Michigan Milk Producers Association (MMPA) – established in 1916 – is a dairy farmer-owned and operated milk marketing cooperative and dairy processor. As the 10th largest dairy cooperative in the U.S., MMPA serves dairy farmers throughout Michigan, Wisconsin, Ohio, and Indiana, employing approximately 625 people in four states. In addition to a cheese plant in Indiana called the Middlebury Cheese Company, and a dairy product plant in Ohio called Superior Dairy, MMPA operates two SQF Level 3 dairy ingredient plants in Michigan. Products made at MMPA’s plants include fluid milk, cheese, ultra-filtered milk, ice cream, butter, nonfat dry milk, cream, and condensed skim milk.

QUALIFICATIONS:

• Bachelor’s or Associates in Computer Science, Engineering, Industrial Technology, degree desired, or relevant experience.
• Minimum of 5 years experience of technical support in the manufacturing environment; preferable in dairy industry.
• Experience with Windows user and server level environments, including active directory configuration is preferred.
• Experience with Allen Bradley controls hardware, including SLCs, CompactLogix and ControlLogix PLCs, and associated I/O and communications equipment.
• Experience with Rockwell Automation PlantPz software and FactoryTalk platforms including, but not limited to RSLogix, FTTransaction Manager, FTView SE/ME and FTHistorian.
• Experience with Microsoft Office suite (Word, Excel, etc..), Visio, AutoCad LT.
• Ability to work with Wonderware Intouch, Wonderware Historian, PanelView HMI development software packages.
• Knowledge of PMO and Food Safety regulations.
• Previous leadership experience preferred.
• Strong written and oral communication skills.
• Excellent time management skills, with the ability to prioritize and meet deadlines within time constraints.
• Ability to read electrical, mechanical, or process drawings to interpret plant operations and facilitate troubleshooting.
• Ability to use necessary test equipment, i.e., Fluke multimeters, HART communicators.
• Ability to operate in a team environment
• Ability to adapt in a changing work environment

PHYSICAL REQUIREMENTS:

• Ability to safely lift 50 lbs.
• Ability to bend and reach files and cabinets where records are stored.
• Office environment repetitive motion through computer use required.
• Manufacturing environment operating in areas where high noise, machinery and chemicals are present.
  To perform this job successfully, an individual must be able to perform each responsibility satisfactorily. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the responsibilities.
  This job description is not designed to contain a comprehensive list of responsibilities that are required of the role. Responsibilities may change at any time with or without notice.
  MMPA provides the opportunity for meaningful work that makes a difference in the dairy industry and in our communities. The diverse talents and perspectives of our employees help us to meet the needs of our member farms and the customers we serve.
  MMPA is an equal opportunity employer.

JOB RESPONSIBILITIES:

To perform this job successfully, an individual must be able to perform each essential duty satisfactorily:

• Responsible for all aspects of food safety and quality as defined in plant and department procedures.
• Resource to participate in process effectiveness reviews and provide necessary engineering support for all plant processes.
• Maintain SQL traceability software, extrapolate and analyze information, make recommendations, and take action as needed. Data analysis and trending using Historian systems.
• Support training of employees as required.
• Troubleshoot all process issues within the manufacturing area. Verify/validate that control programming and mechanical operations are synchronized. Work with engineering and maintenance teams to optimize operational effectiveness and to identify and resolve all issues.
• Design, create, and modify operator interface screens.
• Work with management from all departments to resolve process issues and improve overall operational efficiency.
• Follow all GMP’s at the highest level in areas of responsibility.
• Commitment to safety is essential.
• Ensure compliance with all company and FDA Quality requirements as stated in PMO and MMPA SOP’s.
• Must have a total awareness of safety, quality, productivity, product and material losses and how these KPI are impacted by process equipment and design.
• Participate in problem solving teams.
• Communicate and participate with other project engineers (internal & external) during installations and process changes to ensure success.
• Communicate changes and train affected plant personnel on new and/or modified functionality. System changes must be documented and tracked.
• Continual self-education to stay current with all technological trends, through self-study and outside training where applicable.
• Willingness to expand knowledge and expertise in multiple engineering disciplines.
• Perform other duties as assigned by management.

SAFETY RESPONSIBILITIES

• Proactively work in a safe manner in the context of performing the functions of your position
• Oversee the implementation and adherence to Company safety practices and programs and hold staff accountable for leading safety in the workplace.