Automation Controls Engineer

The Spartanburg operation is a state-of-the-art coffee roasting and pod packaging facility in addition to hosting a full beverage distribution center.  Spartanburg is the largest KDRP manufacturing and distribution location.  The site will operate on the foundational principles of TPM (Total Productive Maintenance); leverage the principles of Lean manufacturing and harness the power of High-Performance Teams.  All associates at the Spartanburg site will have accountability to both a functional business unit in addition to the full site operation.  The site will run on state-of-the-art enterprise IT and manufacturing execution systems with highly automated processing, packaging, and material movement equipment.

The Automation Controls Engineer is responsible for developing, implementing, supporting and improving a broad variety of automated control systems. These systems range in scope from simple single loop controllers and relay logic to advanced HMI - PLC based systems. The Automation Controls Engineer (ACE) will know and understand how to connect automation with the processes of coffee roasting, packaging and distribution

Responsibilities:

• Design, develop, enhance and implement automated solutions that improve employee safety, product quality, manufacturing efficiencies, and reduce costs.
• Support the commissioning and optimization of both new and existing manufacturing equipment.
• Design, implement and support automated system networks.
• Manage change control and system documentation.
• Ensure business continuity through industry standards and good engineering practices.
• Develop controls and automation skills and capabilities within the maintenance and engineering team. The goal is to enable the technicians to perform appropriate controls and electrical diagnostics and troubleshooting prior to calling the controls engineer
• Develop/support and implement data acquisition and reporting systems to support testing and evaluation work in accordance company and site goals
• Initiate, plan, execute, monitor and control automation centric projects
• Manage and coordinate activity on capital and continuous improvement projects.
• Interface with and support manufacturing department heads and supervisors as needed to support automated systems and processes.
• Interface with and support other Keurig Dr Pepper Engineering Disciplines.
• Interface with and direct vendors and contractors.
• Preparation and administration of training for maintenance and operations personnel.
• Follows all policies, procedures, ergonomic standards and safety requirements as defined by Keurig Dr Pepper.
• Able to set priorities based on production needs.
• Performs other duties as assigned

• BS in Engineering or equivalent experience
• 5+ years of Industrial Automation experience in a manufacturing environment.
• Extensive PLC programming experience is required.  Prefer Allen-Bradley systems experience including, but not limited to, the Rockwell FactoryTalk suite of software, Logix platform, and proficient understanding of Allen-Bradley industrial networks.
• Working knowledge of OPC-UA architecture and industrial communication protocol.
• Experience with Manufacturing Execution Systems.

Competencies

• Hands on electrical experience with control panels and electrical circuits
• Good working knowledge of robotic control systems, preferably with FANUC.
• Good working knowledge of SCADA systems
• Working knowledge of Beckhoff Systems & Siemens
• Good working knowledge of variable speed and servo drives, preferably Allen-Bradley.& Rexroth.
• Knowledge of visual basic and databases a plus.
• Possess a good understanding of computer and industrial networks
• Ability to work hours outside of routine schedule as necessary.
• Lean Manufacturing experiences a plus.
• Ability to get along with others, be punctual, and follow instructions.
• Ability to effectively perform in a fast-paced, dynamic work environment.
• Ability to follow Keurig Dr Pepper policies and procedures.

Keys to success in this role include skills, knowledge and behaviors in the following areas:

• Confidence, integrity and an autonomous mindset with the ability to work independently and strive to win, even in challenging environments
• Ability to comprehend and follow work instructions and calibrate instrumentation
• Team-player attitude with well-developed interpersonal skills and comfort in a cross-functional, multi-cultural environment.
• Mechanical orientation with the ability to solve problems and implement change
• Strong communication and writing skills and ability to conduct root-cause analysis and implement corrections

• Benefits eligible day one!! 
• Benefits, subject to election and eligibility: Medical, Dental, Vision, Disability, Paid Time Off (including paid parental leave, vacation, and sick time), 401k with company match, Tuition Reimbursement, and Mileage Reimbursement 
• Annual bonus based on performance and eligibility

Keurig Dr Pepper (NASDAQ: KDP) is a leading beverage company in North America, with a portfolio of more than 125 owned, licensed and partners brands and powerful distribution capabilities to provide a beverage for every need, anytime, anywhere. We operate with a differentiated business model and world-class brand portfolio, powered by a talented and engaged team that is anchored in our values. We work with big, exciting beverage brands and the #1 single-serve coffee brewing system in North America at KDP, and we have fun doing it! 
 
Together, we have built a leading beverage company in North America offering hot and cold beverages together at scale. Whatever your area of expertise, at KDP you can be a part of a team that’s proud of its brands, partnerships, innovation, and growth. Will you join us? 
 
We strive to be an employer of choice, providing a culture and opportunities that empower our team of ~28,000 employees to grow and develop.  We offer robust benefits to support your health and wellness as well as your personal and financial well-being. We also provide employee programs designed to enhance your professional growth and development, while ensuring you feel valued, inspired and appreciated at work.
 
Keurig Dr Pepper is an equal opportunity employer and affirmatively seeks diversity in its workforce. Keurig Dr Pepper recruits qualified applicants and advances in employment its employees without regard to race, color, religion, gender, sexual orientation, gender identity, gender expression, age, disability or association with a person with a disability, medical condition, genetic information, ethnic or national origin, marital status, veteran status, or any other status protected by law.