Automation Engineer

Here at Creative Liquid Coatings we do far more than just liquid coatings. Over the past 30 years the business has expanded to offer advanced plastic injection molding capability with 40 machines ranging in size from 100 ton to 3600 ton at our HQ facilities. In addition to plastics molding we offer world class automated paint finishing capability. Our versatile paint lines can handle parts that are very small and all the way up to 10 feet long. We process an array of performance materials from commodity grades to custom blends and engineered thermoplastic resins.

This position will manage and support multiple complex capital projects related to new technologies, automated equipment and controls systems. Support continuous improvement initiatives within manufacturing locations. Responsibilities heavily emphasize capital equipment project development and execution and managing these projects with the discipline and tools of a formalized project management process. Capable of managing multiple projects that impact multiple facilities.

Essential Duties and Responsibilities

The Automation Engineer shall be responsible for, but not limited to, the following tasks:

· Effectively manage activities with an emphasis on safety, quality, productivity, timing, and budget allowances of the project.

· Follow a formalized project management process and employ the appropriate tools to support flawless execution of capital projects.

· Develop robust project plans, gain cross-functional alignment and deliver per plan.

· Work with Procurement and OEMs to properly specify, procure, accept, install, and validate capital equipment.

· Be the subject matter expert for technologies including automated equipment such as, single-step, 2-step, extrusion blow mold machines, packaging equipment, and downstream equipment including palletizers and stretch wrapper equipment.

· Direct and manage activities of plant staff and external contractors to safely execute the project.

· Support productivity and cost reduction projects. Assist with the implementation of best practices.

· Perform feasibility studies of special operations and manufacturing projects as directed by the Director of Operations Engineering.

· Work with the VP of Operations, Operations Engineering Directors/Managers, Plant Managers, and plant staff, along with corporate R & D, Commercial teams, and Finance staff to develop feasibility studies and mutually agreeable implementation plans which meet cost and timing criteria.

· Communicate and resolve technical, timing, and budgetary issues related to projects as they arise.

· Understand plant infrastructure, molding machines and related equipment, as well as requirements for changes and upgrades to improve safety, quality, and overall efficiency.

· Analyze the business, performance, and cost capabilities and limitations of new, proposed, or existing equipment. Includes evaluation of machinery, equipment, tooling, workflow, and vendors.

· Communicate and resolve technical, timing, and budgetary issues related to projects as they arise.

· Publish weekly project status reports outlining project status and issues.

· Develop and manage task lists, timelines and resources for completion of projects.

General Requirements

· Knowledge of plant layouts and infrastructure equipment. Proven experience managing multiple resources and complex projects.

· Strong interpersonal skills required to communicate technical and financial information and to complete project assignments on time and within approved budgets.

· Knowledge of project management processes, tools, and techniques.

· Strong communication and people skills to influence and manage multiple cross-functional resources.

· Analytical and problem-solving skills.

· Able to work independently with minimal supervision.

· PLC and robotic programming knowledge.

With over 30 years of industry experience and a footprint spanning 10 United States locations, Creative Liquid Coatings is a powerhouse in integrated manufacturing. We bridge the gap between complex plastic injection molding and world-class automated finishing, utilizing a fleet of over 150 machines ranging from 85 to 5,000 tons. Our versatile paint lines accommodate a wide range of component sizes, providing a seamless, end-to-end production solution that combines massive scale with precision engineering for the most demanding industrial applications.