Automation Engineer

POSITION DESCRIPTION: The Automation Engineer is responsible for the performance, equipment reliability, uptime percentage, design, development, and optimization of complex automation systems, and processes to improve production efficiency, reduce manual intervention, and ensure high-quality outputs. 

BENEFITS

The well-being of our team members and their families is critically important to us. As part of this commitment, we offer: 

• PPO medical, dental, and vision insurance for our employees AND their dependents, 100% paid by the Company 
• A cell phone stipend  
• Annual discretionary bonus 
• 401(k) match program, pet insurance, life insurance, and more.

LOCATION: The position is based at DrinkPAK's headquarters in Santa Clarita, California. 

 TYPE: Full Time; Salary / Exempt.

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RESPONSIBILITIES 

• Design, develop, and implement automation solutions for production, testing, and quality control systems. 

• Program, configure, and maintain industrial automation systems (e.g., PLCs, SCADA, DCS, HMI). 

• Collaborate with cross-functional teams to identify automation needs and provide tailored solutions. 

• Troubleshoot, debug, and optimize automated processes and equipment to improve system reliability. 

• Perform system upgrades, installations, and regular maintenance on automation equipment. 

• Develop and maintain system documentation, including user manuals and technical reports. 

• Ensure compliance with safety regulations and industry standards in all automation systems. 

• Conduct testing and validation of automation systems to ensure optimal performance. 

• Continuously monitor system performance and propose improvements for efficiency and cost reduction. 

• Provide technical support and training to operational teams on automated systems. 

• Manage complex automation projects from initiation to completion, ensuring timely delivery within budget and scope. 

• Work closely with product, operations, and engineering teams to understand requirements and translate them into scalable automation solutions. 

• Stay up to date with advancements in automation technologies and recommend new tools or practices.  

Please note this job description is not designed to contain a comprehensive list of activities, duties or responsibilities that are required of the employee for this job. Duties, responsibilities and activities may change at any time with or without prior notice. 

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QUALIFICATIONS 

• Bachelor’s degree in Engineering, or related technical degree 

• Proven experience as an Automation Engineer or in a similar role. 

• Strong knowledge of PLC programming languages (e.g., Ladder Logic, Structured Text). 

• Experience with industrial control systems (SCADA, DCS, HMI). 

• Proficiency in software tools related to automation and control (e.g., Rockwell, Siemens). 

• Familiarity with robotics, machine vision, and sensor technologies is a plus. 

• Ability to analyze and troubleshoot complex automation issues. 

• Knowledge of safety protocols and industry standards (e.g., IEC, ISO). 

• Knowledge of communication protocols and Ethernet/IP. 

• Strong problem-solving skills and attention to detail. 

• Excellent communication and collaboration skills. 

• Sophisticated troubleshooting skills with high-speed manufacturing equipment such as AC/DC motors, VFDs, PLCs, servo motors, and PLC I/O modules, HMIs, analog and digital signals. 

• Knowledge of liquid process systems, blending, inline instrumentation, pumps, valves, flowmeters, tanks, HTST 

• Knowledge of packaging equipment like, de-palletizer, palletizer, conveyors, filler, packer, pasteurizer 

• Exhibit knowledge in Lean, Six Sigma, or another management system 

• Strong interpersonal skills and team orientation; technical, analytical, and problem-solving skills 

• Ability to extract, evaluate, and utilize data for process improvement from applicable systems 

• Willingness to work rotating shifts, overtime, weekends, and holidays 

• Excellent computer skills 

• Demonstrates adaptability by reacting appropriately to unexpected changes in situations or circumstances 

• Safety, continuous improvement and solutions driven mindset 

• Bilingual (English & Spanish) is a plus 

OUR VALUES 

Our company’s culture is guided by our shared values of Speed, Intensity, and Purpose. These values are demonstrated in the following ways based on the role within the organization. 

• Speed: Take the initiative to promptly identify and address potential issues or opportunities. Maintain a sense of urgency in your work, completing tasks efficiently. 
• Intensity: Remain resilient in the face of challenges and setbacks by possessing a positive attitude, persevering through obstacles, and demonstrating adaptability in your approach. 
• Purpose: Take ownership of your responsibilities, and value the input and skillsets of your peers by working together as One PAK 

ABOUT DRINKPAK 

DrinkPAK is the premiere manufacturer of canned beverages in North America. As producers of the largest and fastest-growing alcoholic and non-alcoholic beverages in the world, DrinkPAK provides full-service support for procurement, batching, processing, filling, packaging, warehousing, and distribution. Founded in 2020, DrinkPAK has revolutionized canned beverage manufacturing by offering extreme capacity and format flexibility through cutting-edge technology and a commitment to the best talent in the industry. For more information, visit www.drinkpak.com.

WORKING CONDITIONS 

The physical demands described here are representative of those that must be met by an employee to successfully perform the essential functions of this job. 

• Should be able to work in environments with variable noise levels, lighting conditions and temperature variation and able to access all areas of building without limitations.
• The employee frequently is required to reach with hands and arms above the head and below the waist.
• Specific vision abilities required by this job include close vision, distance vision, peripheral vision, and the ability to adjust focus.
• The employee is occasionally required to stand, walk, sit, climb or balance and stoop, kneel, crouch or crawl for 10-12 hours.
• Be able to lift and carry up to 50lbs