Manufacturing Automation Engineer

POSITION SUMMARY

Nordic Naturals, a leading Omega-3 Fish Oils supplement brand. We are looking for a hands-on Manufacturing Automation Engineer to lead production and packaging automation initiatives and support continuous improvements across our production floor. The role responsibilities include applying lean manufacturing concepts to optimize existing production and packaging processes and suggest and implement automation solutions. The role should be hands on troubleshooting packaging and automation systems for the production team.

ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS

Reasonable Accommodations Statement

To accomplish this job successfully, an individual must be able to perform, with or without reasonable accommodation, each essential function satisfactorily. Reasonable accommodations may be made to help enable qualified individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.

Essential Function Statement(s)

• Design, develop, and implement automated solutions for primary and secondary packaging systems (filling, bottling, labeling, cartoning, etc.).
• Provide day-to-day support for PLC, HMI, SCADA, and other control systems across the packaging and production lines.
• Troubleshoot and resolve issues with automated machinery, ensuring minimal downtime and consistent product quality.
• Optimize existing packaging lines OEE, by line balancing and integrating lean and Six Sigma principles.
• Optimization, and continuous improvement of manufacturing by suggesting automation ideas and equipment.
• Create, update and train the packaging production team on Work Instructions(WI) following our GMP protocols.
• Be a subject matter expert in automation and packaging manufacturing with continuous support of the production team to optimize the processes.
• Support change control, equipment qualifications (IQ/OQ/PQ), and ensure alignment with GMP, FDA, and other regulatory requirements.
• Research and stay up to date on the latest industry trend in automation and packaging and translate them to Nordic Natural manufacturing requirements.
• Work cross-functionally with Maintenance, Quality, and Production teams to train operators and technical staff on automation systems.
• Identify opportunities for predictive maintenance and smart factory technologies using IoT and data analytics tools.
• Support for new ERP systems transitioning with cross functional team collaboration.
• Performs other duties as assigned.

POSITION QUALIFICATIONS

Competency Statement(s)

• Positive - Ability to view all situations with a positive attitude.
• Innovative - Ability to look beyond the standard solutions and "think outside the box".
• Detail Oriented - Ability to pay attention to the minute details of a project or task.
• Enthusiastic - Ability to bring energy to the performance of a task.
• Friendly - Ability to exhibit a cheerful demeanor toward others.
• Initiative - Ability to make decisions or take actions to solve a problem or reach a goal.
• Organized - Possessing the trait of being organized or following a systematic method of performing a task.
• Reliability - The trait of being dependable and trustworthy.

SKILLS & ABILITIES

Education:

• Bachelor's degree in Mechanical Engineering, Packaging Systems Engineering, Electrical Engineering, Automation Engineering, Industrial Engineering, Mechatronics Engineering
• Proficiency in PLC programming (Allen-Bradley, Siemens, etc.), HMI/SCADA systems configuration, and industrial communication protocols.
• Experience with robotic systems (e.g., ABB, FANUC, Yaskawa) integration and programming.
• Hands-on experience with automation and control of CIP (Clean-In-Place) systems, including validation and optimization of cleaning cycles.
• Familiarity with Industry 4.0 technologies, IoT devices, smart factory solutions, and data analytics platforms.
• Excellent problem-solving skills, attention to detail, and a proactive approach to improving equipment, processes, and cleaning systems.
• Strong communication skills for cross-functional collaboration with production, engineering, maintenance, quality, and IT teams.
• Strong project management skills with the ability to handle multiple priorities
• LEAN Certification (e.g: Green Belt / Black Belt) is highly preferred.

Experience:

• 7+ years of hands-on experience with packaging and production line systems automation in pharmaceutical, nutraceutical, supplement or food industries.
• Experience with vision inspection systems, servo drives, robotics (pick & place, palletizers), and conveyor systems.

Computer Skills:

• PLC Programming Software (e.g., Rockwell Studio 5000, Siemens TIA Portal, Schneider EcoStruxure)
• HMI and SCADA Software (e.g., FactoryTalk View, Ignition by Inductive Automation, Wonderware, GE iFIX)
• Industrial Networking and Protocols (e.g., configuring Ethernet/IP, Profinet, Modbus TCP networks)
• Robotics Programming Tools (e.g., ABB RobotStudio, FANUC ROBOGUIDE, Yaskawa MotoSim)
• CAD Software for reviewing mechanical and electrical layouts (e.g., AutoCAD, SolidWorks Electrical, EPLAN)
• Simulation and Modeling Tools (e.g., Siemens Process Simulate, Arena Simulation for manufacturing flow)
• Data Acquisition and Analysis Tools (e.g., OSIsoft PI System, SQL databases, Excel advanced functions/macros)
• MES (Manufacturing Execution Systems) or ERP Systems (understanding integration with SAP, Oracle, or specialized MES platforms)
• Programming/Scripting Skills (optional)
• CMMS and Maintenance Software (for asset management and predictive maintenance) (e.g., Fiix, UpKeep, IBM Maximo)
• CIP System Automation Software (controlled through PLC/SCADA - familiarity with setting up/optimizing automated CIP recipes and sequences)

Pay, Benefits & Perks:

The estimated salary pay is $140,000 to $167,000. This pay is an estimate, and the exact compensation may vary depending on an applicant's location, skills, prior experience, professional qualifications, and other relevant factors. Additional compensation may also include incentive compensation (i.e. bonus or commission) if applicable.

At Nordic Naturals, 'step one' toward achieving our goal of a healthy world is taking care of our family of employees. We offer a comprehensive and attractive benefits program to employees and eligible family members. Our benefits & perks include the following:

• Multiple Health Plan Options
• Dental & Vision
• Dedicated Mental Health & Wellness Plan
• Access to Multiple EAP Plans
• Employer Paid Life Insurance
• PTO
• Paid Holidays (9 holidays per year)
• Paid Sabbatical (3 weeks of paid sabbatical after every 5 years of employment)
• 401(k) Retirement Plan (employer matches dollar for dollar up to 3%)
• Free Monthly Supplements
• Product Discount Program
• Wellness Coach

Nordic Naturals is an equal opportunity employer. A pre-employment drug screening and background check are conditions of employment.

At Nordic Naturals, we're committed to delivering the world's safest, most effective nutrients essential to health. Our award-winning omega-3 fish oil and other foundational nutrients are research supported, expertly formulated, rigorously tested, proven effective and, best of all, great tasting. With products for the whole family, we deliver the nutrients essential for healthy living.