Automation Controls Specialist

at Mondelez International in Chicago, Illinois, United States

Job Description

Job Description

Are You Ready to Make It Happen at Mondelez International? We are the creators of BelVita, Wheat Thins, Nutter Butter, Ritz Crackers, and Chips Ahoy!

Join our Mission to Lead the Future of Snacking. Make It Uniquely Yours.

Mondelez International Chicago Bakery, a global leader in the food industry, is seeking a highly skilled and motivated Automation Controls Specialist to join our team at the Chicago Bakery. As a Automation Controls Specialist, you will play a crucial role in ensuring the smooth operation and optimization of our manufacturing processes through the maintenance, troubleshooting, and improvement of our control systems, automation equipment, and instrumentation.

You will also be responsible for working with the automation team to provide programming, troubleshooting, and the maintenance of programmable logic controller (PLC) systems in our state-of-the-art manufacturing facility. Your experience and foundation in PLC programming and industrial automation will contribute to optimizing production processes, ensuring efficient equipment performance, and maintaining high-quality standards.

How you will contribute

You will ensure that delivered services are optimized to meet business demands and the service operations strategy, plan, measure, report and communicate service improvement initiatives, and serve as a consultant on issues and resolutions. You will also recommend actions that can be taken to optimize investments and benefits and to mitigate risks. This role will require you to identify suppliers, evaluate them, on-board new vendors, establish and run vendor governance; collaborate with management and follow-up on requisitions, purchase orders, invoices, and payments; work with project resources to provide design collateral and to configure software components so they are aligned with security policy and governance; and ensure adherence to development and configuration standards and processes.

You will:

+ Maintenance and Troubleshooting: Assist electricians with routine maintenance, repair, and calibration of control systems, automation equipment, and instrumentation to ensure their reliability and accuracy. Troubleshoot and diagnose issues in a timely manner, employing analytical skills and technical expertise to minimize downtime and optimize production efficiency.

+ System Optimization: Collaborate with cross-functional teams, including engineers and production personnel, to identify opportunities for system improvements and implement modifications to enhance productivity, quality, and safety. Proactively suggest enhancements to control strategies, automation processes, and instrumentation systems to maximize operational effectiveness.

+ Documentation and Reporting: Maintain accurate records of maintenance activities, repairs, and modifications performed, following established documentation procedures. Generate reports on equipment performance, failures, and improvements, providing valuable insights to inform decision-making processes and support continuous improvement efforts.

+ Preventive Maintenance: Execute planned preventive maintenance programs for control systems, automation equipment, and instrumentation. Anticipate potential equipment issues and take proactive measures to prevent breakdowns.

+ Safety and Compliance: Adhere to safety guidelines, company policies, and regulatory requirements related to controls, automation, and instrumentation. Identify and mitigate potential hazards, implement safety measures, and actively participate in safety initiatives and training programs.

+ Training and Knowledge Sharing: Stay updated with the latest technological advancements, industry best practices, and emerging trends in controls, automation, and instrumentation. Share knowledge and expertise with team members, promoting a culture of continuous learning and development.

+ Develop and implement PLC programs and control strategies to automate manufacturing processes and improve overall efficiency.

+ Program, configure, and troubleshoot PLC systems, human-machine interfaces (HMIs), and other industrial automation devices to ensure proper operation and integration with existing equipment.

+ Conduct routine maintenance, diagnostics, and repair of PLC systems, including identifying and resolving electrical, mechanical, and programming issues.

+ Monitor and analyze production data, system performance, and equipment feedback to identify areas for improvement and implement corrective actions.

+ Provide training and support to operators and maintenance personnel on PLC programming, troubleshooting techniques, and safe handling of automation equipment.

More about this role

Physical Demands:

The following physical demands are examples of duties that may be performed:

+ Climb steps

+ Lift 50 pounds and maintain balance

+ Ability to perform duties in extreme varying temperatures

+ Crawl over, under and into equipment as necessary to perform job duties

+ Work from ladders and lifts

Education Requirements:

+ Bachelor’s Degree, Associate degree in Electrical Engineering, Automation Technology, Instrumentation Technolog is preferred

+ Proficiency in diagnosing and resolving hardware and software issues.

+ Excellent communication skills with the ability to interact effectively with both technical and non-technical stakeholders.

+ Strong problem-solving and analytical thinking abilities.

+ Ability to work independently, prioritize tasks, and manage time effectively.

+ Ability to work well in a team-based environment with limited supervision

+ Ability to problem solve and help with practical solutions

+ Ability to analyze scenarios and provide root cause analysis

Experience Requirements:

+ 3+ years manufacturing experience in an Automation and Controls role

+ Able to learn and apply Continuous Improvement tools (TPM, Lean, Six Sigma, etc.)

+ Strong soft skills regarding training and communication for knowledge transfer

+ Experience with high-speed packaging lines and production equipment in food processing, chemical, or pharmaceutical industries

+ Familiar with SAP – PM, work order, and asset creation/management

+ Familiar with Putty and Cisco Network Switches

+ Familiar with AutoCAD and File Management

+ Proven experience in PLC programming, troubleshooting, and maintenance within a manufacturing or industrial environment.

+ Proficient in programming languages such as ladder logic, structured text, or function block diagram, with expertise in PLC Allen-Bradley.

+ Strong knowledge of industrial automation systems, including HMIs, variable frequency drives (VFDs), and motor control systems.

+ An understanding of Basic Electronics and Electrical Theory.

+ Solid understanding of control systems, PLC programming, HMI interfaces, SCADA systems, and industrial networking protocols.

+ Proficiency in reading electrical and instrumentation schematics, diagrams, and technical manuals.

+ Familiarity with automation equipment, such as conveyors, robotics, packaging machines, and process control systems.

+ Knowledge of instrumentation principles, including sensors, transmitters, actuators, and control valves.

+ High attention to detail and a commitment to delivering quality work while adhering to safety protocols.

What you need to know about this position:

+ Reports to the Controls and Automation Manager in the Maintenance Organization of the Plant

+ Salary Position

+ Schedule: Monday through Friday. Mid day shift to mid afternoon shift or mid night shift to mid day shift

Location:

+ Chicago Plant, 7300 S Kedzie Avenue, Chicago IL 60629

**_Join our dynamic team at Mondelez International’s Chicago Bakery and contribute to the success of our world-renowned food brands. As a Automation Controls Specialist, you will have t