As the world leader in nutrition, health and wellness for children from birth to preschool, Gerber Products Company is committed to creating a strong future. We joined the Nestlé Nutrition family in 2007, and have been a partner in parenthood ever since. Our Anything for Baby team works closely with experts to create products that enrich and establish healthy habits for children, and are good for the planet as well. A career at Gerber provides meaningful opportunities to develop professionally, and nurture generations to come. Now is the time to define your future, and ours too.

This position is not eligible for Visa Sponsorship.

POSITION SUMMARY:

The Automation Controls Specialist provides technical support for the electrical and automation systems of the factory in Fremont.  Responsible for maintaining the hardware and software process control systems including associated instrumentation.  Issue, maintain, and update related documentation to be compliant with pertinent change control documents.  Small-to-medium scale project management responsibilities include administering upgrades/modifications/new installations to maintain and increase operational efficiency of the plant processes and utilities.  Assist Maintenance, Production, Project Engineers, and Calibration Technicians with technical training and troubleshooting equipment problems.

They will not directly supervise others, however, leading, coaching and mentoring is a primary expectation.  Works closely with Multi-skilled Electrical Technicians, (MSE), providing training coaching and guidance, for the purpose of building the overall capability of the entire E&A group.  Provides guidance and technical direction to Production Supervisors, Process Engineers, Mechanics, Operators, and others.

PRIMARY RESPONSIBILITIES:

Maintenance of Systems:

• Provide primary technical support and troubleshooting support to maintain the existing electrical and automation systems
• Provide corrective measures to existing electrical and automation systems for maximum reliability and up-time.
• After hours and weekend coverage call support for assigned areas of the plant.

Incident / Breakdown / Process Upset Investigation:

• Root cause analysis and resolution using Basic Problem-Solving systems
• Troubleshooting and general assistance to conduct unplanned interventions to support factory uptime.

Inter-departmental Communication:

• Practice and train others on proactive solution-based maintenance fundamentals to increase performance and reduce technical stoppage.
• Support training needs through identification, participation, and facilitation
• Assist with maintenance project scope development and execution by conveying technical experiences and opinions.
• Facilitate task or project work through effective communication
• Solicit plant associates’ experiences and opinions for project execution and development

Change Control and Documentation:

• Ensure that guidelines and procedures are followed for software changes, clear change definition and appropriate testing procedures are developed and executed.
• Ensure that process descriptions, P&IDs, and other documentation are updated when a change is implemented.
• Manage Automation program versions using appropriate factory revision system

Safety and Environmental:

• Follow factory safety & environmental objectives & targets
• Follow the plant safety rules, report incidents & unsafe conditions immediately
• Maintain compliance with regulations and refer to the Safety & Environmental Management System(s) on all related procedures and programs.
• Understand the environmental aspects of the position and take action to reduce these environmental impacts by conserving paper, electricity, water etc. Will also recycle all appropriate materials (paper, plastic, food, etc.)

Quality:

• Follow factory food safety, quality objectives & targets
• Follow Nestle Good Manufacturing Practices, report food safety and quality issues immediately.
• Maintain compliance with regulations and refer to Nestle Quality Management System on all related procedures and programs.
• Understand the food safety and quality aspects of the position as indicated on QMS, OJT's and SOP's that apply.

Project Management:

• Conduct estimation, and execution of small to medium scale maintenance and investment projects for factories. 
• Develop and implement project descriptions, plans, timelines, resources requirements, costs and other associated project details.
• Interface with vendors, develop bid specifications, execute design reviews and factory acceptance testing.
• Oversee installations and verify compliance with NFPA, OSHA and Nestle GI’s.
• Consult with multi-skilled Electrical technicians, (MSE), to implement preventive maintenance
• Strategically manage automation lifecycle
• Support Engineering Functional Compliance, (EFCA).

QUALIFICATIONS:

REQUIREMENTS AND MINIMUM EDUCATION LEVEL:

One of the following is required as a minimum: 

• Associates Degree that relates to controls and automation, power distribution or automation fields.
• 5+ years of power, control, or automation technical experience in related industrial field.
• Relative working experience demonstrating the technical, mentoring and leadership skills required to successfully lead a results-focused team.

EXPERIENCE:

Required:  Experience with running small to medium sized projects, troubleshooting industrial\process control systems (PLCs, component operator interfaces, and HMIs), all aspects of electronics/electricity, power\control voltages, instrumentation, electro-pneumatic control devices, and Allen Bradley Variable Frequency Drives (VFD).  Also, familiarity with Ethernet, DeviceNet, Rockwell Software RSLogix 5\500\5000, ControlLogix PLC processors, and PanelView Plus.

Preferred: 

Additional experience with Siemens S5 or S7, Safety Circuits and Systems, PLC interfacing with Wonderware Application Server (ArchestrA)\MES, and batch control systems.  Experience with Power Distribution systems (8320V and below). 

SKILLS:

• Ability to work flexible hours
• Ability to mentor and lead others to build competencies of the technical team
• Above average communication and project management skills (written and oral)
• Problem-solving skills
• Knowledge of Microsoft Word, Excel, and Project required; SAP and AutoCAD experience is preferred
• Working knowledge of industrial electricity 480 VAC (3 Phase) control systems, and MCCs
• Understands principles of QMS, HACCP, and SOPs

• Competency with the following:
  • Allen Bradley PLCs:
    • Able to go online and decipher logic and how it functions.
    • Able to develop programs to add functionality to process\utility equipment
  • Industrial Networks – Ethernet, DeviceNet, Profibus, etc. - design, set up, configuration, and troubleshooting
  • Wonderware Intouch HMI – troubleshooting and modification of screens, etc.
  • Legacy PanelView, PanelView Plus, etc. – Development, configuration, and troubleshooting

It is our business imperative to remain a very inclusive workplace.

To our veterans and separated service members, you're at the forefront of our minds as we recruit top talent to join Nestlé. The skills you've gained while serving our country, such as flexibility, agility, and leadership, are much like the skills that will make you successful in this role.  In addition, with our commitment to an inclusive work environment, we recognize the exceptional engagement and innovation displayed by individuals with disabilities.  Nestlé seeks such skilled and qualified individuals to share our mission where you’ll join a cohort of others who have chosen to call Nestlé home.

The Nestlé Companies are an equal employment opportunity and affirmative action employer seeking diversity in qualified applicants for employment.  All applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, ethnicity, color, gender, gender identity, age, religion, national origin, ancestry, disability, perceived disability, medical condition, genetic information, veteran status, sexual orientation, or any other protected status, as defined by applicable law. Prior to the next step in the recruiting process, we welcome you to inform us confidentially if you may require any special accommodations in order to participate fully in our recruitment experience. Contact us at accommodations@nestle.com or please dial 711 and provide this number to the operator: 1-800-321-6467.

This position is not eligible for Visa Sponsorship.