Project Engineer, Automation And Equipment

Project Engineer (PE) - Equipment & Automation is responsible for supporting the manufacturing of coffee at the Alameda roasting plant.
PE will participate in plant improving Global Efficiency (GE) by addressing equipment downtime and research, design, development of automation, and the continuous improvement of in-house automation projects in a high-volume manufacturing environment.
PE is responsible for supporting delivery to key targets for safety, cost, quality, delivery, and sustainability targets of the plant.
The position's key responsibilities include the following:

What You Will Do: Supports Alameda modernization plan by actively participating in development of the concepts, justification, and prototyping.
Execute on chosen initiatives assigned execution.
As assigned supports equipment & automation engineering CAPEX projects for the entire Alameda, California plant (24-hour high volume & high-speed coffee manufacturing) Identifies opportunities for equipment modification, replacement, and deployment of automation solutions.
Designs, provides concepts, ROI justification and budgets for proposed automation.
Oversees project management of multiple concurrent projects involving both in house design and contract manufacturing.
Projects encompass plant layout and the specification, design, qualification and implementation of automation solutions.
Identifies, quantifies and plans for risks associated with automation projects.
Actively participates in continuous Improvement initiatives by addressing top equipment downtime opportunities Generate cost savings by implementing improving existing or deploying cost effective new automation into production.
Supports optimizing existing automation to increase efficiency and effectiveness As assigned, investigates, and addresses quality issues that maybe have been caused due to equipment malfunction or design limitation and initiates appropriate corrective action.
As assigned, develops, maintains, and troubleshoots (hardware & software) of production equipment (green handling, roasting & packaging) Motion control optimizations via programming to improve robotic functions.
PLC and HMI programming.
Proactively identifying deficiencies in current equipment & automation (upstream and downstream processes) Supports NPDI by providing automation expertise to ensuring successful transfer of new products from R&D to Production by designing, procuring & qualifying equipment Ensuring all equipment & automation projects follow all ISO standards.
Overseeing the installation & qualification (IQ/OQ/PQ) of the new manufacturing equipment Provide 2nd level technical support to automation equipment technicians as needed Performs role with integrity, high sense of accountability, pursuing innovation, and delivering quality, driving continuous improvement & using resources wisely Who You Are: A "Can Do" and resourceful attitude & ability work with diverse team is a must have to succeed in this role BS degree in Mechanical Engineering or equivalent experience.
Master's degree highly desired.
Robot, Cobot and PLC Programming 3-5 or more years of experience with equipment & automation equipment - designing, developing, and sustaining complex electro-mechanical systems and components 2-3 years vendor management experience 1-2 years Project management experience At least 5 years of experience with relevant technologies such as sensors, electronics, controls, pneumatics, valves, and mechanisms Operate effectively in fast paced team environment Ability to document and communicate technical details effectively Strong problem solving, troubleshooting, and data analysis skills 3D CAD skills and proficiency with standard computer applications System integration and enclosure design Experience with packaging equipment in a food manufacturing is desired Familiarity with manufacturing ERP systems, D365 preferred.
Communication Skills: Ability to read, analyze, and interpret general business periodicals, professional journals, technical procedures, or governmental regulations.
Ability to write reports, business correspondence, and procedure manuals.
Ability to effectively present information and respond to questions from employees, managers, and vendors

Design: Generates creative solutions; Uses feedback to modify designs; Applies design principles; Demonstrates attention to detail.


Project Management: Develops clear project plans; Coordinates projects; Communicates changes and progress; Completes projects on time and budget

Reasoning Ability: Ability to solve practical problems and deal with a variety of concrete variables in situations where only limited standardization exists.
Ability to interpret a variety of instructions furnished in written, oral, diagram

Problem Solving: Identifies and resolves problems in a timely manner; Gathers and analyzes information skillfully; Develops alternative solutions.
Collects and researches data; Translates concepts and information into images; Uses feedback to modify designs.
Uses intuition and experience to complement data

Quality: Demonstrates accuracy and thoroughness.
Looks for ways to improve and promote quality.
Monitors own work to ensure quality.
Demonstrates commitment and supports the Company's Quality Management System.


Safety and Security: Observes safety and security procedures; Determines appropriate action beyond guidelines; Reports potentially unsafe conditions; Uses equipment and materials properly

Other Skills and Abilities:

Knowledge of all types of machining and fabrication techniques.
Knowledge of manufacturing procedures and techniques.


Physical Demands: 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.
Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.


While performing the duties of this Job, the employee is regularly required to stand and walk; use hands to finger, handle, or feel and talk or hear.
Requires a high level of manual and finger dexterity to build and test prototype instruments.
The employee must be able to visually distinguish detail and other fine characteristics of materials and objects.
The employee is regularly required to sit; occasionally climb or balance and stoop, kneel, crouch, or crawl.
The employee must regularly lift and /or move up to 10 pounds, frequently lift and/or move up to 25 pounds and occasionally lift and/or move up to 50 pounds.
Specific vision abilities required by this job include close vision, color vision, depth perception and ability to adjust focus

Work Environment: The work environment characteristics described here are representative of those an employee encounters while performing the essential functions of this job.
Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions

While performing the duties of this Job, the employee is sometimes exposed to risk of electrical shock.
The employee is occasionally exposed to moving mechanical parts.
The noise level in the work environment is usually moderate

What Benefits do Peetniks Receive?

At Peet's we hire the best people and are committed to supporting our employees and rewarding them for their work.
That's one of the reasons we offer the following benefits: 401(k) plan, with generous matching Full medical, dental and vision insurance Paid vacation Free coffee and fresh baked goods as well as an employee discount Opportunities for growth and advancement
The target annual base salary range for this position is $120,000-160,000.
The actual base salary offered depends on a variety of factors, which may include, as applicable, the applicant's qualifications for the position; years of relevant experience; specific and unique skills; level of education attained; certifications or other professional licenses held; other legitimate, non-discriminatory business factors specific to the position; and the geographic location in which the applicant lives and/or from which they will perform the job.
Individuals employed in this position may also be eligible to earn bonuses.
Peet's offers a generous benefits package to full-time employees, which includes comprehensive health, dental and vision plans; a superior 401(k) plan, various paid time off programs; employee discount/perks; life insurance; disability insurance; flexible spending accounts; and an employee referral bonus program.