Make a Difference in YOUR Career!

Our vision is both simple and ambitious: to put our drinks on every table.

We are the leading global independent beverage solutions provider. We serve a broad range of national and international retailers as well as Global, National and Emerging (GNE) brands. Our products are distributed worldwide from our production sites in Europe, North America, and Australia. Although our own branding may not appear on the labels of the beverages we produce, there is a good chance you are reading this while sipping one of our drinks.

Our ambition is to continually improve and it's what keeps us at the top of our game. We are solutions-based. We are innovative. We seek out new challenges and conquer them. This is our company ethos, but it's our people's too: Refresco is at the cutting edge of a fast-moving industry because we have passionate people pushing the boundaries of what's best.

Stop and think: how would YOU put our drinks on every table?

Position Description

Reporting to the Senior Manager of Controls Engineering, the Controls Engineer will lead continuous improvement initiatives and oversee infrastructure automation upgrades to modernize systems and address obsolescence. This role requires expertise in PLC, HMI, SCADA, VFD, and servo system programming and troubleshooting, as well as proficiency in Ethernet network configuration, diagnostics, and SQL Server development. Additionally, the Controls Engineer will focus on enhancing the technical capabilities of Controls Technicians, Electricians, and Instrumentation Technicians by creating comprehensive training plans and delivering targeted, skill-building training.

This position will also support our plants in Canada and Paw Paw, MI and will require international travel to and from the United States.

Essential Job Functions:

• Utilizes expert knowledge of PLCs, HMIs, Ethernet Networks, I/O networks, to efficiently troubleshoot controls automation system issues, determine root cause, and implement timely, permanent solutions.
• Use condition monitoring tools to perform predictive maintenance (PdM) analysis on Production Equipment to identify pending maintenance issues, and issue PM work orders to take corrective action to prevent emergency breakdowns and to determine root cause of maintenance issues.
• Analyze performance trends and conducts root cause corrective action to drive improvements.
• Drive continuous improvement opportunities to improve plant performance and machine reliability.
• Promote infrastructure automation upgrades and establish automation disaster recovery strategy.
• Lead team of electricians and develop training plans to improve the team's skillset.
• Develop improvement processes to reduce scrap and defects, enhance throughput, and implement SOPs and Best Practices using engineering techniques (e.g., Process Flow Design, FMEA, Time Study, Poke Yoke).
• Coordinate the installation of new equipment to optimize production efficiency and reliability.
• Act as a project engineer; research applicable codes, regulations and requirements for the assigned projects; develop and oversee the development of construction plans and specifications; oversee and prepare changes as conditions warrant.
• Maintain a knowledge base in the capacity of existing utilities and the current level of utilization.
• Ensure compliance with safety, environmental, and regulatory standards by maintaining current knowledge, preparing reports, and adhering to all applicable codes.
• Maintain constant awareness of progress on assigned projects to ensure compliance with designated time and cost schedules for project completion; supervise and participate in the inspection of construction projects; prepare change orders; review contractor's estimates and prepare/review progress payments.
• Leads capital projects supporting new processes, bottling lines, utilities, and facility management to enhance operational efficiency across Refresco' s US facilities.
• Designs, implements and tunes processing, batching, thermal processing, refrigeration, bottling, CIP & utility control systems, evaluates alternatives, selects & sizes hardware, develops estimates, and ensures regulatory compliance.
• Collaborates with OEM vendors to implement control schemes optimizing line performance for various products and packaging formats.
• Develops P&IDs, PID loops, ladder diagrams, pin charts, panel layouts, and wiring diagrams; sizes equipment & components; prepares construction packages; manages construction; and controls schedule and cost within project timeline and budget.
• Maintains company drawings and technical records and provides clear and concise analysis and reporting.
• Initiates appropriation requests, purchase orders, and contracts as required.
• Identifies opportunities to improve plant performance, product quality, and employee welfare, while leading solution development and participating in capital planning.
• Provides technical support for the operation, maintenance and improvement of processing equipment, production lines, utilities, and buildings.
• Works in a team environment to support company objectives, initiatives and policies.
• Improves production line performance using Controls Automation and Continuous Improvement expertise.

Required Skills:

• Ability to establish, meet deadlines and prioritize work.
• Demonstrated problem solving skills.
• Ability to initiate, compile, analyze and provide accurate reporting.
• Must be confident, approachable, and energetic with an eye for detail.
• Proficiency in Microsoft Word, Excel, PowerPoint.
• Work with confidential information.
• Excellent interpersonal skills, both verbal and written.

Competencies:

• Ownership - is eager to take ownership of responsibilities; can and does think independently to excel in role; takes ownership of challenges.
• Results Focus - exhibits commitment to goals and consistently delivers results; demonstrates personal initiative and independent motivation to achieve goals and objectives; takes risks when necessary; undaunted by obstacles.
• Communication - relates well to people; builds rapport along all dimensions of organization; resolves conflicts; provides clear directions and information.
• Customer Focus - understands and meets needs of customers and business partners; builds positive customer relationships.
• Problem Solving - breaks down problems and generates a range of solutions; thinks outside the box and uses ideas of others to help develop solutions; acts and evaluates results of actions.

Education and Experience:

• Diploma or degree in Electronics, Automation, Electrical Engineering, or equivalent experience.
• Rockwell Automation or equivalent PLC, VFD, HMI, and Servo System programming and troubleshooting expert.
• PLC programming utilizing RS Logix 5, 500, 5000, and FactoryTalk Studio software.
• Device Net and Ethernet I/P knowledge will be key for success.
• Remote communication and I/O systems experience.
• Experience in Virtual Network and Thin Clients.
• SQL Server Experience preferred.
• Licensed Industrial Electrician preferred.
• Experience in food processing, bottling and packaging preferred.

Working Conditions:

• Visual/Sensory - This position requires attention to detail, requiring attention with one or two senses at a time.
• Work environment - Work and environment fasted paced, requiring ability to remain focused under pressure.
• Schedule - This role will primarily be Monday - Friday but must be flexible to work nights and/or weekends as needed to support the business.

Travel Requirements:

• Expected travel is a minimum of 50%.

A Career with Refresco

Refresco offers a competitive salary and comprehensive benefits, which include:

• Medical/dental/vision insurance
• Life insurance
• 401(k) savings plan with company match
• Paid holidays and vacation
• Well-being benefits
• Discount programs

Join Refresco TODAY and enjoy a rewarding CAREER!

Any employment agency, person, or entity that submits a résumé to this career site or a hiring manager does so with the understanding that the applicant's résumé will become the property of Refresco Beverages, Inc. Refresco Beverages, Inc. will have the right to hire that applicant at its discretion without any fee owed to the submitting employment agency, person, or entity.

Employment agencies that have agreements with Refresco Beverages, Inc., and have been engaged in a search shall submit résumé to the designated Refresco recruiter or, upon authorization, submit résumé to this career site to be eligible for placement fees.

Equal Opportunity Employer
This employer is required to notify all applicants of their rights pursuant to federal employment laws. For further information, please review the Know Your Rights notice from the Department of Labor.