What You Will Enjoy Doing The Downstream Engineer is responsible for ensuring the optimal performance, reliability, and continuous improvement of automated downstream manufacturing systems. This role focuses on the post-production processes that include product handling, packaging, palletizing, labeling, and automated material flow. The engineer applies a blend of mechanical, electrical, and control systems expertise to maintain up time, enhance system integration, and drive efficiency across automated operations.
- Troubleshoot and resolve performance issues in automated downstream equipment, including robotics, conveyors, packaging, and palletizing systems
- Analyze system performance data to identify opportunities for process improvement and equipment optimization.
- Develop and maintain equipment documentation, engineering standards, and maintenance procedures.
- Support integration of PLC, HMI, and networked control systems within manufacturing operations.
- Lead or assist in capital projects involving automation upgrades, layout changes, and system retrofits.
- Collaborate with maintenance and operations teams to ensure compliance with safety and quality standards.
- Provide technical training and support to maintenance and production staff
- Leads RCA activities with cross functional teams. Greenbelt/Blackbelt
What Makes You Great- Bachelor's degree in mechanical, Electrical, or Mechatronics Engineering (or related field) preferred
- 5+ years of experience in an automated or high-speed manufacturing environment preferred
- Proficiency with PLCs, robotics, motion systems, and industrial automation technologies.
- Strong analytical and problem-solving skills with a focus on root cause analysis and reliability engineering.
- Experience with project management, vendor coordination, and system commissioning is preferred.
- Greenbelt or Blackbelt certified preferred
- RCA leadership training and skill set preferred
- Background and training facilitation preferred
Performance Metrics:- Overall Equipment Effectiveness (OEE): 60; 90% target for downstream systems.
- Unplanned Downtime Reduction: Year-over-year decrease of 60; 10%.
- Mean Time Between Failures (MTBF): Continuous improvement based on historical baseline.
- Mean Time to Repair (MTTR): Target reduction by 15% through effective troubleshooting and maintenance planning.
- Root Cause Analysis (RCA) Completion Rate: 100% of major equipment failures investigated with formal RCA.
- Corrective Action Implementation: 60; 90% of recommended improvements implemented within agreed timelines.
- Automation Improvement Projects: Minimum of 2 cost-saving or process-enhancing projects completed per year.
Competencies: - Ensures Accountability
- Decision Quality
- Communicates Effectively
- Instills Trust
- Collaborates
- Values Differences
- Drives Results
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, walk, reach with hands and arms and very occasionally to climb or balance.
- The employee is regularly required to talk and hear.
- The employee is occasionally required to sit.
- The employee must regularly lift and/ or move up to 10 lbs, frequently lift and/or move up to 30 lbs and occasionally lift and/or move more than 50 lbs.
- Specific vision abilities required by this job include close vision.
It is required to act in a safe and environmentally responsible manner at all times by adhering to all ALPLA policies and procedures and Safety Standards (OSHA). #maintenance #BOW2
