OverviewGraham Packaging is seeking an Intelligent Factory Program (IFP) Integration Engineer to connect manufacturing equipment across our North American plants to our real-time data platform. IFP is a multi-year program focused on reducing scrap, downtime, and labor cost through line-level data connectivity, digital Standard Operating Conditions (SOC) management, and analytics.
This role is responsible for getting reliable data from plant equipment into our systems and making sure each connection is documented and repeatable. Our equipment includes blow molders, injection molders, trimmers, leak testers, vision systems, and conveyors from many manufacturers, ranging from modern network-ready machines to older controllers. The right candidate enjoys hands-on troubleshooting, learns new equipment quickly, and works well with plant teams.
The position is remote and requires 35 to 50% travel to plant facilities.
Responsibilities
Essential Duties and Responsibilities
- Connect production equipment to the IFP data platform (Kepware, AVEVA PI) using industrial protocols such as OPC UA, EtherNet/IP, Modbus TCP, and MQTT
- Read and interpret PLC programs (Allen-Bradley, Siemens, and others) to identify and map the data points needed for each line
- Set up and support industrial PCs, network hardware, and sensors in coordination with plant IT, controls, and maintenance
- Add sensors where machine data is not available from the controller
- Validate data after each connection to confirm values, units, and update rates match actual machine behavior
- Follow and help improve connectivity standards and documentation so connections can be repeated across plants
- Provide remote and onsite troubleshooting for connectivity issues at operating plants
- Track connection progress and report status against line targets
Qualifications
Required Qualifications
- 3+ years of experience in controls, automation, or industrial integration in a manufacturing environment
- Hands-on experience with PLCs, preferably Rockwell Studio 5000/RSLogix or Siemens TIA Portal/Step 7
- Working knowledge of industrial networking (EtherNet/IP, Profinet, Modbus TCP, basic VLAN concepts)
- Exposure to OPC UA, Kepware, or similar industrial connectivity tools
- Strong troubleshooting skills and a structured problem-solving approach (PDCA or equivalent)
- Clear written documentation and the ability to explain technical issues to operators and plant leadership
- Ability to work independently at plant sites and get work done through influence rather than authority
Preferred Qualifications
- AVEVA PI experience, including PI AF
- MQTT or industrial wireless sensor experience
- Scripting experience (Python, PowerShell, or similar)
- Experience with blow molding, injection molding, or plastics packaging equipment
Education
BS in Electrical, Controls, Mechanical, or Manufacturing Engineering, or an equivalent combination of education and hands-on controls experience
The standard compensation for this role is $95,400 - 143,100. Salary offers will be determined based on final candidate qualifications, experience, skillset, and other relevant factors.
Compensation StatementThe expected salary range for the position described in this posting is made in accordance with the legal mandates of certain jurisdictions within the United States. The final agreed-upon compensation is based on individual qualifications and experience.
Benefits StatementBenefits include medical, dental, vision and basic life insurance. Employees are able to enroll in the company’s 401K Employee Saving Plan and may participate in its Employee Wellness Program. Employees will also receive paid time off in accordance with company policy and state law requirements.
