Nature's Bakery · 4 hours ago
Sr Automation Maintenance Engineer
Hazelwood, MO
Full-time
Onsite
Senior Level
5+ years expNature's Bakery is seeking a Senior Maintenance Automation Engineer who will be responsible for the advanced upkeep, troubleshooting, optimization, and strategic enhancement of automated systems and machinery in a production environment. This role involves driving operational excellence and ensuring compliance with safety standards while mentoring junior staff and leading continuous improvement initiatives.
Health CareNutritionSnack Food
Responsibilities
Advanced System Maintenance and Troubleshooting
Lead complex diagnostics and root cause analysis for automation systems, including PLCs, SCADA, HMI, robotics, and sensors
Oversee and optimize preventive and corrective maintenance programs to minimize downtime and extend equipment life
Manage system backups, disaster recovery plans, and version control for control system software
Preventive, Predictive, and Reliability-Centered Maintenance
Design and implement advanced predictive maintenance strategies using tools such as vibration analysis, thermal imaging, and IoT-based monitoring
Analyze maintenance data to identify trends and proactively address reliability risks
Process Optimization, Upgrades, and Innovation
Lead process improvement projects to enhance efficiency, throughput, and reliability of automation systems
Evaluate, recommend, and integrate emerging technologies (e.g., IIoT, machine learning, advanced robotics) to drive operational excellence
Manage major system upgrades, migrations, and expansions, including hardware and software integration
Safety, Compliance, and Risk Management
Ensure all automation systems and maintenance activities comply with regulatory standards (OSHA, IEC, NFPA, etc.)
Develop and enforce advanced safety protocols, including Lockout/Tagout (LOTO), risk assessments, and incident investigations
Champion a culture of safety and continuous improvement across the maintenance team
Documentation, Reporting, and Data Analytics
Oversee comprehensive documentation of maintenance activities, system modifications, and performance metrics
Prepare and present detailed reports on system reliability, downtime analysis, and strategic recommendations to leadership
Leadership, Collaboration, and Training
Mentor and train junior engineers and maintenance staff in advanced automation technologies and troubleshooting techniques
Lead cross-functional teams in resolving complex automation challenges and implementing best practices
Serve as the primary technical liaison with external vendors, integrators, and technology partners
Qualification
Required
Bachelor's degree in Automation Engineering, Electrical Engineering, Mechatronics, or related field
Minimum 5+ years in automation maintenance or engineering within an industrial/manufacturing environment, with demonstrated leadership and project management experience
Expertise in PLC Programming & Troubleshooting: Allen-Bradley, Siemens, Schneider, and advanced programming languages (Structured Text, Ladder Logic, Function Block)
Advanced HMI/SCADA Systems: Design, integration, and optimization; industrial networking protocols (Ethernet/IP, Modbus, Profinet, OPC UA)
Robotics & Vision Systems: Deep knowledge of industrial robotics, machine vision, and motion control (VFDs, servos)
Control Panel Design & Electrical Schematics: Advanced design, commissioning, and troubleshooting
Data Analytics: Ability to analyze maintenance and operational data for strategic decision-making
Project Management: Proven experience leading automation projects from concept to completion
Strong Leadership & Communication: Ability to influence, mentor, and collaborate across all levels of the organization
Continuous Improvement Mindset: Lean, Six Sigma, or similar methodologies preferred
Preferred
Education: Bachelor's degree in Automation Engineering, Electrical Engineering, Mechatronics, or related field preferred
Certifications (Preferred): Siemens TIA Portal, Rockwell Automation, ISA/IEC 62443 Cybersecurity, PMP, Lean/Six Sigma, or equivalent
Additional: Experience with IIoT, Industry 4.0, and digital transformation initiatives is highly desirable
Benefits
Medical, dental, and vision insurance offered for eligible employees
401(k) plan with a company match that vest on day 1 of eligibility
Paid vacation
Paid time off
Holiday pay (11 days)
Paid short-term disability
Paid life insurance
Banfield Pet Insurance Discounts
Wellness Benefits and Discounts
Employee Assistance Program
Company
Nature's Bakery
Nature's Bakery is an on-the-go snack foods brand that supports health conscious living and active lifestyles.
201-500 employees
Funding
Current Stage
Growth StageTotal Funding
unknown2020-12-02Acquired
Leadership Team
Lauren Spear
CEO and General Manager
Recent News
Food Business News
2025-12-22
2025-10-03
Food Business News
2025-09-24
Company data provided by crunchbase