Maintenance & Automation Engineer - Military veterans preferred

POSITION SUMMARY

We are seeking a Maintenance and Automation Engineer to join our dynamic team at Petmate. This hybrid role combines hands-on maintenance expertise with advanced automation and controls engineering. The ideal candidate will lead automation initiatives, support maintenance teams, and ensure the reliability, efficiency, and continuous improvement of plant equipment and systems.

ESSENTIAL DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES:

Key Responsibilities:

• Provide hands-on support to maintenance technicians for diagnosing and repairing mechanical, electrical, and control system issues.
• Troubleshoot and resolve complex problems involving PLCs, robotics, hydraulics, pneumatics, and electrical systems.
• Ensure maintenance teams are equipped with the tools, training, and resources needed for efficient operations.
• Design, develop, and implement automation systems including robotics, PLCs, HMIs, and machine vision technologies.
• Develop and maintain an automation roadmap aligned with plant goals.
• Evaluate and select automation hardware/software; conduct feasibility studies and ROI analyses.
• Develop and monitor preventive and predictive maintenance programs using CMMS and data analytics tools.
• Lead efforts to improve equipment reliability, reduce downtime, and address warranty issues.
• Support the use of predictive maintenance technologies to enhance uptime.
• Lead installation, commissioning, and upgrades of new and existing equipment.
• Write Capital Equipment Requests (CERs) and manage project timelines and budgets.
• Coordinate with vendors and travel for equipment inspections, runoffs, and training.
• Participate in daily production meetings and equipment walk-arounds.
• Collaborate with cross-functional teams to identify automation opportunities and drive process improvements.
• Align automation strategies with business goals using data-driven insights.
• Develop and maintain SOPs, training materials, and technical documentation.
• Coordinate off-site and on-site training for maintenance technicians.
• Participate in hiring and onboarding processes for technical staff.

SKILLS AND EXPERIENCE 

Requirements:

• Proficiency in PLC programming (e.g., Allen-Bradley, Siemens), robotics, and control systems.
• Strong project management and vendor coordination skills.
• Excellent problem-solving, communication, and collaboration abilities.
• Willingness to travel for equipment support and training coordination.
• Experience with injection molding, extrusion, or thermoforming equipment.
• Familiarity with machine vision systems and advanced automation technologies.
• Knowledge of predictive maintenance tools, data analytics platforms, and regulatory compliance standards.

Education and Experience:

• Bachelor’s degree in Electrical, Mechanical, or Automation Engineering (or related field).
• 5+ years of experience in industrial maintenance and automation, preferably in plastics or high-volume manufacturing.

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 accommodation may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions. The employee is frequently required to stand and walk. The employee is occasionally required to sit. The employee must occasionally lift and/or move up to 50 pounds. Specific vision abilities required by this job include close vision, distance vision, color vision, peripheral vision, depth perception and ability to adjust focus. While performing the duties of this Job, the employee is regularly required to talk and listen.

WORK ENVIRONMENT 
 

Our facility operates with machinery that can be loud and requires ear protection and eye protection. The manufacturing environment can be fast-paced and physically demanding, with exposure to various materials and processes that may result in a dirty workspace. We prioritize safety and cleanliness, providing all necessary protective gear and maintaining strict hygiene standards. Despite the challenging conditions, we foster a collaborative and supportive atmosphere where teamwork and professional growth are highly valued.

ABOUT PETMATE

Petmate is a global leader in pet supply products. Some of our most beloved brands include Chuckit!®, Arm & Hammer®, Barkbone®, Gamma2®, HyperPet®, JW Pet®, La-Z-Boy®, Mad Cat®, Petmate®, Vittles Vault® and Wild Eats®. 

Over 60 years ago, Petmate began with a single focus on providing safe pet transportation, which resulted in the creation of the first dog kennel. Flash forward to today, and the same love and bond that existed to provide safe travels for our pets now permeates through every step of pet and pet owners’ shared adventure. 

Knowing that pets are every bit as much a part of the family, Petmate takes pride in developing new, superior products that improve the quality of life and enrich the bond created between people & their pets. From environmentally responsible manufacturing to rigorous product testing, we place safety at the core of what we make and how we make it. 

Our 25 trusted brands continually drive innovation across pet categories, spanning dog and cat toys, feeding and watering, food storage, carriers, shelters, bedding, consumables and more.

OUR WHY: To enrich the lives of families by cultivating the bond between people & their pets 

OUR VISION: Families everywhere trust us more than any other company to enhance the well-being of their pets at every step of their adventure

 Petmate Core Values

OWN IT! We take full responsibility for our actions, decisions, and their outcomes

STEADFAST DETERMINATION: Steady pursuit of what's next with unwavering commitment and enthusiasm

DO THE RIGHT THING: Consistent alignment of actions and values in every situation, ensuring you're always true to what's right

SAFETY WITHOUT COMPROMISE: We prioritize the safety of employees, consumers, and pets without compromise

Petmate is an Equal Opportunity Employer and provides equal employment opportunities to all employees and applicants without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, age, disability, genetic information, veteran status, or any other characteristic protected by law.