The Manager – Valve Automation is responsible for leading the design, integration, and maintenance of automated valve systems—including actuators, positioners, and related instrumentation—within food and beverage manufacturing operations. This role ensures seamless integration of valve automation with PLC/HMI systems to optimize process control, reliability, and compliance with sanitary standards. The manager directs a team of automation engineers and technicians, collaborates with process and control engineering, and drives continuous improvement in valve automation technologies and controls integration.
Lead specification, design, and implementation of valve actuators (pneumatic, electric, hydraulic) and positioners in sanitary and utility systems.
Manage integration of valve automation with PLC, SCADA, and DCS platforms for precise control and feedback.
Develop and standardize automation architectures, wiring schematics, and control logic for valve actuation systems.
Supervise and mentor a team of valve automation engineers and technicians focused on actuator installation, calibration, troubleshooting, and system upgrades.
Establish best practices and training programs for valve automation and control system integration.
Work closely with process engineers, controls engineers, and maintenance teams to optimize valve automation performance and reliability.
Provide technical expertise during capital projects, equipment startups, and process changes involving automated valves.
Collaborate with vendors and integrators to evaluate new actuator technologies and automation components.
Oversee preventive maintenance, diagnostics, and repair of valve actuators and associated control instrumentation.
Lead root cause analysis for valve automation failures and implement corrective and preventive actions.
Maintain documentation and compliance records related to valve automation systems.
Ensure all valve automation systems comply with food safety regulations and industry standards for hygienic design.
Promote safe work practices in actuator installation, commissioning, and maintenance activities.
Valve actuator specification, installation, and commissioning
PLC/SCADA integration and control logic development
Team leadership and skill development in valve automation
Cross-functional collaboration on process and control systems
Preventive maintenance and troubleshooting of valve actuators
Compliance with sanitary and safety standards
Bachelor’s degree in Electrical, Mechanical, Automation, or Controls Engineering preferred
7+ years’ experience in valve automation, actuator systems, and PLC integration, preferably in food & beverage or related industries
Proven track record managing automation projects and teams in regulated manufacturing environments
Strong knowledge of pneumatic, electric, and hydraulic valve actuators
Expertise with PLC programming (Rockwell, Siemens, etc.) and HMI/SCADA systems
Ability to read and interpret electrical/control schematics and P&IDs
Strong troubleshooting, project management, and communication skills
Familiarity with sanitary valve automation and food safety compliance