Automation Engineering Specialist

Overview

Join Reynolds Consumer Products…and Drive Your Career across a world of opportunities!

We currently have an opportunity for a Automation Engineering Specialist at our Manufacturing Facility in Louisville, KY.

Responsibilities

The Automation Engineering Specialist provides technical expertise to support, optimize, and continuously improve automated manufacturing systems that enable safe, reliable, and efficient plant operations. This role serves as the primary subject matter expert for automation and control systems, partnering across Engineering, Maintenance, Production, and union craft teams to maximize equipment reliability, improve operational performance, and reduce unplanned downtime. The position influences plant performance by leading technical troubleshooting, supporting capital improvements, evaluating emerging automation technologies, and implementing sustainable process enhancements. Operating with a high degree of autonomy, the Automation Engineering Specialist analyzes complex technical challenges, recommends practical solutions, and drives continuous improvement initiatives that enhance productivity, quality, and equipment effectiveness. Through strong cross-functional collaboration and the ability to translate complex technical concepts into actionable business information, this role enables informed decision-making while supporting operational excellence, regulatory compliance, and long-term manufacturing performance.

You Will Have the Opportunity to Make Great Things Happen!

Automation Systems & Equipment Reliability

• Maintain, troubleshoot, repair, and optimize automated manufacturing equipment and industrial control systems to maximize equipment availability and operational reliability.
• Diagnose and resolve complex electrical, mechanical, pneumatic, hydraulic, instrumentation, and control system issues to minimize production downtime.
• Perform preventive, predictive, and corrective maintenance activities that improve equipment performance and extend asset life.
• Support the installation, startup, commissioning, and validation of new automation equipment, production systems, and process improvements.
• Evaluate equipment performance trends and recommend improvements that increase reliability, safety, and operational efficiency.

Controls Engineering & Process Improvement

• Support the configuration, programming, testing, and optimization of programmable control systems and automated manufacturing processes.
• Analyze production and equipment performance to identify opportunities for automation improvements, process optimization, and cost reduction.
• Test and validate new automation technologies, control strategies, and production equipment to ensure operational effectiveness and business value.
• Recommend capital improvement opportunities supported by technical and financial justification.

Technical Support & Business Partnership

• Partner with Engineering, Maintenance, Production, Quality, and Operations to resolve technical issues and improve manufacturing performance.
• Coordinate automation-related work activities with Maintenance Supervisors, approved contractors, and union craft personnel while adhering to labor agreements and plant procedures.
• Communicate complex technical information in a clear and concise manner to support informed operational and business decisions.
• Serve as the plant automation subject matter expert by providing technical guidance and recommendations across multiple functional areas.

Documentation & Compliance

• Maintain accurate documentation of maintenance activities, equipment modifications, troubleshooting efforts, and system improvements.
• Interpret electrical schematics, wiring diagrams, technical drawings, and engineering documentation to support maintenance and project execution.
• Ensure all automation activities comply with company policies, applicable regulations, and established safety requirements, including Lockout/Tagout procedures.

You Will Love It Here If… 

• You listen, learn, and evolve
• You thrive in a fast-paced environment
• You put safety first, always
• You are passionate about collaboration, teamwork, and achieving shared goals
• You believe in treating all people with respect, operating ethically, and growing a diverse, equitable, and inclusive workplace
• You are committed to improving our impact on local communities and creating positive experiences 

Qualifications

Education/Experience

Required

• Bachelor's degree in Automation, Electrical Engineering Technology, Mechatronics, Industrial Maintenance, or a related technical discipline, or an equivalent combination of education and relevant work experience to successfully perform the essential functions of the position.
• 2+ years of experience supporting industrial automation, manufacturing controls, or automated production equipment.

Preferred

• Experience working within a manufacturing or industrial production environment.

Knowledge/Skills/Abilities

• Experience troubleshooting industrial electrical, mechanical, pneumatic, hydraulic, and control systems.
• Experience supporting programmable logic controllers, human-machine interfaces, industrial robotics, and automated manufacturing equipment.
• Strong knowledge of industrial automation principles and manufacturing control systems.
• Demonstrated ability to diagnose and resolve complex equipment and process issues.
• Ability to read and interpret electrical schematics, wiring diagrams, mechanical drawings, and technical documentation.
• Strong analytical, troubleshooting, and root cause problem-solving skills.
• Ability to prioritize multiple assignments in a fast-paced manufacturing environment.
• Effective verbal and written communication skills with the ability to simplify complex technical concepts for diverse audiences.
• Ability to build collaborative working relationships across Engineering, Maintenance, Production, contractors, and union-represented employees.
• Working knowledge of industrial safety practices, including Lockout/Tagout requirements.

Competencies

• Tech Savvy – Applies technical expertise to solve complex automation challenges while continuously expanding knowledge of emerging manufacturing technologies.
• Optimizes Work Processes – Continuously improves equipment reliability and operational efficiency through disciplined analysis and process optimization.
• Collaborates – Builds productive partnerships across technical and operational teams to achieve shared business objectives.
• Drives Results – Demonstrates urgency and accountability to deliver reliable, high-quality technical solutions that improve manufacturing performance.
• Problem Solving – Uses sound judgment, analytical thinking, and data to identify root causes and implement sustainable corrective actions.
• Communicates Effectively – Clearly conveys technical information to both technical and non-technical stakeholders, enabling informed decision-making.

Want to know more? Check out our website or connect with us on LinkedIn! Apply today to join a fast-growing innovative company!

Not a good fit but know someone who is? Please refer them! No unsolicited recruiter or agency inquiries, please. RCP affords equal employment opportunities to applicants without regard to race, color, religion, age, disability status, sex, marital status, protected veteran status, pregnancy, national origin, genetics, genetic information, parental status, or any other characteristic protected by federal, state or local law. RCP conforms to the spirit as well as to the letter of all applicable laws and regulations.