Sr. Associate, Automation & Control Engineering

At Alcon, we're passionate about enhancing sight and helping people see brilliantly. With more than 25,000 associates, we innovate fearlessly, champion progress, and act swiftly to impact global eye health. We foster an inclusive culture, recognizing your contributions and offering opportunities to grow your career like never before. Together, we make a difference in the lives of our patients and customers. Are you ready to join us?

As a Sr. Associate, Automation and Control Engineering, supporting our Engineering Manufacturing Systems team, you will be trusted to design, implement, install, analyze and/or optimize manufacturing processes, procedures, equipment, and programming. The ideal candidate will also have expertise in PLC and automation controls, ensuring seamless integration and functionality of mechatronic systems to best support our 24/7 operation at Johns Creek, GA.

In this role, a typical day will include:

• Lead the development and design of manufacturing process improvements, procedures, and equipment installation by creating detailed project plans, coordinating cross-functional teams, managing resources, and overseeing budgets. Includes inspection and test requirements into the production plan. Inspect machinery, equipment, and tools to verify efficiency and initiate corrective actions for any deficiencies.
• Adapt machine or equipment designs to meet specific safety, quality and performance demands while optimizing factory and production conditions.
• Provide guidance on product design concepts and specification requirements to best utilize equipment and manufacturing techniques.
• Prepare and maintain statistical data and reports to ensure compliance with regulations.
• Identify process improvements to reduce waste using Lean tools and Six Sigma methodologies.
• Design, implement, install, and commission controls and automation systems (PLC, SCADA) for machines and processes.
• Specify and analyze user requirements, commission and test interfaces, components, and functions of control system solutions.
• Troubleshoot and correct issues related to complex PLC and SCADA projects.
• Provide expert-level support and work with various internal customers on key systems/deliverables.
• Be available for periodic after-hours support of the 24/7 manufacturing process.
• Identify options and evaluate the most appropriate solutions to adapt, simplify or improve existing PLC programs.
• Communicate and coordinate with internal/external vendors during the implementation, commissioning, FAT, and SAT of control systems.
• Generate required technical documentation, including standard operating procedures (SOPs), training manuals, and validation protocols in accordance with GMP guidelines.
• Measure, analyze, and identify improvement opportunities in equipment and processes using methods such as Lean, Six Sigma, and Root Cause Analysis.
• Implement corrective actions to improve product quality and reduce waste.
• Compose engineering studies, create change proposals, execute protocols, and drive continuous improvement initiatives.
• Participate in capital projects, managing associated internal/external resources and validations.
• Co-design and implement improvements to equipment and processes in support of contact lens production.
• Collaborate with Procurement, Production Management, Engineers, Electro-Mechanics, and Quality teams on capital projects, managing associated resources, financial decisions, and validations (e.g., FAT, SAT, IQ, OQ, PQ). Coordinate with suppliers, supplier quality engineering, and quality control on raw materials and spare parts issues.
• Utilize risk management tools (e.g., FRA, FMEA, PHA) to make quick decisions and resolve major technical problems while minimizing downtime on equipment and processes.
• Compose specifications for equipment or changes to equipment (e.g., URS, FS, SDS).
• Act as a subject matter expert in equipment or processes identified to be supported by this opening (e.g., Light Stream Lens Manufacturing).
• Provide expert-level support and advice to the organization on key processes and offer global support when requested.

WHAT YOU'LL BRING TO ALCON:

• Bachelor’s Degree or Equivalent years of directly related experience (or high school +10 yrs; Assoc.+6 yrs; M.S.+0 yrs)
• The ability to fluently read, write, understand and communicate in English
• 2 Years of Relevant Experience
• Work Location: Onsite 
• Travel Requirements: None
• Relocation assistance: No
• Sponsorship available: No

PREFERRED QUALIFICATIONS/SKILLS/EXPERIENCE:

• Broad work experience applying and directly contributing expertise in process automation and control systems, development methods, and applications.
• Proven ability to troubleshoot and develop solutions for complex problems requiring creativity and originality.
• Excellent knowledge of PLC software programming, including Beckhoff and Siemens systems.
• Experience in safety PLC concepts for automated manufacturing equipment with chemical systems
• Experience with SCADA systems.
• Experience in high-speed automated medical device manufacturing.
• Proficiency with Outlook, Word, PowerPoint, and Excel.

HOW YOU CAN THRIVE AT ALCON:

• Join Alcon’s mission to provide outstanding, innovative products and solutions to improve sight, improve lives, and grow your career!
• Collaborate with teammates to share standard processes and findings as work evolves!
• See your career like never before with focused growth and development opportunities!
• Alcon provides a robust benefits package including health, life, retirement, flexible time off for exempt associates, PTO for hourly associates, and much more!

This role can be offered at an Associate, Automation & Control Engineering level.

ATTENTION: Current Alcon Employee/Contingent Worker

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ALCON IS AN EQUAL OPPORTUNITY EMPLOYER AND PARTICIPATES IN E-VERIFY

Alcon takes pride in maintaining an inclusive environment that values different perspectives and our policies are non-discriminatory in recruitment, hiring, training, promotion or other employment practices for reasons of race, color, religion, gender, national origin, age, sexual orientation, marital or veteran status, disability, or any other legally protected status. Alcon is also committed to working with and providing reasonable accommodation to individuals with disabilities. If, because of a medical condition or disability, you need a reasonable accommodation for any part of the application process, or in order to perform the essential functions of a position, please send an email to [email protected] and let us know the nature of your request and your contact information.