Find Jobs
Find Jobs Near You – Available Work in Your Location
Skip to job details
AI
ALPLA INC
Downstream Engineer
Career Insights for Automation Engineer
See where this job fits in the broader career landscape. Knowing your career path helps you see what's possible from here.
Scorecard
Based on Kentucky data
Review key factors to help you decide if this role fits your goals. How is this calculated?
What they do
An Automation Engineer develops and implements testing strategies and toolsets with the goal of increasing process automation. Establishes appropriate measures to validate and report on software quality. Designs and implements test automation to improve system reliability and stability. Designs and supports frameworks for test infrastructure. Provides automation expertise and mentoring.
$120,435 / year median in Kentucky
-1% projected decline
Job Description
Build a Career, Not Just a Job Join ALPLA, a global leader in sustainable packaging solutions serving some of the world's most recognized brands, including P&G, Unilever, L'Oréal, PepsiCo, and many more. As a family-owned company with locations around the world, ALPLA offers stable careers, hands-on training, competitive benefits, and opportunities for growth. Whether you're an experienced manufacturing professional or looking to start a new career, we provide the support and development you need to succeed. What Can You Expect From ALPLA Competitive pay and comprehensive benefits Medical, dental, and vision coverage 401(k) with company match Childcare and dependent care savings programs Paid vacation and holidays Company-paid life, short-term, and long-term disability insurance Tuition reimbursement and educational assistance programs Career growth and advancement opportunities Employee recognition programs Hands-on training and professional development A stable, growing company committed to sustainability Ready to Build Your Future? Join a team where your contributions matter, your development is supported, and your career can grow with a global industry leader. Apply today and discover what a career at ALPLA can offer. What You Will Enjoy Doing The Downstream Engineer is responsible for ensuring the optimal performance, reliability, and continuous improvement of automated downstream manufacturing systems. This role focuses on the post-production processes that include product handling, packaging, palletizing, labeling, and automated material flow. The engineer applies a blend of mechanical, electrical, and control systems expertise to maintain up time, enhance system integration, and drive efficiency across automated operations. Troubleshoot and resolve performance issues in automated downstream equipment, including robotics, conveyors, packaging, and palletizing systems Analyze system performance data to identify opportunities for process improvement and equipment optimization. Develop and maintain equipment documentation, engineering standards, and maintenance procedures. Support integration of PLC, HMI, and networked control systems within manufacturing operations. Lead or assist in capital projects involving automation upgrades, layout changes, and system retrofits. Collaborate with maintenance and operations teams to ensure compliance with safety and quality standards. Provide technical training and support to maintenance and production staff Leads RCA activities with cross functional teams. Greenbelt/Blackbelt What Makes You Great Bachelor's degree in mechanical, Electrical, or Mechatronics Engineering (or related field) preferred 5+ years of experience in an automated or high-speed manufacturing environment preferred Proficiency with PLCs, robotics, motion systems, and industrial automation technologies. Strong analytical and problem-solving skills with a focus on root cause analysis and reliability engineering. Experience with project management, vendor coordination, and system commissioning is preferred. Greenbelt or Blackbelt certified preferred RCA leadership training and skill set preferred Background and training facilitation preferred
Performance Metrics:
Overall Equipment Effectiveness (OEE): 90% target for downstream systems.Unplanned Downtime Reduction:
Year-over-year decrease of 10%. Mean Time Between Failures (MTBF): Continuous improvement based on historical baseline. Mean Time to Repair (MTTR): Target reduction by 15% through effective troubleshooting and maintenance planning. Root Cause Analysis (RCA)Completion Rate:
100% of major equipment failures investigated with formal RCA.Corrective Action Implementation:
90% of recommended improvements implemented within agreed timelines.Automation Improvement Projects:
Minimum of 2 cost-saving or process-enhancing projects completed per year.Competencies:
Ensures Accountability Decision Quality Communicates Effectively Instills Trust Collaborates Values Differences Drives Results 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 accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions. While performing the duties of this job: The employee is regularly required to stand, walk, reach with hands and arms and very occasionally to climb or balance. The employee is regularly required to talk and hear. The employee is occasionally required to sit. The employee must regularly lift and/ or move up to 10 lbs, frequently lift and/or move up to 30 lbs and occasionally lift and/or move more than 50 lbs. Specific vision abilities required by this job include close vision. It is required to act in a safe and environmentally responsible manner at all times by adhering to all ALPLA policies and procedures and Safety Standards (OSHA). #maintenance #BOW2 ALPLA
is anEqual Opportunity Employer and Prohibits Discrimination and Harassment of Any Kind:
ALPLA is committed to the principle of equal employment opportunity for all employees and to providing employees with a work environment free of discrimination and harassment. All employment decisions at ALPLA are based on business needs, job requirements and individual qualifications, without regard to race, color, religion or belief, national, social or ethnic origin, sex (including pregnancy), age, physical, mental or sensory disability, HIV Status, sexual orientation, gender identity and/or expression, marital, civil union or domestic partnership status, past or present military service, family medical history or genetic information, family or parental status, or any other status protected by the laws or regulations in the locations where we operate. ALPLA will not tolerate discrimination or harassment based on any of these characteristics. Equal Opportunity Employer This employer is required to notify all applicants of their rights pursuant to federal employment laws. For further information, please review the Know Your Rights (https://www.eeoc.gov/poster) notice from the Department of Labor.Benefits
- Paid Time Off (PTO)
- Financial Aid/Assistance
- Professional Development
- 401(k) Plans