Senior Process Automation Engineer

Overview

GEA Group, founded in Germany in 1881, is a global leader in engineering solutions, serving industries such as food and beverage, pharma, dairy, and more. With over 18,000 employees worldwide and a strong U.S. presence since 1929, GEA combines the heritage of a well-established company with the innovation of a forward-thinking industry leader. At GEA, we’re not just building equipment, we’re building lasting careers with an average employee tenure range from 8+ years, reflecting the strong culture, growth opportunities, and support we provide.

Sales & Pre-Sales Support

• Support Sales in driving automation upgrades and digital service product growth.
• Participate in the sales phase of projects, including customer meetings, pre-sales technical support, cost estimation, and proposal development.
• Provide technical input to support scope definition, pricing, and execution planning.

Automation & Software Engineering

• Develop detailed Process Functional Descriptions (FDs) based on general process descriptions.
• Design automation software by applying knowledge of computer systems, networks, and industrial control platforms.
• Coordinate with product departments to ensure automation programming meets system and customer requirements.
• Ensure compliance with GEA Process Automation standards and quality requirements.
• Conduct software testing through simulations on applicable hardware platforms or emulators.

Electrical & Control Systems

• Collaborate with electrical designers on the design of control panels and automation systems.
• Incorporate customer specifications and technical requirements into electrical system designs.
• Create requisitions for automation and electrical equipment.
• Assist with electrical testing of completed systems, both in-house and at customer sites.
• Coordinate and inspect work performed by electricians during system wiring and installation.

Commissioning & Site Activities

• Commission instrumentation, electrical, and control systems at customer sites.
• Perform I/O checkout of installed equipment.
• Support close-out of automation punch-list items during commissioning.
• Assist with operator and maintenance training during project start-up.
• Provide technical troubleshooting and on-site support related to system performance and process issues.

Project Execution & Leadership

• Act as Automation Lead on assigned projects unless otherwise designated.
• Manage automation and electrical engineers assigned to projects.
• Monitor team tasks to ensure deadlines are met with high-quality results.
• Generate project schedules aligned with program milestones.
• Provide detailed project information to Project Managers, including risk identification, work breakdown structures, and activity planning.
• Support scope change identification and assist with cost and schedule impact estimates and change orders.
• Continuously evaluate projects to identify cost-reduction opportunities and efficiency improvements

Documentation & Standards Compliance

• Maintain accurate documentation of customer meetings, correspondence, and technical project files.
• Manage project document control, including versioning, transmittals, approvals, and deliverables.
• Utilize tools, templates, and documentation defined by GEA standards throughout all project phases.
• Assist in preparation of O&M manuals and spare parts lists.
• Ensure compliance with customer specifications, applicable regulations, and GEA Environmental Health & Safety and OSHA requirements.

Procurement & Cross-Functional Collaboration

• Prepare RFQs and support Procurement with vendor technical evaluations, selection, and management.
• Work closely with process engineers to ensure automation designs meet customers and process requirements.
• Collaborate with cross-functional teams to ensure effective and compliant project execution.
• Support the service organization as required.

Additional Responsibilities

• Deliver technical or project progress presentations to management and customers as needed.
• Respond promptly and effectively to additional duties as assigned.

• Excellent verbal and written communication skills in English.
• Strong interpersonal, leadership,…