Senior Process Automation Engineer

Key Roles And Responsibilities

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.

• Start strong – Medical, dental, and vision coverage begins on your first day
• Recharge and refresh – Enjoy 12 paid holidays, including a flexible floating holiday, and 136 hours of PTO to relax or explore
• Invest in your future – A 7% 401(k) employer match helps grow your retirement savings faster
• Keep learning – Take advantage of tuition reimbursement to further your education or skillset
• Live well – Our wellness incentive program rewards healthy habits
• Get support when you need it – Access to a confidential Employee Assistance Program for personal or professional guidance
• Save smart – Flexible Health Savings and Spending Accounts to manage out‑of‑pocket expenses

The typical base pay range for this position at the start of employment is expected to be between $ - $ per year. GEA Group has different base pay ranges for different work locations within the United States. The pay range is not guaranteed compensation or salary. The estimated range is the budgeted amount for the position. Final offers are based on various factors, including skill set, experience, location, qualifications, and other job‑related reasons.

You may be eligible for additional rewards, such as a discretionary bonus (based on eligibility) and/or equity awards.

The Senior Process Automation Engineer role is located in Oakdale, MN and is a key contributor within the Automation Engineering team, supporting service project upgrades across the Nutrition Plant Engineering Division in North America. This role is responsible for the design, development, testing, and commissioning of industrial process automation systems. The Senior Engineer serves as a technical lead on assigned projects, working independently while collaborating closely with cross‑functional teams.

Projects span a wide range of industries and technologies, including Food, Dairy, Beverage, Brewery, Chemical, Pharmaceutical. This position offers the opportunity for a hybrid work schedule.

• 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.

• 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.

• 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.

• 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…