Middleware Engineer jobs in Bradenton, FL

About Tropicana Brands Group 

The launch of Tropicana Brands Group represents an exciting fusion of some of the world's most beloved and up-and-coming brands in the juice category, including Tropicana, Naked, KeVita, Izze, Dole, Copella and Punica. Established in 2022 as a joint venture between PAI Partners and PepsiCo, our new company blends the best of two worlds: one steeped in industry-leading expertise and the heritage of prestige juice brands, and another rooted in a true entrepreneurial, agile mindset.

With a global footprint of more than 2,000 associates that spans North America and Europe, we are proud of our industry-leading capabilities in areas that include innovation, R&D, manufacturing, distribution, sales, marketing and nutrition expertise.

The company’s focused on the vision to quench the world's thirst for more delight and nourishment, while continuing to build upon the many important diversity, sustainability, local community and philanthropic activities that our people and brands have historically supported.

Key Responsibilities:

Tropicana Brands Group is looking for a highly-qualified supervisor to support the Tropicana Team to ensure the company’s goals and initiatives are met.

This role will provide Controls and Automation support to Plant process, packaging, and utilities operations: Support Plant Maintenance and Operations teams in systems and equipment troubleshooting and technology transfer, drive continuous improvement in the business by providing and implementing Controls and Automation solutions, serve as a liaison between the Plant and Corporate Engineering with regards to Automation and System Integration, assist Corporate and Plant Engineering with Electrical and Controls Projects. Tropicana is looking for a critical thinker with exceptional communication, influencing and relationship management skills who thrives in a fast-paced environment.

Specific Duties and Responsibilities:

• Provide technical support to all operations and maintenance departments to help troubleshoot and diagnose issues related to Electrical, Instrumentation, and Automation. In particular, provide technical back up to Technicians in order to solve difficult problems
• Support Plant electrical and controls projects and ensure they conform to and are consistent with manufacturing standards and latest controls best practices
• Manage small capital improvement projects
• Facilitate Technology transfer from Corporate Engineering, R&D, and the Manufacturing Engineering team to the Operations and Maintenance teams ensuring proper start up and training plans. Train electricians and instrument techs on new technology to allow proper maintenance and troubleshooting
• Actively develop and implement cost savings initiatives including waste minimization, productivity improvements, and process optimization opportunities through an active partnership with manufacturing maintenance and operations teams
• Maintain and manage upgrades of Factory Floor Automation components and infrastructure including Server Hardware, Network Switches, Computers, etc.
• Manage Factory Floor software applications such as Wonderware Data Historians, Network Analyzers, Performance Monitoring Tools, and Program Repository’s (MDT and Asset Center)
• Develop reporting and visualization tools to improve operational performance
• Work alongside and direct various groups including IT, R&D, External OEMs and Integrators, Quality, Safety, and Plant Resources

Qualifications / Requirements

• 5 years of industrial controls and automation experience in an industrial environment, OEM, or Integrator
• Strong experience with end-to-end troubleshooting
• Knowledge of Industrial Network Protocols including Ethernet, DeviceNet, Profibus, ControlNet, DH , etc.
• PLC programming proficiency (Rockwell Automation Logix 5, 500, 5000)
• Knowledge of common controls components including variable speed drives, safety devices, vision systems, etc.
• HMI/Visualization programming including Wonderware InTouch, AB PanelView Plus
• Process controls experience in packaging or processing manufacturing environment
• Capable of working with and directing skilled trades employees
• Project management skills
• Must thrive in a fast paced, aggressive, results oriented culture
• Superior team building and ability to communicate technical and business information effectively
• Basic network Management, Layer2/3 switching, spanning tree, VLANs experience is a plus
• Industrial Data Centers, Storage Area Networks, Server Management is a plus
• VMware Virtualization solutions is a plus
• Knowledge of Medium voltage electrical switch gear and distribution, NEC is a plus
• Familiarity with OSHA, USDA, FDA, EPA requirements is a plus