Operations Technology Digital Systems

The Senior Engineer, Operations Technology Digital Systems, works closely with cross functional teams in engineering and Information Technology. This resource helps implement the digital strategic direction for machinery and equipment solutions to automate production processes and/or systems. The successful candidate works with project teams to implement systems and deliver measurable value for Hershey. Reporting to the Senior Manager Operations Technology Digital Systems, this individual helps ensure solutions and their delivery align with Hershey’s Digital Roadmap.

Specific Role Focus Areas:
• Executes digital automation solutions across Hershey’s manufacturing sites.
• Uses understanding of process control network architecture and security requirements to ensure manufacturing solutions are as secured as possible.
• Effectively communicates across all levels and disciplines of the organization.
• Understands both industry and business standards in executing optimal solutions.

Interactions and Partnerships:
• Information Technology
• Operational Technology
• Environment, Health, and Safety
• Supply Chain Quality
• Continuous Improvement
• Other key stakeholders and leadership teams, including Quality and Regulatory Compliance, Procurement, Marketing, Operations Business Development, Manufacturing Alliances, Supply Planning and Production Planning
• External vendors, contractors, and engineering firms


Travel Expectations:
The Senior Engineer travels as needed to fulfill job duties including international and domestic supply chain network sites.

Major Duties/Responsibilities:

Time % Summary of major duties:
1 70% Capital Project Execution:
• Leads the execution of digital systems and solutions.
• Participates in project implementation teams in support of yearly capital project portfolio.
• Uses engineering knowledge, judgment, creativity, and experience to execute highly technical IT/OT digital initiatives.
• Supports development of new procedures and technologies, identifying new industry trends with a continuous improvement mindset.
• Serves as a digital systems resource for capital projects.
2 15% Innovation:
• Drives the delivery, knowledge transfer and value generation of the digital manufacturing suite of applications.
• Provides support to project teams and internal and external technical resources to assess opportunities for application of innovative designs, performance improvements, technical advantages, speed to market and capital efficiencies, while achieving optimum business value.
• Exhibits sound judgment and effective analysis of emerging technologies.
3 10% Business Knowledge:
• Experienced with process controls, digital technologies and automation systems, and integration with manufacturing execution system (MES) and enterprise resource planning (ERP) platforms.
• Experience supporting projects focused on industrial data collection and analysis.
• Uses knowledge to execute digital automation solutions.
• Applies technical and operational understanding to identify effective and economical digital solutions.
• Able to implement projects in support of the strategic plan to establish digital and automation systems as a standard for continuous improvement within the manufacturing network.
• Demonstrates proficiency and knowledge of complex food industry manufacturing (or the equivalent), to include good manufacturing practices.
• Provided digital systems support for suppliers to ensure alignment with Hershey strategies and standards.

4 5% Leadership and Development:
• Practices personal and team accountability for the development and enforcement of our digital and automation solutions standards and best practices
• Recognized as a subject matter resource with supplier companies, Hershey teammates and engineering disciplines.
• Is a leader in guiding the convergence of information technology and operational technology systems in support of the Digitally Integrated Manufacturing Stack of application.


Dimensions
Dimension ($, Units, Employees)
Accountability (consultants/contractors) 1-5
Financial responsibility ($) Up to $2,000,000
Growth Significant (?$5,000,000)
Errors Significant (?$1,000,000)

Minimum knowledge, skills and abilities required to successfully perform major duties/responsibilities:
• Working knowledge of:
o Programming languages/scripting (IEC 61131-3, C#, Python, SQL, etc.)
o Modern software architectures, including microservices, containers, OSI Model Layers 1-4, cloud computing technologies.
o Network architecture, virtual machine environments (VMWare), VLANs, firewall rules, servers
o Industrial control system integration using open integration protocols OPC/MQTT
o Unified Namespace Architecture, ISA-95, event driven architectures
o AVEVA PI Systems architecture including connectivity, asset framework management, client visualization tools.
o Control system components and architecture systems (e.g., PLCs, Ethernet, Kepware OPC, Microsoft Networking [TCP/IP], HMI/SCADA)
o State-of-the-art control components and systems
o Securing systems running ICS-related communications protocols (e.g., Ethernet/IP, OPC, MODBUS, ProfiNET)
o Industrial Control Network architecture
o
• Preferred design and development experience includes:
o Ignition: Plan and drive system specification, design, architecture, and development.
o Database: Design of data strategy for manufacturing, quality, and business enterprise systems
o AVEVA PI: Develop and define data structures / guide UI development.
o Robotics (OTTO, FANUC): Design and implementation of robotic integration into higher systems.
o Software development methodologies, version control systems, automated testing techniques
• Education and Experience Requirements
o Bachelor of Science in Electrical Engineering, Electrical Engineering Technology, Information Technology, or other closely related field of study
o 5 years’ experience leading and designing digital automation and controls projects

Typical Day:
Top Three Technical Skills:
1. PLC Programming
2. SCADA System development
3. Scripting

Pre-Screening Questions:
1. Do you have 3-5 years’ experience with PLC programming?
2. Do you have experience managing industrial controls projects
3. Do you have experience with SCADA systems?
 

Desired Skills and Experience

PLC