New

Automation Project Manager

fairlife LLC
$125,000-$135,000 USD
United States, Illinois, Chicago
1001 West Adams Street (Show on map)
Jan 29, 2026
fairlife, LLC is a Chicago-based nutrition company that creates great-tasting, nutrition-rich and dairy products to nourish consumers. With over $3B in annual retail sales, fairlife's portfolio of delicious, lactose-free, real dairy products includes: fairlife ultra-filtered milk; Core Power High Protein Shakes, a sports nutrition drink to support post-workout recovery; fairlife nutrition plan, a nutrition shake to support the journey to better health. A wholly owned subsidiary of The Coca-Cola company, fairlife, LLC has been recognized by both Fast Company and Nielsen for its industry leading innovation. To learn more about fairlife and its complete line of products, please visit fairlife.com. jobpurpose:The Automation Project Managerwillbe responsible forleadingautomation and controls execution for major expansionand greenfield projects. This roleis responsible forthe design, integration, commissioning, and operational handover of PLCandSCADA systems supporting processing, packaging, CIP, utilities, and aseptic systems. The position is critical to achieving first-pass regulatory approval, sterility assurance, and stable commercial production. responsibilities: Manage automation scope, schedule, and budgetcoordinating withOEMs, system integrators,EPC partners, andoperationsfor packaging and utilities Review and approve control philosophies, functional specs, network designs,and visualizations tomanage andresolve integration challenges across equipment packagesto create integrated solutionsprimarily focused on packaging and utilities Own SCADA architecture, deployment, and configuration, ensuring high availability, redundancy, and disaster recoveryand support integration ofSCADA systemswith PLCs, historians, MES, and enterprise systemsaligned with ISA concepts Define tag structures, alarming, historization, and security models Lead automation activitiesduring project execution throughproduction startup including development and execution of detailed automation commissioning and startup plans Coordinate FAT/SAT, IO checkout, loop testing, and integrated system testingincluding dry runs, mediaruns, wet runs, and first commercial production Lead troubleshooting during startup and early-life operations Ensure electronic records meet data integrity and regulatory standards (21 CFR Part 11-aligned where applicable), supporting regulatory inspections, audits, and startup readiness reviews Ensure complete as-built documentation, backups, and cybersecurity controlsare developed and lead transitionofsystems from project to operations ownership skills/qualifications required: Bachelor's degree in Engineeringor IT(Electrical, Controls, Automation,Software,or related field)isrequired 5+ years of industrial automation experience,facility startup experience strongly preferred Experience integrating complex OEM equipment into a unified control system StrongproficiencywithMES, historians, SCADA, and PLCsrequired.Ignition SCADA, Allen Bradley Controls, and Canary Historianpreferred Must be highly organized and able to prioritize, manage time well, multitask and troubleshoot Strong interpersonal,oraland written communication skills Ability to handle ambiguity and work in a fast paced, entrepreneurial environment Prior experience in manufacturing environment isrequired, direct experience withfoodor beverageand aseptic manufacturing is preferred working conditions and physical requirements: Factory floor as needed Extended hours duringvarious project phases On-site presencerequiredduringvarious project phases if notlocatedat project site Travel tootherplant,vendor and integrator sites as needed food safety requirements: Notify supervision of any repairs oradjustments that are requiredthat may affect product quality or food safety. Understand,observe, andcomply withthe handling and usage of the color-coded container policy while in the Production Areas. Perform all duties necessary to meet Company, Customer and/or Government requirements/standards as prioritized by the Company. Ability toinitiateaction to prevent the occurrence of nonconformities relating to Food Safety and the Quality of the product, processes, quality system, or safety system. Identifyand record any problems relating to Food Safety and the Quality of the ingredients, processes, quality system, or safety system. Control further processing or delivery of nonconforming product in terms of Food Safety and Quality issues until the deficiency or unsatisfactory condition has been corrected. In the event ofabsence, another employee with the same skill level will assume the duties and responsibilities asrequired. position location:Coopersville, MI; Webster, NY; Chicago, IL reports to:Sr. Project Manager, Systems Integration travel requirements:25-80%dependent on applicant's location #LI-Hybrid #LI-BB1 Base pay offered may vary depending on geography, job-related knowledge, skills, and experience. A full range of medical, financial, and/or other benefits, dependent on the position, is offered. Base pay range: $125,000 — $135,000 USD fairlife, LLC is an equal opportunity employer. We do not discriminate on the basis ofrace, color, religion, age, sex, national origin, disability status, genetics, protected veteran status, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, or any other characteristic protected by federal, state or local laws. All qualified applicants and employees will be given equal opportunity. Selection decisions are based on job-related factors. In addition to its nondiscrimination commitment, the Company will also provide reasonable accommodation of qualified individuals with known disabilities unless doing so would impose an undue hardship on the Company. If you have a disability and would like to request accommodation in order to apply for a position with us, please emailcareers@fairlife.com. For Recruitment Agencies* At fairlife, we manage the majority of our hiring internally through our dedicated Talent Acquisition team, which is actively engaged in direct candidate sourcing. Most of our roles are filled through applications submitted via our careers site or through direct outreach by our team. As our recruitment is primarily handled in-house, we work only occasionally with external agencies, and only those on our existing, pre-approved vendor list. At this time, we are not reviewing or expanding that list. Unsolicited resumes or submissions from external agencies not authorized by our Talent Acquisition team will be considered direct candidate applications. As such, fairlife will not assume responsibility for any placement fees associated with these submissions.