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Requisition ID :497717

Located at the Genencor Technology Center on the Stanford Research Park, IFF is a leader in the industrial biotechnology sector which develops innovative enzymes and bioproducts to improve the performance and reduce the environmental impact of the cleaning, textiles, animal nutrition, grain processing, and chemical industries. To meet ongoing product demands, we are seeking outstanding candidates for the position of Automation Engineer.

IFF in Palo Alto, CA is seeking an Automation Engineer to join our dynamic team!

What We Offer:

Comprehensive Medical Insurance - Including a generous company contribution to a Health Savings Account

Prescription Drug Coverage, Dental, and Vision Insurance. We also offer Life and even Pet Insurance

Legal Assistance

Short-term and Long-Term Disability Protection

Paid Parental Leave - 16 Weeks

401k - 6% company match

3 weeks of vacation to start (prorated in the first year)

12 company-paid holidays and 1 company-paid floating holiday, annually

Wellness Program - Earn credits to receive a total of $500 Premium Differential per year

On-site employee gym

A daily credit towards onsite lunch delivery service

Career Development Programs

Tuition Reimbursement

Employee Assistance Programs

Shift Premiums

Company-sponsored holiday party, seasonal events, and offsite teambuilding

This is an excellent opportunity to work within a highly driven team where you can apply your knowledge and experience on a daily basis while collaborating with a team of technicians, engineers and scientists to achieve common goals.

• Functional responsibilities include, but are not limited to:


• Programing and maintaining PLCs, HMIs, SCADA, and data collection systems.


• Investigating and providing technical advice and support to production technicians, engineers, and scientists.


• Supporting and maintaining automated data collection and reporting systems, local network systems and system security.


• Identifying opportunities for continuous improve of production equipment and operating systems in an industrial environment.


• Occasionally providing hands on support or testing to validate solutions and/or improvements.


• 5+ years as an automation and/or controls engineer in an industrial setting.


• Extensive knowledge and experience using Ignition SCADA and MES (Python scripting).


• Experience using SQL (Oracle) for database updating and retrieval.


• Basic understanding of industrial fermentation environments including PLC and HMI systems.


• Experience using VBA to create, maintain and improve excel macros.


• Excellent recording keeping and attention to detail.


• Team player with excellent written and verbal communication skills.


• Ability to wear general lab PPE when required (boots, safety glasses and gloves).

The following are preferred:

• B.S. or equivalent in Electric Engineering, Mechanical/Controls Engineering or Computer Science. (Years of experience to be considered as a substitute)


• Experience using NLQ and AI driven analytical platforms, such as Spotfire.


• Demonstrate strong sense of self-motivation and ability to work under minimal supervision.


• Experience creating change, coordinating with co-workers/teammates, and improving work efficiency to meet project deadlines.


• Demonstrate an ability to multi-task and problem solve in a fast-paced, rapidly changing environment.

Compensation ($96,000 - 108,000) is based on a variety of factors including but not limited to work experience, skills, certifications, and location.

We are a global leader in taste, scent and nutrition, offering our customers a broader range of natural solutions and accelerating our growth strategy. At IFF, we believe that your uniqueness unleashes our potential. We value the diverse mosaic of the ethnicity, national origin, race, age, sex or veteran status. We strive for an inclusive workplace that allows each of our colleagues to bring their authentic self to work regardless of their religion, gender identity & expression, sexual orientation, or disability.

Visit to learn more.

Nearest Major Market: San Jose


Nearest Secondary Market: Palo Alto