Automation Engineer

POSITION SUMMARY:

Provide technical assistance to all plant personnel in solving process control and automation problems and use automation technologies to facilitate data driven decisions leading to improved production efficiencies, safety & quality.

RESPONSIBILITIES & EXPECTATIONS:

Engineering, maintenance, installation, and programming of PLCs, SCADA/HMI, SPC systems:

• Programming, troubleshooting and maintenance of plant plc systems.

• Ability to program advanced control loops, ladder rung logic, and function block programming.

• Proficient in proper PLC logic and HMI documentation. Programming, troubleshooting and maintenance of SCADA/HMI systems.

• Experience with historian database systems.

• Understanding of and installation experience with statistical process control systems.

• Program and maintain continuous operation excel macros to record daily plant operational information.

Management and supervision of instrument and controls tuning and maintenance:

• Calibration of field devices: weigh belts; gas analyzers; thermocouples; pressure and flow measurement devices; etc.

• Tuning of control loops

• Maintaining accurate, accessible records of calibrations, jumpers, programming changes, etc.

• Development, implementation and monitoring of "man-machine" interface and SOP's

• Troubleshooting and Root cause analysis of equipment and software failures.

• Process hazards have been identified, and prudent control logic, limits and other safeguards have been implemented and maintained in reliable, functional condition

Optimization of process rate, efficiency, and waste to achieve or exceed budgeted goals and objectives:

• Collaboration with the production team (manager, supervisors and employees) to optimize control logic and resolve process/control failures and faults.

• Development, implementation and monitoring of SCADA/HMI to achieve repeatable "best" outcomes.

Plant IT support for computers, hardware and software:

• Install, maintain, and support all plant personal computer hardware and software. Liaison for corporate IT department on computer hardware and software installation, maintenance, and upgrades.

• Proficiency on windows based operating systems and networking.

ATTRIBUTES:

• Knowledge of PLC system design and demonstrated capabilities with computers, VFD's, HMI's, process instrumentation, supervisory software and networks.

• Experience with Allen Bradley, Control Logix PLCs, AVEVA System Platform, FactoryTalk View SE, PlantPAx, AutoCAD, MSSQL, and other Microsoft Application software.

• Must be able perform advanced mathematical calculations.

• Self-motivated and ability to work independently.

• Effective oral, written, and spoken communication skills.

• Strong Interpersonal skills and problem-solving skills.

• Read, write, and interpret documents such as work orders, safety rules, standard operating procedures, electrical drawings, maintenance instructions, and procedural manuals.

• Technical aptitude and strong analytical skills.

• Detail and process oriented with strong problem resolution abilities.

• Able to work effectively in a cross-disciplinary way with all levels of the organization.

• Able and willing to spend time in the plants working with the Operators, Supervisors, and Managers.

PHYSICAL DEMANDS INCLUDE, BUT ARE NOT LIMITED TO:

• Must be physically able to perform work assigned.

• Must be physically capable of accessing all plant locations.

• Access all areas within a site which could include heights of 150 feet, confined spaces, climbing ladders or stairs, and accessing tunnels.

• Tolerate working outside in severe weather conditions as well as exposure to high temperatures, noise, and dust.

• Will be working at times in covered environment but mainly in a lime/mineral environment.

• The employee will be exposed to the following working conditions: Extreme Heat and Cold, Noise, Vibration, Oils, and Atmospheric Conditions such as Dust, Fumes, and Lime/Mineral Particles.

• The employee will be required to perform the following actions (from time to time): Standing, walking, balancing, stooping, kneeling, reaching, talking, seeing, hearing and sitting.

• Occasionally lift up to 50 pounds.

REQUIRED EDUCATION:

• Bachelor of Science in Engineering or Instrumentation, or equivalent combination of education and work experience.

PREFFERED EDUCATION:

• Advanced degree preferred.

REQUIRED EXPERIENCE:

• One to three (1-3) years direct and progressive experience.

PREFFERED EXPERIENCE:

• Lime, cement, or minerals industry process experience strongly preferred.