Automation / Controls Engineer

Job Duties and Responsibilities:

• Defines the scope and schedule of improvement projects: capital, process and efficiency.
• Identifies opportunities through automation and process innovation to improve manufacturing efficiency and reduce costs.
• Collaborates with plant personnel (Maintenance and Production) on problem solving activities, cost reduction initiatives and performance efficiency improvements of manufacturing equipment and processes.
• Supports Maintenance and Production daily to meet production targets.

Major Activities and Key Challenges Include:

• Improve Overall Equipment Effectiveness by implementing impactful solutions based upon the root causes of deficiencies.
• Ability to identify, clearly communicate and resolve production and equipment issues as part of a team.
• Participate in the development of long-range process and facilities planning, capital expenditure projects and cost savings programs.
• Driving continuous improvement activities to eliminate all waste, especially as related to maintenance downtime, safety, work practices, and employee involvement.
• Providing support in decisions of corporate engineering direction and policy regarding engineering standards, equipment, and processes.
• Continuing to learn the craft of electrical, controls and automation engineering, researching "state-of-the-art" and how it could be utilized on the manufacturing floor.
• Train and mentor less experienced engineers, maintenance supervision, and craft personnel.
• Visualizing, estimating, proposing, and implementing advanced automation solutions which improve safety, reduce costs, and/or increase output of product manufacturing.
• Planning, scheduling, and coordinating equipment installations.
• Observing operating areas to maintain knowledge of current conditions.
• Writing and/or approving engineering specifications, designs, estimates, schedules, spare parts lists, quotations, requisitions, work orders, etc.
• Collaborating with designers, electricians, mechanics, maintenance supervisors and production supervisors.
• Preparing RFA's, engineering reports, and project status reports.
• Maintaining effective working relationships with peers, associates, and others at all levels.

Basic Qualifications:

• Minimum of 5 years of experience utilizing software programs for Rockwell Automation, Siemens, Industrial Robots, or similar control and automation products.
• Working knowledge of AutoCAD
• Employees must be legally authorized to work in the United States. Verification of employment eligibility will be required at the time of hire. Visa sponsorship is not available for this position.
• This position is subject to the International Traffic in Arms Regulations (ITAR) which requires U.S. person status. ITAR defines U.S. person as an U.S. Citizen, U.S. Permanent Resident (i.e. 'Green Card Holder'), Political Asylee, or Refugee.

Preferred Qualifications:

• Engineering or Engineering Technology degree from an accredited institution
• Direct experience implementing Lean Manufacturing principles
• Working knowledge of electrical and mechanical systems to include hydraulic, pneumatic, combustion, control systems and measurement feedback systems
• Working knowledge of Rockwell Automation control systems
• Experience programming ABB industrial robots
• Familiarity with Wonderware SCADA platforms.
• Familiarity with programming VB.Net, Python, Java, Java Script, Microsoft SQL Server, Windows Administration, and Network Management.
• Device integration experience via serial, TCP/IP, OPC-UA and proprietary protocols.
• Experience performing and/or directing the design, development, installation, cost control, and evaluation of complex engineering projects.