Automation & Controls Technician

Responsibilities

• From our Greenville office remotely monitor the status of critical devices including electrical and mechanical components, circuitry, controls, robotics and other manufacturing machinery and assist in service, repair, and calibration of these devices for multiple OSB and lumber mills.
• Analyze and identify causes of system issues and assist in breakdown recovery.
• Assist in set-up of new and replacement equipment.
• Provide programming support for day-to-day process changes.
• Troubleshoot as needed in coordination with onsite technicians.
• Answer and log system issues or requests for assistance from automated system monitors or mill manufacturing staff.
• Assist in upgrading facilities to conform to enhanced automation and digitization standards including providing onsite support of infrastructure installation and commissioning.
• Implement and maintain West Fraser Analytics System (NAS), Manufacturing Execution Systems (MES), Model Predictive Control (MPC), and Rockwell ECO System across all facilities.
• Support West Fraser’s mills with continuous improvement and project management objectives by:
• Developing PLC programs and HMIs in accordance with West Fraser standards and capital expense guidelines.
• Providing data and support of mill level project analysis and execution.
• Configuring tags and templates for process data collection, trending, and reporting.
• Auditing changes in the mill automation environment.
• Keeping firmware and software revisions up to date.
• Support Automation team as needed.

Requirements

• An Associate’s degree, equivalent, or greater in Mechatronics, Industrial Electrical, Engineering Technology OR equivalent prior experience as a Technician with good programming/technical skills and prior OSB experience.
• Highly collaborative, technology savvy (proficiency in use of collaboration tools), and willing to learn.
• Experience with VMware ESX, virtualization and other computer science fundamentals is preferred.
• Proficient in programming and troubleshooting of Programmable Logic Controllers (preferably Rockwell ControlLogix).
• Experience with VB, SQL, Python or Json programming is favorable.
• Knowledge of, or willingness to learn the OSB and lumber manufacturing process.
• Excellent verbal and written communication skills including ability to interpret and disseminate technical info to a wide range of skill sets and support roles.
• Ability to work in shifts and variable schedules to support a 24/7 manufacturing schedule.
• Ability to work well as a team and independently.
• Traveling 20% of less to mill locations.