Automation Engineer

Key Activities

• Provide technical support to all areas daily across electrical, mechanical and automation disciplines.
• Configuration and programming of controllers and visualizations systems using Siemens (Simatic Manager and TIA Portal and WinCC flexible software).
• Project planning and programming of drive technology and servo drives – with emphasis on SEW Drive as well as Allen Bradley systems.
• Development, conception, design and creation of hardware / circuit diagrams.
• Automation troubleshooting following a recognisable troubleshooting process.
• Experience with bus systems and bus technology such as “Profinet” and “Profibus” with knowledge of systems such as ASI bus and CAN bus.
• Project Management and Project Coordination of site automation projects.
• Utilise AutoCad/Cad systems to maintain documentation updates, producing 2D CAD drawings of control panels, P&IDs and electrical wiring diagrams.
• Provide onsite services to assist in start-up or troubleshooting.
• Support and lead automation activities at both the Chesterfield and Bradford Production Sites.
• Develop HMI’s for operator use.
• Coincide with cross-functional team(s) to resolve automation issues.
• Write programs for new designed automatic and semi-automatic machines and conveyor systems for Siemens and Allen Bradley hardware.
• Debug and test new or modified PLC and robotic programs on the production floor.
• Conduct comprehensive machine and system testing.
• Ensure the department operates with due regard to current legislation, company and statutory requirements.
• Ensure the safe and efficient operation of equipment throughout the site.
• Installation of production and plant equipment, commissioning, breakdown analysis and repair.
• Identify areas in which engineering improvements can be made to increase safety, quality, efficiency, or reduce waste.
• Aid with the training of company apprentices and shift Engineers.
• Aid in developing operational manuals for newly designed machines and conveyor systems.
• Aid in risk assessment of newly designed machines with emphasis on machine safety.
• Help refine and develop programming standards and methods.
• Coincide with other engineers and programmers on large systems and machines.
• Maintain and enhance the software and robotics solutions for the two sites.
• Maintain and document the appropriate software changes and updates to support equipment modifications and continuing operation.
• Work with Manufacturing/Operations to identify and troubleshoot machine control failures.
• Specify instrumentation and control hardware for equipment upgrades and future equipment lines.
• Keep in line with new technology and advise the site accordingly.
• Running testing and diagnostics on IT systems to identify potential problem.
• Identifying and resolving malfunctions within the system.
• Developing and installing new hardware or software to update and improve the functionality of systems.
• Liaise with outside suppliers or developers to source the most effective hardware or software for the company’s needs.
• Create schematics plans of the system.
• Building robust backups that can be accessed in the event of system failure.
• Train shift Engineers and Process Improvement Engineers to work within the systems and to resolve issues on their own.
• Liaise with operational staff to ensure that systems can complete designed tasks.
• Lead improvement activities/projects across site, covering all equipment and facilities.

  Key Measurables

  • % Unplanned Downtime on focus machinery
  • % Implementation of project work
  • % People trained to correct operating level on focus machinery
  • % People trained on problem solving
  • $ saved by continuous improvement projects implemented