Automation Engineer / Specialist

What You Will Do

• Design, develop, test and maintain PLC based automation systems.
• Design and implement automation system networks, including specifying and configuring communications protocols, communications media and associated hardware.
• Read and interpret electrical, control and instrumentation drawings and provide reviews of design/construction drawing packages.
• Interface with engineering project managers and operations personnel to integrate facilities and design changes with the local control center.
• Provide technical expertise in mechanical, instrument, electrical, and/or automation specifications and standards as required.
• Specify and procure instrumentation and controls related equipment used in automation systems.
• Develop contractor bid documents, conduct bid process, select contractor and manage contractor throughout automation capital projects.
• Develop and control capital projects. Specifically, develop and control project scope, schedule, projected costs and budgeting, risk management, and quality assurance programs as required to manage capital projects ranging from $20,000 to over $2,000,000.
• Provide engineering 24/7 on-call support to Operations and Technical Support Personnel for all related software and hardware, including end devices.
• Accountable for completing tasks with quality, in compliance with applicable codes and standards, and on schedule.

Education

• Bachelor of Science degree in engineering or engineering technology from an accredited university, Electrical Engineering preferred.
• A minimum of 5 years commensurate experience with emphasis in industrial automation system design, programming, maintenance, and technical analysis as described, may be acceptable in lieu of engineering degree.
• Minimum of 5 years of Instrumentation and Control Engineering, Systems Integration or related/applicable experience.
• Experience should be heavily weighted towards programming, commissioning and maintaining complex industrial control systems.
• Must have working experience/knowledge of the following systems, software and hardware:
• Allen Bradley PLC-5 (RSLogix 5), SLC-500 and Micrologix PLCs (RSLogix 500), and ControlLogix systems (RSLogix/Studio 5000).
• FactoryTalk View ME and legacy RSView32Prosoft gateways for protocol conversion for AB PLCs, and other brands of protocol converters such as Moxa and Redlion.
• Troubleshooting and supporting DH+ networks.
• Experience converting legacy hardware to newer technology is a plus.
• Experience with project management, leading projects, coordinating with other disciplines and scheduling.
• Experience with refinery and splitting processes is a plus.

Competencies, Skills, Abilities

• Experience in designing and implementing communications networks, utilizing a variety of communication protocols, including but not limited to TCP/IP, Modbus TCP/IP, Ethernet/IP, and Serial Modbus.
• Knowledge and understanding of hydraulics for liquid pipelines.
• Knowledge of and ability to apply codes and standards such as UL508A, NEC (NFPA 70), API 500, and API 1165.
• Knowledge of physical media used in communications, including but not limited to copper cabling, fiber optic cabling and radio transmission.
• Design and construction knowledge of electrical hazardous area applications (Class 1, Div. 1 and 2).
• Ability to learn additional and/or new programming languages and skills as needed, such as VFDs software, line monitoring system, power quality meters.
• Ability to read and interpret electrical and mechanical drawings and diagrams, electrical schematics, piping and instrument drawings (P&IDs), flow charts and cause and effect diagrams.
• Previous Field /Startup Engineering, Design Engineering, and/or Operations experience desired.
• Ability to perform job responsibilities with minimal guidance or supervision.
• Self-starter and highly motivated.
• Excellent communication and interpersonal skills and the ability to work with both company and non-company personnel to accomplish goals.
• PC-based skills, including MS Office products (Word, Excel, Outlook, Access, Power Point and Project).
• Proficiency in basic engineering skills and possession of well-developed analytical and problem-solving skills to address complex technical matters.
• Strong troubleshooting skills, especially for obsolete control systems.
• Maintain a high degree of attention to detail while managing multiple assignments with various deadlines and responsibility levels.