Process Control Engineer II

This is a full-time, salaried exempt position reporting to the Maintenance Manager at our Engineered Wood Products facility in Emerson, AR.

About the role

As a Process Control Engineer II, you will play a pivotal role in collaborating with various teams across our plant to set up and maintain automation in the manufacturing processes. Serving as the site expert on automation platforms, you will contribute to the efficiency and effectiveness of the operations. Additionally, you will assist, consult, and occasionally lead site-specific projects, demonstrating a commitment to safety and clear communication throughout the organization.

Responsibilities

• Lead, develop, and support application of process and process control best practices, including joining with mill leadership to develop mid- and long-term process control network strategies
• Understand and share industry best practices, equipment options, and proven strategies for manufacturing control systems and applications
• Proactively identify opportunities for process improvement, variability reduction, and cost reduction
• Provide project and technical leadership (including training) for local and system-wide process control technology applications and PLC Technicians
• Serve as a key EWP business resource for projects to install and apply new process control technology and methods, documentation, and training
• Create visibility and lead review of technology with potential for application in our manufacturing operations
• Build relationships with Corporate and other business process control resources
• Initiate and develop productive relationships with external suppliers of process and control technology
• Partner with manufacturing and business leaders to ensure alignment of project portfolio with business and operational goals
• Mentor and assist the development of other process and process control engineers and Technicians throughout the business

Requirements

• BS degree in Chemical, Electrical, Industrial, Computer, or Mechanical Engineering and 5+ years of experience, or Associate technical degree and 8+ years, or 10+ years of experience in lieu of degree
• Minimum of 5 years' experience in applying and supporting process control solutions in manufacturing processes
• Demonstrated success in developing and applying process control solutions for process/product improvement and cost reduction
• Advanced level knowledge of programmable logic controllers (PLC), human-machine interface (HMI), and related systems with proficiency in programming and configuring complex automation strategies
• Ability and desire to lead cross-functional team projects with participation from manufacturing site and corporate-based engineering personnel
• Ability to collaborate with associates of all levels including managers, engineers, machine operators, quality technicians, line supervisors, maintenance technicians, and information technology
• Extensive process knowledge and a first principles understanding of dynamic process behavior
• Excellent verbal, written, and presentation skills
• Excellent interpersonal, facilitation, and problem-solving ability
• Capacity to lead and participate in several projects simultaneously

Qualifications (Desired)

• Experience in manufacturing wood products and associated discrete control applications
• Supervisory experience
• Strong data analysis skills and ability to diagnose complex process scenarios
• Experience in controller design and fundamental tuning approaches
• Experience with successfully applying advanced control solutions, such as model predictive control (MPC) for multi-variable processes
• Proficiency using process historian systems, analysis tools, and information systems such as Aspen IP/21 Process Explorer and GE Proficy Plant Applications
• Experience developing applications with programming languages such as Visual Basic, C, or Java; databases such as Microsoft SQL Server
• Experience in LEAN Manufacturing or similar principles and practices
• Familiarity with Windows operating systems, domains, Ethernet networks
• Experience with Allen-Bradley/Rockwell and Wonderware systems

Pay

This role is eligible for our annual merit-increase program, with a targeted salary range of $98,811 to $148,217 based on skills, qualifications, and experience. You will also be eligible for our Annual Incentive Program, which offers a cash bonus targeting 10% of base pay. Potential plan funding may range from zero to two times that target.

Benefits

• Comprehensive employee benefits plan including medical, dental, vision, short- and long-term disability, and life insurance
• Pre-tax Health Savings Account option with company contribution
• Voluntary Long-Term Care and Employee Assistance Programs
• Support for personal volunteerism, diversity networks, mentoring, and training and development opportunities
• 401k plan with a paid company match and an annual contribution equal to 5% of your base salary
• 3 weeks of paid vacation during your first year of employment, plus eleven paid holidays per year (88 holiday hours) and paid parental leave for all full-time employees