Process Controls Engineer

Location: Franklin, VA, Tissue Mill

About the role

We are seeking a highly skilled and experienced Process Controls Engineer to join our dynamic team at our recycled tissue mill. The ideal candidate will possess a strong background in process control systems, specifically with expertise in AB & ABB systems, and have the ability to adapt to and program older architectures. This position requires a meticulous and innovative engineer who can maintain and improve our control systems to ensure efficient and high-quality tissue production.

Responsibilities

• Maintain, troubleshoot, and optimize the existing mix of old and new DCS & QCS systems to ensure smooth and efficient mill operations.
• Develop and program control loops in ABB systems, ensuring precision and reliability in the tissue production process.
• Learn and program in older control system architectures, ensuring they are fully functional and meet the mill’s operational standards.
• Lead initiatives for system upgrades and integrate new control technologies with existing systems to enhance overall efficiency.
• Provide technical support to the production team, addressing any issues related to process control systems promptly and effectively.
• Create and maintain detailed documentation of control systems, programming changes, and maintenance activities. Ensure all control systems comply with industry standards and safety regulations.
• Identify opportunities for continuous improvement in control systems and processes, implementing changes to optimize performance and reduce downtime.
• Train and mentor junior engineers and technicians on control systems and programming, fostering a culture of knowledge sharing and professional development.

Requirements

• Bachelor’s Degree in Engineering, preferably in Electrical, Control Systems, or related field. Advanced degree is a plus.
• Minimum of 5-7 years of experience in process control engineering, with a focus on AB and ABB systems. Experience in a tissue or papermill environment is highly desirable.

Skills

• Proficiency in programming control loops in ABB systems.
• Strong understanding of QCS & DCS systems and their components.
• Ability to program and troubleshoot older control system architectures.
• Familiarity with process control instrumentation and electrical systems.
• Excellent analytical and problem-solving skills, with the ability to troubleshoot complex control system issues effectively.
• Strong verbal and written communication skills, with the ability to convey technical information clearly to non-technical team members.
• Proven ability to manage multiple projects simultaneously, prioritizing tasks and meeting deadlines.
• Ability to work collaboratively in a team environment, demonstrating strong interpersonal skills and a proactive approach to achieving team goals.

Schedule

Must be able to support the organization during 24/7 operations, including holidays (including Christmas and Thanksgiving days), weekends, and nights. May be required to change work schedule based on organizational needs. Some outages may require working nights and weekends. On-call scheduling will also be required.

Work Environment & Physical Demands

The work environment characteristics described are representative of those an employee encounters while performing the essential functions of this job. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.

While performing the duties of this job, the employee is exposed to:

• Hazardous machinery
• Electrical hazards
• Wet quarters
• Height hazards
• Exposure to thermal and chemical burns
• Dust, fumes, gases, and mists
• Magnetic fields, which pose a danger to individuals with pacemakers

Physical Demands:

• Frequently: Stand, lift up to 10 pounds, walk, ascend and descend stairs/ladders, and use keyboard and calculator
• Occasionally: Lift up to 20 pounds, sit, bend at the waist, crouch (bend from the knees), reach above and below the shoulders, use foot controls, and make visual determinations regarding color changes, adjust focus, depth perception, and peripheral vision.

Specific vision abilities required by the job include close vision, distance vision, peripheral vision, depth perception, and the ability to adjust focus.