Process Controls Programmer

About the role

The Engineer I - Process Controls Programmer supports chemical mixing, blending, batching, transfer, cleaning, and sanitizing processes in manufacturing operations. This role involves modifying, troubleshooting, and writing PLC, HMI, VFD, instrumentation, and related control programs.

Responsibilities

• Modify, troubleshoot, and write PLC, HMI, VFD, instrumentation, and related control programs for chemical mixing, blending, and transferring processes.
• Create electrical schematics, control narratives, I/O documentation, and process documentation related to chemical mix/blending processes.
• Research and identify control process improvements, formula changes, and new chemical blending equipment.
• Aid in installation, commissioning, and support of automation changes on new and existing chemical mixing and blending equipment.
• Perform testing, commissioning, and validation of programming changes on new and existing projects and programming changes within Chem Mix.
• Troubleshoot and determine root cause analysis for controls-related issues affecting chemical mix quality, batch repeatability, equipment uptime, chemical delivery, line performance, and operator interface usability.
• Create standard work procedures for the Chemical Mix process.
• Identify required controls and instrumentation critical spare parts and assist in maintaining a critical spare parts listing.
• Update and create recipe/change documentation and related process documentation for new and existing chemical mixing and blending systems.
• Serve as the liaison between the plant and Global Engineering.
• Coordinate small scale tasks for hired contractors and services.
• Maintain, troubleshoot, and update machine and process safety systems, including interlocks, permissive, alarms, emergency stops, guarding circuits, and controls related to safe chemical handling and equipment operation.

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in Electrical Engineering, Controls Engineering, Chemical Engineering, Automation Engineering, Computer Engineering, or related technical discipline.
• Basic understanding of industrial automation and control systems, including PLCs, HMIs, instrumentation, motor controls, and industrial networking concepts.
• Exposure to manufacturing processes, process controls, or industrial automation through coursework, internships, co-op assignments, or prior experience.
• Ability to read and interpret electrical drawings, P&IDs, control narratives, I/O lists, and basic process documentation.
• Fundamental understanding of process control concepts such as batching, sequencing, alarms, interlocks, flow control, level control, temperature control, and recipe management.
• Ability to learn automation platforms such as Rockwell Automation PLCs, FactoryTalk applications, and batch control systems under the guidance of senior engineers.
• Strong analytical and problem-solving skills with the ability to learn and apply engineering principles in a manufacturing environment.
• Willingness and ability to participate in troubleshooting, testing, commissioning, documentation, and continuous improvement activities.
• Demonstrated written, verbal, and interpersonal communication skills.