Project Engineer - Level 1 Automation

About the role

The Automation Engineer is responsible for a wide range of software and process engineering activities that support safe, reliable, and efficient plant operations. This role focuses on analyzing process performance, identifying and prioritizing improvement opportunities, and designing and implementing effective solutions to enhance productivity, quality, and system reliability.

Responsibilities

• Develop and implement methods and best practices to improve product quality, expand product capabilities, and reduce manufacturing costs through the effective use of advanced automation technologies.
• Design, develop, and manage Level 1 process control systems and related engineering projects to optimize production efficiency, improve yield, and enhance overall product quality.
• Analyze process performance using data-driven approaches, identify improvement opportunities, and implement sustainable solutions to drive continuous improvement.
• Provide advanced troubleshooting, technical guidance, and hands-on support to Maintenance and Operations teams, including Level 1.5 EMO (Engineering Maintenance Operator) personnel within the Rolling Mill.
• Maintain, support, and continuously improve all Level 1 electrical and control systems to ensure high reliability, performance, and compliance with applicable industrial standards.
• Deliver specialized technical support for process control systems and software across the Rolling Mill and Finishing Area, ensuring stable and efficient operation.
• Perform preventive and time-based maintenance on automation and control system hardware to ensure optimal performance and reliability.
• Identify, evaluate, and replace obsolete or failing field components to maintain system integrity and minimize downtime.
• Monitor system performance, including diagnostics, fault detection, and recovery, to support continuous and stable operations.
• Manage and maintain I/O interface cabling and associated hardware to ensure accurate and reliable signal transmission.
• Monitor automation and control applications to ensure accurate, stable, and efficient operation across all platforms.
• Manage and maintain system backups, including administration of the FactoryTalk AssetCentre server, to ensure data integrity and disaster recovery readiness.
• Analyze, diagnose, and troubleshoot operating systems and application software to resolve issues and minimize downtime.
• Perform maintenance programming and configure system and application software to support ongoing operations and continuous improvement initiatives.
• Plan, design, develop, implement, and maintain HMI applications to support safe, efficient, and user-friendly operation of process equipment.
• Collaborate with Operations and Maintenance teams to ensure interfaces are intuitive, standardized, and aligned with operational needs.
• Maintain and enhance HMI standards, including graphics, alarms, and navigation, to ensure consistency and effectiveness across systems.
• Troubleshoot and optimize HMI performance to ensure reliability, responsiveness, and accurate real-time data visualization.
• Create and update user guides, operating procedures, and “help” documentation to support Operations and Maintenance teams.
• Analyze and reverse-engineer existing systems, when required, to reconstruct and document software specifications and functionality.
• Respond to operator requests and provide timely resolution of automation and control system issues to support continuous operations.
• Train and support Electrical EMO (Engineering Maintenance Operator) personnel on new software, system updates, and control system enhancements.
• Provide expert-level technical support, troubleshooting, and hands-on assistance for critical process and automation systems, ensuring compliance with design specifications and applicable industrial standards.
• Support and maintain process control systems for the Reheat Furnace, Rolling Mill, and Finishing areas to ensure reliable and efficient operation.
• Maintain and troubleshoot electrical and automation systems, with a strong focus on Allen-Bradley platforms and associated hardware.
• Support and integrate specialized human-machine interfaces (HMI), business system networks, and supplier system connections to ensure seamless data flow and system interoperability.

Qualifications

• Bachelor of Science degree in Electrical Engineering, Computer Science, or a related field; or equivalent combination of education and technical experience.
• Minimum of five (5) years of experience working with ControlLogix and other Rockwell Automation platforms.
• Strong understanding of process interactions between control systems and physical processes within a steel plate manufacturing environment.
• Demonstrated ability to apply sound engineering and economic judgment in process control decision-making.
• In-depth knowledge of industrial automation systems, including control system hardware, industrial computers, multitasking operating systems, real-time communication networks, and programmable logic controllers (PLCs), with the ability to integrate these into effective process control solutions.
• Proficiency in ControlLogix and FactoryTalk View programming environments.
• Solid understanding of mathematical principles supporting closed-loop, real-time control systems.
• Strong problem-solving, organizational, and communication skills, both written and verbal.
• Ability to work independently with minimal supervision and manage multiple priorities effectively.

Skills

• ControlLogix and FactoryTalk View programming environments.
• Mathematical principles supporting closed-loop, real-time control systems.
• Industrial automation systems, including control system hardware, industrial computers, multitasking operating systems, real-time communication networks, and PLCs.
• Problem-solving, organizational, and communication skills.
• Technical support and troubleshooting.
• Software development languages or industrial software suites.
• DC motor theory, operation, and control principles.
• Human-machine interfaces (HMI).
• Business system networks.
• Supplier system connections.

Benefits

Excellent Pay with Additional Bonus
Very Affordable Health Insurance
Blue Cross/Blue Shield Medical
CVS/Caremark Prescription
Delta Dental
Superior Vision
401(k) with Employer Match – 5%
Profit Sharing 10
10 Paid Holidays
Vacation
Company Paid Life Insurance - and STD and LTD
Optional Life, Hospital Indemnity, Critical Illness
Healthcare and Dependent Care
Flexible Spending Account (FSA)
Tuition Reimbursement
Employee Assistance Program

Pay

Commensurate with experience

Schedule

Day Shift, Monday through Friday – additional overtime as needed

Work Location

Indoors In extreme heat and extreme cold In wet and humid conditions Amid fumes, dust, dirt, and smoke In confined areas and high places Around equipment in motion Amid noise Amid mechanical, electrical, and chemical hazards Around industrial magnets While wearing safety equipment and/or clothing for protection from hazards

Office Presence Required

Yes

Travel Requirements

Limited

Other Duties

This job description is not intended to provide an exhaustive list of all duties, responsibilities, or activities required for this position. Additional tasks may be assigned, and responsibilities may be modified at any time, with or without prior notice, to meet operational needs.