Automation and Controls Engineer

It's fun to work in a company where people truly BELIEVE in what they are doing!

We're committed to bringing passion and customer focus to the business.

At this time, DuBois Chemicals does not sponsor employment-based visas for this position. Applicants must be authorized to work in the United States on a full-time basis without the need for current or future visa sponsorship. 

POSITION SUMMARY:

The Automation and Controls Engineer is a key position on the Manufacturing Engineering Team that is responsible for programming and maintaining automated control systems to ensure efficient operations. This role sets the standardization for system architecture software and hardware requirements along with implementing safety systems. Providing ongoing support for automated systems, troubleshooting issues, and ensuring optimum performance through correctly identified preventative and predictive maintenance is key. This function provides input to the selection of and leads the implementation of digital manufacturing software to improve operational efficiency. This role is based at the Sharonville facility but will require approximately 15% travel to support additional manufacturing sites.

Scope of Responsibility 

General

• Interpret and maintain technical documentation including wiring diagrams, loop drawings, block diagrams, and schematics.

• Comply with escalation matrix for control system discrepancies and operator challenges.

• Ensure compliance with NFPA 70E electrical safety and OSHA safety standards.

• Collaborate with manufacturing engineers, production, quality, safety, to ensure controls systems are implemented with end user input.

• Utilize a continuous improvement mindset and problem-solving tools throughout troubleshooting.

• Provide remote control and automation support to satellite facilities.

• Comply with change management process for documentation and automation modifications.

System Architecture & Standardization

• Create standardization guides for controlling hardware and software

• Design, maintain, and determine upgrades required to the system architecture

• Integrate a safety system into the control scheme including interlocks, e-stops, etc

• Standardize system architecture across sites to manage systems effectively

• Maintain and integrate SCADA network

Programming & Process Automation

• Write and test PLC and DCS programs for automated operations systems

• Create, troubleshoot, maintain, and modify programming logic

• Collaborate with production on optimized HMI layouts

• Interpret and troubleshoot robotic control scheme

• Create and implement operator instructions/training for controls upgrades and changes

I/O Device Integration & Maintenance

• Configure and install I/O devices including but not limited to flow control, level control, temperature control, and pH monitoring

• Integrate control loops with associated instrumentation

• Determine PMs for I/O devices and automation equipment and set up in coordination with the Maintenance and Reliability Manager

• Maintain networked I/O modules

• Determine current network protocols and standardize them across sites

Digital Systems

• Implement and maintain digital manufacturing software to improve plant floor visibility and operational responsiveness

• Support integration of data between manufacturing software (PlantPAx to ERP System, CMMS to MES, etc.)

• Collaborate with production to ensure optimal operator interface with digital manufacturing software

System Monitoring & Deviation Detection

• Maintain the process monitoring/historian database

• Perform root cause analyses on control system and automation failures

• Collaborate with production and engineering to configure optimal alarms and setpoints

• Perform alarm rationalization to ensure ideal operator interface

Minimum Qualifications

• Experience in programming, troubleshooting, and maintaining automated control systems

• Ability to read and interpret Industrial Diagrams and Schematics

• Experience with Rockwell FactoryTalk and/or PlantPAx strongly preferred

• Excellent organizational and collaborative skills

• Strong communication skills

• Controls related to manufacturing industry strongly preferred

• Ability to manage multiple tasks and projects at the same time

EDUCATION QUALIFICATIONS:

• Bachelor’s degree in computer science, software engineering, industrial automation, mechatronics, or similar or associate’s degree with 5 years minimum experience in related field

OTHER INFORMATION:

• Full-Time (40 hours a week)

• Benefits: Healthcare, PTO, Holiday Pay, and 401K Matching Plan

• Travel: 15% within the US and Canada

• Direct reports: none

#INDCORP

DuBois provides equal employment opportunities to all employees and applicants for employment without regard to race, color, ancestry, national origin, gender, sexual orientation, marital status, religion, age, disability, gender identity, gender expression, genetic information, service in the military, veteran status, or any other protected status in accordance with applicable federal, state, and/or local law and/or regulation.