Automation Engineer

Position Summary

The Automation Engineer is responsible for developing, maintaining, and supporting process networks and control systems at a mining and manufacturing plant, as well as supporting similar systems across multiple production sites. This role troubleshoots instrumentation, process control, and network system issues and provides technical support for data engineering and reporting, including data acquisition, storage, manufacturing execution systems (MES), and reporting tools.

Key Responsibilities

·       Provide automation and process-control support across plant sites to promote equipment safety, network security, and operational efficiency.

·       Collaborate with Production, Maintenance, Engineering, and other teams to understand issues, establish priorities, and implement solutions.

·       Troubleshoot instrumentation and control-system failures promptly to minimize production downtime.

·       Improve processes through control-setting and automation changes that reduce cycle time and waste and improve product quality.

·       Program, configure, and maintain PLCs, HMIs, network switches, drives, soft starters, overloads, and related automation equipment.

·       Manage engineering data throughout its lifecycle, including acquisition, cleaning, transformation, storage, security, visualization, and reporting.

·       Follow automation standards and best practices and maintain current network architecture diagrams.

·       Support plant process-network implementation, automation upgrades, and continuous-improvement projects.

·       Support and program Wonderware InTouch, Wonderware Historian, Rockwell PlantPAx, and FactoryTalk View SE systems.

·       Set up, maintain, calibrate, and support connectivity for precision instruments, meters, analyzers, scanners, and other monitoring and control devices.

Required Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities

·       Advanced knowledge of Allen-Bradley PLC software, including PLC-5, SLC 500, and RSLogix 5000, as well as GE and Modicon PLCs.

·       Advanced knowledge of ladder logic, function block, structured text, control loops, digital and analog I/O, and PLC hardware.

·       Advanced knowledge of HMI and SCADA systems, including PlantPAx, FactoryTalk View SE, FactoryTalk Historian, FactoryTalk Vision, Transaction Manager, ViewPoint, Wonderware InTouch, Wonderware Historian, and OSI Vision.

·       Knowledge of operational technology (OT) networking, network topologies, fiber installation best practices, and Cisco and Allen-Bradley Stratix switch configurations.

·       Experience with server-based systems, including Windows Server 2016/2019, VMware, virtual servers, and vCenter.

·       Experience with AutoCAD, Microsoft SQL Server (MSSQL), and other Microsoft applications.

·       Understanding of industrial plant operations, including mechanical, electrical, and automation systems and low-current and AC/DC systems.

·       Ability to analyze problems, identify root causes, implement safe and effective solutions, and document work performed.

·       Ability to translate complex technical and electrical information into clear knowledge-base articles and how-to guides for plant maintenance personnel.

·       Strong communication and teamwork skills when working with engineers, production teams, maintenance, and management.

·       Commitment to continuous learning in emerging PLC technologies, industrial cybersecurity, virtualization, augmented reality, big-data integration, historian systems, and Industrial Internet of Things (IIoT).

Education and Experience

Required: Bachelor’s degree in Automation Engineering. Alternatively, a degree in Electrical, Process Control, Mechatronic, or Industrial Engineering with a major or advanced qualifications in Automation may be considered.

Required: Minimum of five years of industrial experience in process controls and automation system design, operation, and maintenance.

Preferred: Experience in a mining, lime, cement, or minerals manufacturing environment. A Bachelor of Science in Automation Engineering (B.S.E.) is preferred.

Work Environment and Physical Requirements

·       Travel up to 25% to sites within the United States and Canada, with periodic travel to regional locations as needed.

·       Work in both office settings and mining or industrial process environments.

·       Access all areas of a site, potentially including heights up to 120 feet, confined spaces, ladders and stairs, tunnels, and floating barges.

·       Perform tasks requiring standing, walking, balancing, stooping, kneeling, reaching, talking, seeing, hearing, and sitting.

·       Work outdoors in adverse weather and in environments with extreme temperatures, noise, and dust.

·       Lift up to 50 pounds.

·       Respond to after-hours callouts and emergencies when production is down.

Core Competencies

·       Strategic thinking, learning agility, and ability to deal with ambiguity.

·       Planning, prioritization, communication, and process management.

·       Courage, conflict management, and sound judgment.

·       Results orientation, initiative, and a strong drive to take action.

·       Organizational awareness, presentation skills, approachability, and interpersonal effectiveness.

·       Customer focus, ethics, integrity, trust, composure, and active listening.