Controls Engineer

The Controls Engineer primarily oversees and supports instrumentation, process controls, and MIS systems. Responsibilities also include the installation, troubleshooting, repair, and maintenance of PLC hardware and software, control devices, and monitoring equipment; adjusting and tuning control loops; modifying and building HMI graphic screens and alarms; modifying and installing MIS equipment. Further responsibilities include project management of process improvement initiatives typically of an electrical nature or instrumentation-focused.

Key Responsibilities:

• Primarily responsible for the troubleshooting, repair and programming of various control systems.
• Develop and write ladder logic and graphical interfaces for both the plant’s PLC and control computers.
• Develop documentation and narratives for control programming and process/safety interlocks.
• Stay abreast of industry best practices and emerging technologies.
• Provide training and support to ensure proper implementation of I&C initiatives.
• Responsible for the troubleshooting, repair, and installation of process devices including but not limited to: variable speed drives, encoders, process probes, power supplies, and control valves.
• Responsible for the troubleshooting of various plant instrumentation (temperature, flow, pressure, level, etc.) components.
• Design and implement projects involving information systems such as site security, information networks, phone networks, and personal computers.
• Develop wiring diagrams, layout drawings, and engineering specifications directing both onsite and outside engineering resources.
• Identify and obtain cost estimates for instruments, control components, variable speed drives, communication equipment and management information equipment.
• Lead the site in projects and work with Process/Production Engineer(s) to maintain and upgrade site instrumentation, PLCs, controls arrangements, HMI software, VFD’s, PFD’s and P&ID’s etc.
• Creates and update standard operation procedures or work instructions involving process control system or HMI interfaces.
• Help create automated reports using PLC/HMI software.
• Maintain and improve site security and IT systems, as supplemental in-the-field support to Corporate IT.
• Conformance with the Quality and Environmental, Health, Safety and Security policies and awareness of ISO 9001 and RC14001 management system requirements applicable to this position.
• Perform duties in a manner that protects personal safety as well as the safety of all personnel on site. Whenever appropriate; promptly report Safety, Health or Environmental incidents or issues to management so the situation can be corrected.

Key Requirements:

• Bachelor’s Degree in Chemical, Mechanical, Instrumentation or Electrical Engineering.
• 5-10 years of Instrumentation, process controls, and HMI systems experience (PLC 5 required).
• Field work training/experience related to instrumentation, controls, and electrical systems, preferred.
• Ability to respond to call-outs, and the flexibility to work extended hours onsite and/or remotely during weekdays, weekends, and holidays.
• Must be able to read electrical schematics, P&IDs, ladder diagrams, technical manuals and maintain the associated documentation.
• Must be competent or willing to learn in information systems such as site security, computer networks, phone networks, and personal computers applications.
• Must have understanding of various PLC control and HMI systems. Must be able to develop or learn to develop PLC code and graphical interfaces for the plant SCADA systems. Knowledge of Allen Bradley PLC hardware PLC5, SLC500, and Control Logix 5000, Iconix, Emerson flow meters and sensors a plus.
• Must be proficient in Microsoft Office.