Electrical Automation Engineer

S

Sparrow Company

Electrical Automation Engineer

Tuscaloosa, AL
Full Time
Paid
  • Responsibilities

    Job Summary

    The Electrical Automation Engineer position will support the efforts to upgrade/troubleshoot the existing control systems through the company to optimize plant operations, performance, and efficiency of all manufacturing units and process according to company standards.

    Job Responsibilities

    • Design and implementation of control strategies based on plant manufacturing processes needs and company vision.

    • Work within the team to help multi-faceted upgrades to existing plant controls systems including personnel, programming, HMI and budgeting etc.

    • Review the existing hardware architecture for PLC-based control systems, analog and digital I/O systems and hardware, supporting equipment, and design improvements as needed

    • Program PLC and DCS control systems, primarily using the Control Logix, Siemens, GE, SCL500 and PLC5.

    • Must have the ability to learn FLS ASYS function blocks for the PLC and corresponding HMI graphic objects for the HMI.

    • Design and create custom PLC code and HMI graphic objects as needed to integrate sub-system PLCs with the main control system in a way that presents a common interface to the operator.

    • Coordinate control system startup, checkout, and commissioning activities with the project manager or team leader.

    • Update documentation and backup all the control system applications.

    • Participate control system upgrade meetings and develop the strategy at a large cement manufacturing facility as per company standards.

    • Mentor and supervise younger Engineers or interns.

    • Experience with engineering and developing PLC code using the FLS ASYS function block system and Rockwell system integrator design suite.

    • Travel is required to attend the meetings and upgrades within the US as needed.

    • Self-starter and ability to work in both teams as well as independently.

    • Comply with all company policies and safety regulations.

    Qualifications

    • Bachelor of Science degree in Electrical Engineering/ Computer science, or another Engineering degree with related experience in controls and automation

    • Must have the proficiency in English Language.

    • Must have troubleshooting skills.

    • Minimum of 3-5 years’ experience in industrial manufacturing.

    • Must have proven knowledge, learning ability and experience in writing PLC logic, developing programs and troubleshooting for various existing PLC systems including Rockwell Allen Bradley/Siemens/GE/FLS ASYS function block etc.

    • Experience with communication protocols, Profinet, Profibus, I/O link, TCP/IP, RS 232, and RS 485 etc.

    • Prior experience in interfacing PLCs to a SQL database using an OPC UA interfacing.

    • Must have knowledge of basic electrical systems, motor controls, and instrumentation like flow meter, solenoid and level sensors etc.

    • Familiarity with computer networking and communication systems, particularly as they relate to automation systems, cisco network certification will be preferred.

    • Must be able to read and understand engineering CAD drawings including P&ID, interconnection, and elementary drawings.

    • Ability to work cooperatively within the team as well as independently.

    • Open to travel within US (30%-40%).

    • Successful candidate must submit to post-offer pre-employment physical examination, drug/alcohol screen, background check and FMCSA (if required).

    Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities

    • Experience in Cement, concrete, and aggregate manufacturing.

    • Knowledge of distributed control systems (DCS), Control Logix programming.

    • Knowledge of historian database systems (FactoryTalk / OSIsoft-Pi / Canary data/AVEVA/Yokogawa) and data interfacing.

    • Familiarity with AutoCAD or other CAD software.

    • Ability to review, design and layout the control panels.

    • Experience with other HMI systems in a client/server configuration.

    • Project management skills.

    Working Conditions

    • Must be able to perform the job with or without accommodation.

    • Must be able to work around the shifts as needed.

    • Must be able to work long hours during commissioning / project deadlines.

    Physical Requirements

    • Requires walking, sitting, lifting, pushing, pulling, and climbing to a significant degree

    • Medium Work-Exerting up to 50 pounds of force occasionally, and/or up to 50 pounds or force frequently, and/or up to 20 pounds of force constantly to move objects

    • While performing the duties of this job, the employee is regularly required to talk and hear, to communicate to employees/visitors as well as function safely around heavy rolling equipment

    • Must be able to perform all job functions which include, but may not be limited to, pushing, turning, and/or pulling of controls.