Job Purpose

The Plant Controls Engineer is responsible for ensuring the reliable and efficient operation of plant control systems by maintaining and troubleshooting automation equipment and processes. This role requires diligent upkeep of all relevant documentation, including electrical prints, manuals, and program changes, to support compliance and operational excellence. The engineer will drive continuous improvement initiatives aimed at optimizing process performance and enhancing safety standards. Additionally, the position collaborates closely with regional engineers and external vendors to successfully implement new equipment and technologies as part of capital projects, ensuring seamless integration and long-term value for the facility. A key aspect of this role is to provide hands-on training and technical support to plant electricians and process control technicians, particularly in PLC programming and troubleshooting, to build in-house expertise and promote safe, effective operations.

In this position you will have the opportunity to:

• Ensure compliance and perform all duties in accordance with all safety, health and environmental rules and regulations.
• Develop and implement results oriented, value-added engineering solutions that achieve predetermined project goals and customer needs and/or requirements.
• Develop project documentation defining standards, detailed reports, specifications, plans, prints, schematics, and/or other necessary documentation required to achieve defined project goals.
• Develop detailed design of automation and process control systems that integrate PCs, PLCs, AC or DC Drives, Position Controllers, single or multi-loop controllers.
• Integrate statistical control components into system design including basic control charting, real time & historical trending, remote monitoring, and data acquisition / control.
• Develop, install, and debug control system programming including PC operating, PC / PLC communications, PLC HMI, and/or specialty component software.
• Lead and/or guide internal or external engineering resources to ensure adherence to project goals and objectives.
• Implement standard engineering and project management practices consistently throughout project and work assignments.
• Maintain technical skills and knowledge by attending trade shows or clinics; investigate new equipment applications with consulting engineers & equipment vendors, and specific course work in addition to collaboration with other mills and keeping current with new technologies.
• Lead development and training efforts of field operation and maintenance personnel in the design features, process operation, interpretation of system information, and application of that information regarding control system functionality.
• Witness testing and system site quality control.
• Train plant electricians on processes.
• Monitor installation quality.
• Perform all duties in accordance with safety rules and regulations.
• Perform other duties, as necessary.

What do I need to be successful?

Knowledge, Skills and Abilities

• Detailed working knowledge of plant PLCs and HMI software (i.e., Schneider/Allen Bradley and Aveva System Platform)
• Detailed working knowledge of all HMI hardware and software in use including Wonderware Intouch and Active Factory.
• Detailed working knowledge of AC & DC drives coordinated drives systems and position control systems.
• Knowledge of medium and high voltage systems.
• Detailed working knowledge of IT systems, PC hardware and software, servers, fiber optic cabling, and network switches.
• Knowledge of statistical control techniques and programs such as SPC, SQC and SCADA systems.
• Effective oral and written communication skills.
• Ability to influence or guide people to allow successful completion of objectives.
• Knowledge and understanding of professional and ethical responsibility.
• Ability to function on multi-discipline or multi-functional teams.

Education/Experience

•    Bachelor’s degree in engineering, Applied Science, or a related field or equivalent experience (4-6 years of discipline experience for BS equivalency).
•    5+ years’ experience in automation and process control systems and techniques.
•    Or any combination of experience and training that demonstrates the ability to perform the key responsibilities of this position.

Work Environment

• This position works in both an office environment and in a manufacturing environment.
• Work breakdown as 5% administrative, 95% technical
• Moderate to frequent travel during plant construction requiring a flexible schedule.