Automation & Controls Specialist

The Automation & Controls Specialist will work with field technicians and operations specialists in the design, maintenance and implementation of control and automation systems within ALMAG's facilities. Qualified individual will also provide field level technical resources for automation, instrumentation, and controls equipment including installation, programming, maintenance, and troubleshooting.

The ideal candidate is expected to pro-actively identify where processes can be adapted and optimized to ensure cost effectiveness. Throughout the process control development, the Automation & Controls Specialist will verify practices for efficiency and accuracy in order to ensure safety and improved quality. Specifically, the duties will include developing an in-depth knowledge of our equipment, control loops and operating sequences and working to optimize through additional automation and monitoring.

DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES

The duties and responsibilities of the POSITION are detailed below, but not limited to the following:

• Assist with troubleshooting and repair of equipment with a focus on minimizing equipment downtime.
• Assists / lead equipment malfunction/breakdown root cause analysis, determining corrective actions/preventative measures.
• Ensure plant has 24/7 coverage and be available after hours for support when needed.
• Review and document technical information (i.e. version upgrade requirements, service packs, patches, utilities) provided by the product manufacturer. Keeps up-to-date schematics and related technical documentation
• Assists Engineers/Application Consultants in developing product upgrade paths
• Installation and commissioning support of new installations, including problems with documentation, research and replication.
• Lead the Predictive & Preventative maintenance of Instrument and electrical controls including PLC's, and SCADA.
• Performs setup, calibration and monitoring of equipment performance by taking readings from process and control instrumentation and equipment.
• Determines and programs parameters for variable frequency drivers, servo drives and other equipment.
• Design, Install and commission new instrumentation for additional data collection as per requests from data users & for process improvements.
• Maintains and continuously develops existing plant process control systems.
• Tests new industrial automation equipment, instruments, controls and materials available on the market for use in a manufacturing environment, and provide recommendations.
• Maintains up-to-date technical knowledge and skills by attending training sessions and seminars from major manufacturers of automation equipment, including Rockwell Automation, Schneider Electric, General Electric, etc.
• Follow all relevant departmental policies, processes, standard operating procedures and instructions so that work is carried out in a controlled and consistent manner
• Develop and assist with implementation of Standard Operating Procedures for Operations & Standard Maintenance Procedures for Maintenance personnel.
• Provide support to operations including studies, problem solving, investigations, and training
• Other duties as assigned

Requirements

MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS

Education/Experience

• Minimum three years of experience with manufacturing systems, including PLC-based control systems and OPC interfaces preferred
• Experience working with Industrial Network Protocols (Device Net, Ethernet IP, Modbus TCP, etc);

Technical Skills/Competence

• Strong diagnostic, problem-solving, and decision-making capabilities;
• Possesses and commits to a high level of personal and ethical responsibility
• Basic understanding of hydraulics and pneumatics
• PLC and HMI programming, implementation and troubleshooting (Allen Bradley, Siemens, and Omron)

Benefits

• Profit Sharing
• Education Assistance Program
• Social Events
• Safety Shoe and Glasses Allowance
• Internal Growth and Development

• Health and Dental
• Life and AD&D
• Vision
• Critical Illness Insurance
• Long Term Disability

Qualification

High School or equivalent