Associate Controls Engineer
Summary
The Associate Controls Engineer is responsible for programming Programmable Logic Controllers (PLC’s) and Human Machine Interfaces (HMI’s) used for the control and automation of custom systems built for Compressed and Liquefied Natural Gas fueling stations.
Essential Duties and Responsibilities include the following, other duties may be assigned:
⦁ Program and troubleshoot Horner, Siemens, AB PLC programs.
⦁ Modify existing programs from customer requirements.
⦁ Ability to trouble shoot and configure other automation devices, such as VFDs, motor starters, HMI’s for automation/control.
⦁ Working understanding of design, configuration and use of current networks such as Profibus, Ethernet, etc.
⦁ Provide direct assistance to field personnel to resolve electrical program issues.
⦁ Ability to perform electrical diagnosis, recommend repair or perform repair as needed.
⦁ Using control descriptions, I/O lists, electrical schematics, and drawings, create PLC/HMI code for control of various electro-mechanical systems.
⦁ Assist Field Commissioning and Service Technicians with start-up and troubleshooting of applied programming.
⦁ Work with Engineering team to develop electrical, instrumentation and control products and systems to satisfy unique customer specifications, contracts, and new business development.
⦁ Review/modify electrical schematics, drawings, and I/O lists for various electro-mechanical systems to ensure compliance with engineering standards and customer specifications.
⦁ Participate as necessary in equipment tests (including Factory Acceptance Tests (FAT), assembly, installation, and set-up activities to ensure components and systems are conforming to engineering design standards and customer specifications.
⦁ Program troubleshooting, problem identification and resolution for PLC code.
⦁ Providing field support for equipment installation, startup, troubleshooting, and ongoing maintenance.
⦁ Ability to travel across North America including Canada.
⦁ Follow written/verbal instructions and meet deadlines with minimal supervision
⦁ Travel will be required (Typically 1-2 weeks at a time for up to three weeks per month)
⦁ Other duties as assigned.
Supervisory Responsibilities
This position has no supervisory responsibilities.
Qualifications
To perform this job successfully, an individual must be able to perform each essential duty satisfactorily. The requirements listed below are representative of the knowledge, skill, and/or ability required. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.
⦁ Minimum 1 years of related automation experience with HMI, SCADA, PLC’s, and general control system design.
⦁ Proven attitude regarding personal safety, the safety of co-workers and the public
⦁ Entry level experience with Rockwell PLC platforms, Siemens, Horner.
⦁ Ability to demonstrable working knowledge using various end devices including pressure and temperature transmitters, mass flow meters, VFD drives, soft starters
⦁ Entry level experience with network and automation communication protocols including wireless platforms.
⦁ Experience with Communication Protocols (Modbus, TCP/IP, HART, OPC)
⦁ Proficient in the use of Microsoft operating systems and Office programs including Access, Word, and Excel.
⦁ Excellent communication skills with the ability to interact with multiple disciplines
⦁ Must be able to read and understand P&ID’s, construction drawings, wiring diagrams and schematics.
⦁ Optional CAP (Certified Automation Professional)
⦁ Some experience with Proficy, IFIX Suite is a plus
Education and/or Experience
A minimum of 1 year of related experience in the areas outline above, plus education/or training in the areas outline below.; or equivalent combination of education and experience with PLC and HMI design and programming
A 3 year Post Secondary Career & Technical Education Program (CTE) Endorsement/Diploma or an Industrial Automation Bachelor of Science Degree with a focus in the following areas,
• Industrial Automation Networks
• Industrial Automation Measurement
• Industrial Safety Principles and Management
• Industrial Automation Systems
• Industrial Motion Control
• Project Management and Budgeting
• Quality Management
• Systems Design and Integration
• Systems Implementation
• Technical Writing
• Experience or familiarity with one or multiple PLC programing languages including Siemens, Allen Bradley and Horner.
• Knowledge of National Electrical Code and NFPA regulatory standards.
Plus 1-2 years of related experience and/or training; or equivalent combination of education and experience with PLC and HMI design and programming
Language Skills
Ability to read, analyze, and interpret general business periodicals, professional journals, technical procedures, or governmental regulations. Ability to write reports, business correspondence, and procedure manuals. Ability to effectively present information and respond to questions from groups of managers, clients, customers, and the general public.
Mathematical Skills
Ability to work with mathematical concepts such as probability and statistical inference, and fundamentals of plane and solid geometry and trigonometry. Ability to apply concepts such as fractions, percentages, ratios, and proportions to practical situations.
Reasoning Ability
Ability to solve practical problems and deal with a variety of concrete variables in situations where only limited standardization exists. Ability to interpret a variety of instructions furnished in written, oral, diagram, or schedule form.
Computer Skills
Knowledge of all Microsoft Office applications and AutoCAD software.
Certificates, Licenses, Registrations
Certified Siemens, Horner and/ or Allen Bradley PLC programmer preferred.
Competencies
To perform the job successfully, an individual should demonstrate the following behaviors:
Quality: Consistently produces high quality work (accurate, neat, and thorough). Strives to improve productivity, processes and quality. Demonstrates strong knowledge and skills related to the job. Presents a professional image with dress, demeanor, and manners. Maintains clean work space, company equipment and company vehicles. Safety is a high priority; performs job safely.
Communication: Communicates clearly, concisely, effectively, professionally and timely.
Exhibits good listening and comprehension skills. Keeps others appropriately informed and shares ideas even when unpopular. Listens to what others have to say. Maintains open and active communication with colleagues. Effectively uses knowledge and experience in asking, probing, and anticipating issues to ensure quality is provided.
Teamwork: Fosters the spirit of working with each other. Displays respect, courtesy, politeness, tact, and openness. Handles conflict in an appropriate and professional manner. Builds relationships, promotes cohesiveness, models collaboration with others. Considers impact and issues for our customer and other departments. Engages other impacted departments early for solutions.
Persistence: Develops workable alternatives and solutions. Exhibits persistence in following assignments through to completion. Promotes process improvements.
Reliable: Responds in a timely manner. Is honest, ethical, value-driven and trustworthy. Keeps commitments made, completes assignments and meets deadlines. Accountable--Takes responsibility for own actions and performance. Meets attendance and punctuality guidelines. Available and accessible.
Entrepreneurial: Takes initiative and appropriate action. Is engaged and committed to achieving the company’s mission. Pursues better ways to get things done and takes appropriate risks. Keeps up to date with competitor information and market trends. Controls costs and thinks in terms of profit, loss and added value. Is committed to the satisfaction of customers.
Leadership: Provides clear direction around a vision. Creates actionable plans and is proactive & anticipatory. Demonstrates innovative approaches and solutions. Is an example for employees and others. Accepts responsibility for individual and team performance. Makes appropriate and timely decisions and takes action on decisions. Sets clear and reasonable performance expectations. Motivates and empowers others. Delegates tasks appropriately. Recruits staff of a high caliber. Provides feedback to subordinates that is timely and direct. Recognizes subordinates for their contributions and effort. Encourages continuous growth and learning in others. Shows respect for others and their ideas. Helps others manage through change.
Passion: Is excited and creates enthusiasm about the company’s future. Promotes a sense of company pride. Displays sense of pride in the department and its contributions. Displays passion for the job.
Physical Demands
The physical demands described here are representative of those that must be met by an employee to successfully perform the essential functions of this job. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.
While performing the duties of this Job, the employee is regularly required to use hands to finger, handle, or feel; reach with hands and arms and talk or hear. The employee is frequently required to walk and sit. The employee is occasionally required to stand. The employee must occasionally lift and/or move up to 25 pounds. Specific vision abilities required by this job include close vision, distance vision, color vision, peripheral vision, depth perception and ability to adjust focus. Always practice good judgment and refer to the safety guidelines.
Work Environment
The work environment characteristics described here are representative of those an employee encounters while performing the essential functions of this job. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions. Always practice good judgment and refer to the safety guidelines.
The noise level while working on the equipment in the field is typically LOUD (+90db)