Automation Engineer

Purpose and Scope:

Primary responsibilities include modifying, commissioning and troubleshooting of automation equipment. Continuously pursue innovative ways to leverage one's expertise to improve new and existing processes. Provide control systems and application solutions that range from complete system design and implementation to existing system expansion and upgrades. This position will also be a blended role working with engineering resources as well as project consultants and contractors to support designs, modify and build new automated solutions.

Expected Outcomes/Job Functions:

Safety Expectations:

• Responsible for performing all job requirements in a safe manner and being a proactive safety role model with co-workers.
• Responsible for correcting/reporting unsafe behaviors or equipment to ensure a safe working environment.
• Responsible for cleanliness within the work department.
• Responsible for attending all monthly safety training meetings.
• Encouraged to engage in extracurricular safety programs (ie: 1st responders, safety committee, audits).
• Ensure that safety and ergonomics are built in to all new projects, processes and equipment.

Responsibilities:

• Develop PLC programming Develop code from specifications in multiple control platforms
• Design, implement, and commission drive control systems
• Develop motion-based machine control solutions meeting customer specifications and all applicable safety standards and functional requirements
• Develop HMI and SCADA control solutions meeting customer specifications and functional requirements
• Learn and implement new control platform solutions in a self-paced on the job environment
• Responsible for accuracy and content of design, as assigned by engineering manager
• Interface with consultants, maintenance, production and engineering teams
• Development, testing, and commissioning of new and existing equipment
• Review drawings for accuracy
• Train end user personnel (production and engineering) on systems, when required
• Lead collaborative discussions between leadership and key stakeholders to determine automation capabilities and goals
• Support existing automation technology with component and process upgrades

Requirements

• Ability to read and understand electrical schematics for control systems
• Must have proven experience in PLC logic and programming for Allen Bradley with any of the following PLC's a plus: Modicon, GE Fanuc, Siemens, Automation Direct, Mitsubishi, Omron, Aromat, Toshiba, etc.
• Ability to program ABB and Kuka robots
• Ability to troubleshoot unfamiliar systems with a structured approach
• Ability to document work and provide concise reports and manuals
• Ability to commission AC, DC, and Motion drives
• Knowledge and experience with drive control systems, understand AC & DC motor theory, multi-platform and multi-vendor experience a plus
• Motion control experience is preferred
• Must have proven experience with HMI or SCADA programming for Allen Bradley with configuration of any of the following software packages a plus: Wonderware, Intellution, GE Cimplicity, Ci-Tech, Iconics, Siemens, U.S. Data, etc.
• Working knowledge of NEC, NFPA-79, and UL-508 Industry Safety Standards
• Multi-industry experience a plus
• Document processes and standardize process changes by writing new procedures or updating existing procedures, and teach, coach and train others to promote sharing of knowledge.
• Advanced Troubleshooting - use critical thinking skills to correctly recognize, assess, and resolve problems.
• Lead and support installation of equipment/systems.
• Set up preventive maintenance for automation equipment.
• Support and assist as needed in maintaining and improving operations.Initiate and support continuous improvement and elimination of waste and variation in processes using established improvement processes.
• Demonstrate interpersonal and communication skills necessary to work in team environment.
• Support environmental and compliance reporting by assisting engineering manager and process engineers in monitoring, collecting info and data, etc.
• Must be able to travel and work off-shifts as needed.

The above responsibilities represent the major tasks assigned to incumbents in this job title. They are not intended to be an exhaustive list of all tasks. Therefore, on occasion, incumbents may perform other related tasks.

Education and Experience: (minimum requirements)

1. Bachelor's degree in related field and 2-5 years related experience or equivalent combination of education and experience.

2. Technical knowledge and hands-on experience to operate and troubleshoot in the following areas:

Required:

• Experience with ABB and Kuka robotics
• Programming control logic for Allen-Bradley and similar PLCs
• Knowledge of Servo and Variable Frequency Drives
• Understanding of relevant electrical requirements and machine safety standards
• Microsoft Project experience beneficial
• Familiarity with networking
• Assimilating new or upgraded technology as appropriate to the business

Preferred but not required:

• Visual Basic programming language -- developing in Visual Basic 6.0 and SQL Server beneficial
• Wonderware, Panel-view or similar HMI software
• GE and Siemens knowledge
• Cimplicity and Labview

3. Working knowledge of instruments, tools, process control equipment, and processes for analysis of this type of equipment.

4. Solid project planning and management skills

5. Strong interpersonal, communication, and organizational skills

6. Familiarity with Lean and Six Sigma concepts and Six Sigma formal training highly desirable

Attributes:

• Experienced and effective working in a plant environment with employees in all roles and with diverse backgrounds and approaches.
• Embrace constant change in a fast-paced, engineering/manufacturing/installation environment
• Proven excellent problem solving, root cause identification, and troubleshooting skills.
• Manage time and workload efficiently, and the ability to prioritize and modify priorities accordingly
• Detail orientated work.
• Strong verbal and written communication skills to discuss, develop, and implement plans.
• Work independently and to work effectively in a team atmosphere.
• Generate and support continuous improvement ideas and culture.
• Microsoft Office full suite of products and position specific software.

Working Conditions:

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 allow individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.

This job is primarily performed in an office environment. The noise level in the office is generally moderate. While performing the duties of this job, the employee frequently interacts with individuals on the plant floor, near moving mechanical parts. The noise level in the production environment is usually loud.

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. For specific lifting, pushing and pulling thresholds for this position, please see HR.

While performing the functions of this job, the employee is regularly required to sit, stand, walk, talk, and hear. The employee is frequently required to use hands and fingers to feel, handle, or operate objects, tools, or controls; and reach with hands and arms. The employee may occasionally lift and/or move up to 30 pounds. Vision requirements include close vision, color vision, and the ability to adjust focus.

Communication Expectations:

The position routinely requires verbal and written communication in English in order to complete the daily business requirements. Verbal communications include, but are not limited to: team meetings to discuss daily department requirements, work instructions to team members, presentations to management or customers, project meetings with peers and management, communications with peers and management, and safety instructions and training. Written communications include, but are not limited to: department paperwork, projects updates, safety walkthroughs, purchase orders, continuous improvement projects, and communications with peers, customers, and management.

Equal Opportunity Employer

Our Benefits

Apogee and our brands are an equal opportunity employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, disability, or veteran status or any other characteristic protected by state or federal law.