Automation Engineer

Job Summary

The Automation Engineer (or Process Control Engineer) is responsible for the plant automation control system maintenance, design, troubleshooting, optimization, and improvement initiatives necessary for plant operations. 

Responsibilities

• Install and maintain process control hardware and related software
• Continuously explore opportunities to automate the manufacturing process by working closely with plant personnel and develop logic to enhance plant performance and process flow
• Responsible for the improvement of the plant digital control system while maintaining current knowledge of emerging process control technologies
• Maintain knowledge related to potential software bugs, upgrades, patches, etc.  and communicate recommended improvements, gain approvals for changes prior to implementation
• Responsible for process control software reliability, security, and compatibility with relevant plant systems while ensuring network and communications integrity
• Ensure all process control data is being recorded, backed up, and archived (includes SQL database); prepare and maintain written and computer-based logs, reports, and charts for plant management and regulatory agencies
• Prioritize system maintenance tasks to minimize process control-related downtime
• Assist in the preparation of cost estimates for capital projects, and proposals for capital investment; assist in the development of capital budgets and prioritization
• Develop start-up procedures, and equipment specifications, and assist with the commissioning of new installations including training assistance
• Ensure control room operators are up to date on new software
• Improve the quality and clarity of information provided to control room operators, employees, and management
• Use electrical drawings, schematics, flowcharts, computer code, and logic code to accomplish job responsibilities
• Administratively and technically assist will analytical systems throughout the plant
• Must comply with company safety rules/regulations and wear proper safety equipment/personal protective equipment (PPE) 
• Ability to work independently, be a self-starter, and make decisions as appropriate while managing conflicting demands

Education

Bachelor’s Degree in Electrical Engineering, Computer Engineering, Chemical Engineering or related field. 
 

Requirements/Qualifications

• Must have 3-7 years of related automation or process control experience. 
• Computer knowledge should include basic operating systems software (Win XP/7, NT workstations, servers, and MS Office)
• Knowledgeable in computer maintenance, Simocode Pro, HMI interface software (RSView32 preferred), and PLC’s (Siemens S-7Pro PLC with Simatic Manager software, GE and AB with associated software knowledge in RSLogix 5000, ControlLogix preferred)
• Must be knowledgeable in electronics, process control and automation, and functions of the cement manufacturing process 
• Ability to read blueprints, engineering drawings, schematics, and drawings
• Leadership and interpersonal skills to facilitate positive working relationships with all levels of management and staff
• Strong written/verbal communication, analytical, and computer skills
• High standards of safety, performance, and production
• Must be able to see and hear safety indicators and warnings
• Ability to walk long distances (up to 300 yards) on all types of surfaces (uneven and /or slippery ground)
• Must have physical ability to climb on equipment to provide supervision while work is being performed
• Must be able to stoop, crawl under and into enclosed spaces, use man-elevators, and climb ladders, stairs and/or stockpiles as high as 400 feet in elevation 
• Must be able to pass required physical examination and drug screens
• Ability to drive to various locations
• Occasional overnight travel (air/auto) as required

Compensation

This is a full-time salaried position with regular hours Monday through Friday. This position is also on-call and may need to work nights and or weekends as appropriate. Salary range is $80,000 to $110,000 per year, depending on experience. 

Benefits

CalPortland is proud to offer a comprehensive, competitive benefits package that provides health and financial support to our most important resources: our employees. Your benefits are an important part of your overall compensation at CalPortland. That’s why we give you a wide range of benefits to choose from. 

• Medical, Dental, Vision - Low-cost premiums for employee and family coverage
• Company contribution to H.S.A.
• Company-paid life and AD&D insurance
• Company-paid short-term disability
• Employee Assistance Program (EAP)
• Additional Voluntary Benefits
• Paid Sick, Vacation and Holidays
• 401k with Company Match and an Annual Contribution, for a total of 12% Employer Contribution
• Incentive Program and Profit Sharing dependent on Company performance

Conditions of Employment

Successful candidate must submit to a post-offer pre-employment physical examination, drug/alcohol screen, and background check. Some positions require Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA) registration/clearance as well as ongoing alcohol and drug testing.