Dwb Automation Engineer

Position Summary

The Automation Engineer is a multi-skilled individual with responsibility of maintaining and troubleshooting all process control and automation systems equipment in a proactive manner, troubleshoot and repair breakdowns on all major electrical and computer-based equipment. Support all plant electrical & Automation Engineering functions. Assist with capital and process improvement project teams. Perform all preventive maintenance as scheduled and support system improvements. Performs all work in a manner that complies with all federal, state, local, SQF, company rules and regulations and with optimum regard for plant safety and Good Manufacturing Practices.

Essential Job Functions

• Programs Programmable Logic Controller (PLC) Systems using Ladder Logic, Function Blocks, and Structured Text programming methods.
• Performs calibration of sensitive instrumentation and electronic sensors.
• Troubleshoots PLC, and electrical systems with maintenance and other manufacturing employees
• Works with maintenance and management personnel to update and improve existing PLC control and electrical systems.
• Troubleshoots PLCs, robots, other automated systems, their control panels and associated hardware
• Troubleshoots, programs, and modifies machine HMI systems.
• Troubleshoots and calibrates Delta (Pick-n-Place) Robot and various vision systems.
• Implements and maintains a systematic change control on PLC programs.
• Troubleshoots variable frequency drives, motors, and servo motors.
• Interprets electrical schematics and complex safety circuit networks.
• Establishes and conducts PM work orders for automated systems in alignment with factory’s maintenance planning and scheduling.
• Maintains factory electrical & automation documentation.
• Ensures accurate documentation of all electrical and automation platforms, equipment and unplanned machine stops.
• Collects and analyzes data to improve electrical and automation equipment to reduce unplanned down time.
• Implements automation improvements, which provides positive contribution to all key plant indicators in a manner that complies with all federal, state, local, SQF, company rules and regulations and with optimum regard for plant safety and Good Manufacturing Practices.
• Supports other maintenance troubleshooting and line maintenance as needed.
• Troubleshoots electrical circuits, including three phase 480 VAC, 120 VAC, and 24 VDC control and power systems.
• Performs basic troubleshooting of network switches, internet routing protocols and machine messaging protocols.
• Ensures documentation and backup of PLCs, network data, and any system, device, or instrument configuration changes.
• Supports electrical and automation training for other maintenance technicians and operators.

Education/Training

Required:

Preferred:

Experience/Knowledge/Abilities

Required:

• Strong AC and DC circuit analysis skills for medium and low voltage electrical systems. Must understand KVL, KCL, Loop Analysis, Mesh Analysis, and Nodal Analysis, and Thévenin's and Norton's Theorems for AC and DC circuits.
• Strong PLC troubleshooting and programming skills; Allen Bradley required
• Proficient with RSLogix 500, RSLogix 5000, Studio5000, RSLinx, and Factory Talk View.
• Ability to adapt and quickly self-learn various automated systems, IDE’s, and software as needed.
• Ability to understand, troubleshoot and edit HMI systems; AB Panel View.
• Knowledge of control system networks (Ethernet, ControlNet, and instrument digital bus systems)
• Able to be flexible, work nights, weekends, & extended shifts (i.e. 10 hrs. 12 hrs.) as needed, as well as, be on call 24/7 to support shift maintenance personnel with automation and electrical troubleshooting.
• 5+ years of experience in Automation Engineering or related field.
• Ability to stand on feet in a plant environment for up to 12 hours.
• Awareness of national, state and local electrical codes and regulations.
• Ability to lift, push, and pull up to 50 pounds on a regular basis, and occasionally more pounds inside and outside of the facility.

Preferred:

• Experience in a food manufacturing and packaging environment.
• Familiar with AB Connected Components Workbench
• Familiar with AutoDesk AutoCAD Electrical Toolset
• Bi-lingual English / Spanish ability
• Other Programming Languages a plus (C/C++, C#, VBA, JAVA, PYTHON, ETC)

Personal Protective Equipment (PPE):

• Slip resistant footwear
• Hairnet/beard net
• Company supplied gloves
• Apron or smock or uniform
• Ear, eye, and head protection gear
• Additional PPE may be required depending on task

Employees Supervised: None

Travel: None