Automation Controls Engineer III

Delkor Systems•New Brighton, MN

3h•Hybrid

About The Position

This Automation Controls Engineer III role involves developing new machinery concepts, estimating time and material costs for new product machinery quotes, and defining prototype machine automation specifications. The position requires directing concept automation development on test components and rigs, and reporting project deviations and risks to the Controls Engineering Supervisor. Key responsibilities include creating and improving existing code bases for efficiency and new features, staying updated on new hardware releases, and engineering entirely new equipment and machinery lines. This encompasses developing the overall automation controls platform, specifying control types and hardware, and developing software while adhering to programming standards and industry safety regulations. The engineer will lead and direct other department engineers, provide technical project management from order entry through field test completion, and act as the primary customer interface for automation matters. Coordination with assembly, validation, sales, project management, and service departments is crucial for build activities and technical issue resolution. The role also involves transferring completed prototype documentation, proposing improved work processes, mentoring co-workers, contributing to product development, and acting as a subject matter expert. Finally, the engineer will manage a commercialized product line, performing regular code updates and seeking improvements across all product lines.

Requirements

Four-year degree in Electrical Engineering or two-year degree in Engineering (or equivalent) and 8 years of related experience specifying, designing and programming PLC, HMI and servo control systems
Minimum 6 year of experience with servo-driven high-speed machinery
Minimum 4 years of experience with RSLogix5000
Able to manage the design of control systems for machinery or integration projects (integrated packaging lines)
Able to read, understand, analyze and problem solve electrical schematics and engineering related software programs
Able to use standard computer programs for work processing including Microsoft Office products
Able to tutor and/or lead others on designs and projects
Must exhibit a high level of inquisitiveness, troubleshooting, and problem-solving abilities
Able to adapt to a fast-paced environment
Communicates clearly and effectively (verbally and non-verbally) to individuals and groups, internally and externally, to exchange ideas and convey detailed information accurately
Works well with a variety of people and personalities, and with other Delkor departments
Works collaboratively, as a team member, to suggest ideas and resolve issues in a positive manner
Self-motivated and able to work independently and accurately with minimal supervision
Takes ownership of his or her area(s) of responsibility
Understands the need to work productively, making good use of his or her time
Strong leadership skills including the ability to independently problem solve engineering issues
Innovative in developing more efficient and effective methods of completing assigned tasks
Well organized with a strong aptitude for details
Able to maintain a positive work environment, even when encountering challenging situations

Nice To Haves

Experience with Rockwell Automation PLCs (ControlLogix, CompactLogix), VFDs (PowerFlex525 and 527), servo drives (Kinetix 5700, 5500 and ArmorKinetix) and HMIs (Optix or PanelView)
Experience with 3D parametric CAD systems
Experience with 3D emulation software (Emulate 3D)
Experience with Product Data Management systems
Experience with packaging machinery
Experience with cam-driven machinery
Experience with Fanuc Robotics
Experience specifying robotics and pick-&-place solutions
Experience managing development projects
Experience working with end-customer

Responsibilities

Develop new machinery concepts
Estimate time and material costs for new product machinery quotes
Develop the prototype machine automation specifications, configurations, options list and cost targets; publish and maintain specifications for approval at milestone reviews
Direct concept automation development on test components and test rigs
Report time-plan deviations, project risks, cost overruns, etc. to the Controls Engineering Supervisor
Create/Improve existing code base to improve efficiency or add new features
Stay up to date on new hardware releases and determine how they could improve Delkor’s product offerings
Engineer entirely new equipment and machinery lines
Develop the overall automation controls platform
Specify type of control used to deliver expected results, servo versus pneumatics, sensor types, controls hardware utilized
Develop the software for new machines while maintaining Delkor’s programing standards
Utilize technical design reviews as a driver for peer review and communication throughout the project
Follow all industry safety standards as dictated by the relevant government entities (OSHA, EU Machinery Directive, local authorities, etc.) and drive the use of Safety Risk assessment in evaluating machinery for hazards
Lead and direct the efforts of other department engineers related to new equipment and machinery lines
Provide technical project management and leadership from project order entry through field test completion for newly developed machinery
In cooperation with the production scheduler, maintain and report weekly project status
In cooperation with sales and project management, draft and communicate the project plan, automation specifications and change orders to the customer
Act as the primary interface with the customer on all technical matters regarding automation
Direct the assembly and validation staff in day-to-day build and test activities
Coordinate with Sales, Project Management and Service Department to solve technical issues in the field
At field test completion, transfer the completed prototype documentation package to the commercial products engineering team
Propose improved work processes with the intent of reducing lead time and costs while improving quality, safety and sharing expertise with co-workers
Mentor and educate co-workers in best machinery development practices
Contribute to the establishment and refinement of the product development process
Act as a subject matter expert (SME) with the Engineering Department and develop expertise in assigned area of key competency; mentor and educate others in area of expertise
Report machine performance and safety concerns to the Director of Automation
Stay abreast of and inform co-workers on technical advances in the field of machinery automation
Manage Program for Product Line
Be the owner of a commercialized product line
Preform regular updates on code base to maintain Delkor’s current standard
Look for improvements in code base and share with others to improve all Delkor product lines
Perform other tasks or duties as assigned