Automation Controls Engineer III

Delkor Systems•New Brighton, MN

9d•$135,000 - $160,000•Hybrid

About The Position

The Automation Controls Engineer III will be responsible for developing new machinery concepts, engineering entirely new equipment and machinery lines, and providing technical project management and leadership. This role involves developing automation controls platforms, specifying control types, developing software according to company standards, and ensuring adherence to industry safety standards. The engineer will also lead and direct other department engineers, manage project timelines and budgets, and act as the primary technical interface with customers. Additionally, the position focuses on improving work processes, mentoring co-workers, and acting as a subject matter expert. The role also includes managing a product line, performing regular code base updates, and identifying areas for improvement 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 years of experience with servo-driven high-speed machinery required.
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.
Sit at a desk or in meetings for extended periods of time that often include extensive time on a computer.
Stand and walk for a portion of the day to interact with other employees.
See and judge distances and space relationships to successfully complete detailed activities to fine tolerances, including reading engineering schematics, spreadsheets and other documents.
Possess arm and hand mobility and strength to lift, bend, hold, reach, carry, push and pull packages, supplies, and the like used by the Engineering Department and to support the production floor.

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) preferred.
Experience with 3D parametric CAD systems preferred.
Experience with 3D emulation software (Emulate 3D) preferred.
Experience with Product Data Management systems preferred.
Experience with packaging machinery preferred.
Experience with cam-driven machinery preferred.
Experience with Fanuc Robotics preferred.
Experience specifying robotics and pick-&-place solutions preferred.
Experience managing development projects preferred.
Experience working with end-customer preferred.

Responsibilities

Develop new machinery concepts, including estimating costs and developing prototype machine automation specifications.
Direct concept automation development on test components and test rigs.
Report time-plan deviations, project risks, and cost overruns to the Controls Engineering Supervisor.
Create and improve existing code base for efficiency and new features.
Stay up-to-date on new hardware releases and assess their potential to improve Delkor’s product offerings.
Engineer new equipment and machinery lines, developing the overall automation controls platform and specifying control types.
Develop software for new machines while adhering to Delkor’s programming standards.
Utilize technical design reviews for peer review and communication.
Follow all industry safety standards (OSHA, EU Machinery Directive, etc.) and promote Safety Risk assessment.
Lead and direct other department engineers on new equipment and machinery lines.
Provide technical project management and leadership from order entry through field test completion for newly developed machinery.
Maintain and report weekly project status in cooperation with the production scheduler.
Draft and communicate project plans, automation specifications, and change orders to customers in cooperation with sales and project management.
Act as the primary technical interface with the customer on automation matters.
Direct assembly and validation staff in build and test activities.
Coordinate with Sales, Project Management, and Service Departments to resolve field technical issues.
Transfer completed prototype documentation to the commercial products engineering team upon field test completion.
Propose improved work processes to reduce lead time and costs while improving quality and safety.
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) within the Engineering Department and develop expertise in assigned areas.
Report machine performance and safety concerns to the Director of Automation.
Inform co-workers about technical advances in machinery automation.
Own a commercialized product line, performing regular updates to the code base and identifying improvements.
Perform other tasks or duties as assigned.