Automation Engineer

Sparrow Company LLC•Reno, NV

67d•$80,000 - $120,000•Onsite

About The Position

The Automation Engineer will be responsible for developing, implementing, and maintaining automation systems within a manufacturing environment. This role involves ensuring the reliable operation of plant process servers and networks, managing PLC and HMI programs, and assisting with IT infrastructure. The engineer will also play a key role in achieving production goals, training maintenance personnel, and troubleshooting equipment malfunctions. Communication and collaboration with other departments, particularly production, are essential for explaining new equipment, controls, and programming changes.

Requirements

Bachelors Degree in engineering preferred; chemical, electrical or mechanical.
Minimum of four years of plant engineering or maintenance experience in an automated manufacturing environment.
Strong verbal and written communication skills.
Strong team building skills and ability to train others.
Strong information gathering, investigative, and troubleshooting skills.
Ability to plan and conduct meetings and training sessions.
Must be proficient in PLC and HMI programming.
Knowledge of software upgrades and license renewals.
Must be able to work in an environment with minimal supervision.
Physically capable of climbing stairs
Proficient verbal and written skills
Must be able to read prints, electrical and mechanical
Knowledge of PLC programming experience preferably with Modicon Control Expert or Unity control systems.
Must have previous HMI development preferably with GE iFix
Familiar with Rockwell RS Studio
Ability to install, maintain & test various PLC hardware, temperature, pressure and level instruments
Must be familiar with IP addressing and Modbus communication protocols
Ability to maintain plant office and process computer servers
Must be able to sit for prolonged periods of time. Must have manual dexterity needed to type on a computer keyboard.
Must be proficient in Microsoft products including Excel, Word and Outlook
Must possess and maintain a valid drivers license

Nice To Haves

Occasional local travel in a personal or company vehicle is required.
Review plant alarm logs for unusual events
Attend Down Day Planning meetings
Attend Staff meetings

Responsibilities

Actively develop, implement and participate in all safety programs, rules and procedures. Maintain proactive working habits with all plant personnel to continuously improve overall safety.
Administer preventative maintenance plan for reliable operation of plant process servers, and overall process network.
Ensure that all HMI and PLC programs are kept current and backed up on a regular basis.
Assist corporate IT personnel in maintaining reliable operation of the plant office computer servers.
Assist in achieving company production goals in waste and delay.
Train existing employees to maintain competent skill level in the maintenance department.
Incorporate new equipment and/or processes into the existing process network when necessary. This can include developing new PLC programming and interfacing associated HMI screens.
Maintain proactive working habits to improve overall reliability of equipment.
Take an active role in communications between departments, especially explaining new equipment additions, controls, or programming changes to production personnel.
Troubleshoot plant upset conditions and assist in resolving equipment malfunctions.
Participate in development and implementation of all established company policies. Act as a role model in compliance and enforcement for all personnel.
All other duties and responsibilities, as assigned