Entry-Level Controls Engineer (Industrial Automation)

Qualdoc•Petersburg, VA

20h•Hybrid

About The Position

This entry-level Controls Engineer position focuses on industrial automation within a rolling mill environment. The role involves responsibilities such as automation, training, troubleshooting major failures, software backup, research, development, improvement, and testing of electrical/electronic components, equipment, and systems. The engineer will collaborate closely with production, maintenance, and management to ensure continuous operation and improvement of equipment and processes. The position reports to the Maintenance General Foreman.

Requirements

Bachelor's degree in Mechatronics or Electrical Engineering.
5 years manufacturing experience programming PLCs.
Strong knowledge of AC/DC controls and motors and drives.
Ability to oversee electrical projects equipment, systems, etc. including elements of design, implementation, maintenance, and operational and safety standards.
Prior experience with programming PLCs and developing ladder logic on Rockwell and Siemens S7-1516.
Solid understanding of PLC communication protocols (Profibus and Profinet preferred).
Ability to troubleshoot equipment problems resulting from automation, communication, or HMI issues and implement strong corrective measures.
Must be comfortable using MS Office, data acquisition software (IBA/PDA preferred).
Must be willing to work in both an office setting and hands on in the field.
Must be able to translate operator requests into actionable automation items.
Detailed oriented, creative thinker.
Ability to troubleshoot equipment problems and perform complex system tests.
Ability to communicate well with operators, maintenance, and members of the leadership team.

Nice To Haves

Profibus and Profinet preferred for PLC communication protocols.
IBA/PDA preferred for data acquisition software.

Responsibilities

Modify PLCs to support the operations process, with PLC experience on one or more of the following: GE innovation series controllers, Toshiba NV controllers, RX3i controllers, GE Genius Block I/O networks, Siemens S7/TIA, Allen Bradley PLC.
Modify HMI to support the operations process, with HMI programming experience on one or more of the following: GE Cimplicity, Ignition, WIN CC, Rockwell Automation.
Electrical and network experience on one or more of the following: IBA Analytical tools, Computer networking, Cisco switching/router configuration, ABB LV and MV drives.
Lead initiatives to improve HMI based on operational needs.
Lead initiatives to improve automation stability.
Lead action plan items to help eliminate delays due to automation and automated processes.
Be engaged in the process to find and address opportunities for increased throughput, improved instrumentation, improved reliability of existing instrumentation, and improved system response to instrument feedback.
Continue to improve the alarm reporting and functionality for the operator and maintenance.
Collect, analyze, and report asset performance and work with teams to implement methods to improve performance and sustain existing efficiencies.
Develop solutions and provide recommendations for major equipment modifications, renovations, installations, additions, and replacements to facilitate continuous improvement.
Support planning and scheduling standard processes to effectively execute all down-days and outages.
Participate in Failure Analysis on maintenance and operational issues.
Assist with Annual Action Planning process.