Electrical Automation Engineer

Sparrow Company LLC•Tuscaloosa, AL

About The Position

The Electrical Automation Engineer position will support the efforts to upgrade/troubleshoot the existing control systems through the company to optimize plant operations, performance, and efficiency of all manufacturing units and process according to company standards.

Requirements

Bachelor of Science degree in Electrical Engineering/ Computer science, or another Engineering degree with related experience in controls and automation
Must have the proficiency in English Language.
Must have troubleshooting skills.
Minimum of 3-5 years’ experience in industrial manufacturing.
Must have proven knowledge, learning ability and experience in writing PLC logic, developing programs and troubleshooting for various existing PLC systems including Rockwell Allen Bradley/Siemens/GE/FLS ASYS function block etc.
Experience with communication protocols, Profinet, Profibus, I/O link, TCP/IP, RS 232, and RS 485 etc.
Prior experience in interfacing PLCs to a SQL database using an OPC UA interfacing.
Must have knowledge of basic electrical systems, motor controls, and instrumentation like flow meter, solenoid and level sensors etc.
Familiarity with computer networking and communication systems, particularly as they relate to automation systems, cisco network certification will be preferred.
Must be able to read and understand engineering CAD drawings including P&ID, interconnection, and elementary drawings.
Ability to work cooperatively within the team as well as independently.
Open to travel within US (30%-40%).
Successful candidate must submit to post-offer pre-employment physical examination, drug/alcohol screen, background check and FMCSA (if required).

Nice To Haves

Experience in Cement, concrete, and aggregate manufacturing.
Knowledge of distributed control systems (DCS), Control Logix programming.
Knowledge of historian database systems (FactoryTalk / OSIsoft-Pi / Canary data/AVEVA/Yokogawa) and data interfacing.
Familiarity with AutoCAD or other CAD software.
Ability to review, design and layout the control panels.
Experience with other HMI systems in a client/server configuration.
Project management skills.

Responsibilities

Design and implementation of control strategies based on plant manufacturing processes needs and company vision.
Work within the team to help multi-faceted upgrades to existing plant controls systems including personnel, programming, HMI and budgeting etc.
Review the existing hardware architecture for PLC-based control systems, analog and digital I/O systems and hardware, supporting equipment, and design improvements as needed
Program PLC and DCS control systems, primarily using the Control Logix, Siemens, GE, SCL500 and PLC5.
Must have the ability to learn FLS ASYS function blocks for the PLC and corresponding HMI graphic objects for the HMI.
Design and create custom PLC code and HMI graphic objects as needed to integrate sub-system PLCs with the main control system in a way that presents a common interface to the operator.
Coordinate control system startup, checkout, and commissioning activities with the project manager or team leader.
Update documentation and backup all the control system applications.
Participate control system upgrade meetings and develop the strategy at a large cement manufacturing facility as per company standards.
Mentor and supervise younger Engineers or interns.
Experience with engineering and developing PLC code using the FLS ASYS function block system and Rockwell system integrator design suite.
Travel is required to attend the meetings and upgrades within the US as needed.
Self-starter and ability to work in both teams as well as independently.
Comply with all company policies and safety regulations.