Electrical & Automation Supervisor (heavy industry)

Sparrow Company•San Antonio, TX

About The Position

Responsible for the reliability of plant electrical, instrumentation, control, and automation equipment. The role covers design, specification, programming, simulation, testing, start-up assistance, and detailed documentation for PLC and HMI systems. It requires proven PLC logic and HMI programming experience and a solid understanding of electrical equipment, instrumentation, control devices, and software development for PLC processes and HMI configuration. The supervisor oversees maintenance planning and cost control, investigates failures and process deviations, implements equipment hardware and software changes, manages improvement and commissioning projects, and leads root cause analysis. The position also supervises Electrical and Instrumentation Technicians, coordinates maintenance activities with suppliers and plant employees, and provides technical support for maintenance projects and repair work. Off-hours accessibility, including sometimes on holidays and weekends, is required.

Requirements

Bachelor’s degree in Engineering, preferably Electrical, Automation, or Electronics.
At least 5 years of experience in the design, build, or programming of ControlLogix PLC and HMI systems.
At least 5 years of experience in electrical design and maintenance on medium- and low-voltage equipment.
Proven understanding of electrical regulatory and industrial standards and codes.
Proven understanding of control and instrumentation systems in a heavy industrial manufacturing environment.
Deep PLC programming experience with Rockwell and Modicon systems.
Experience troubleshooting variable-speed drives for AC and DC motors, transformers, motors, generators, control systems, and electrical protection of motors in low-, medium-, and high-voltage applications.
Strong PLC and HMI programming skills, including ControlLogix and Modicon PLCs.
Proven experience in PLC logic programming and HMI programming.
Strong knowledge of electrical, control, and instrumentation systems.
Strong knowledge of process control and machine automation.
Working knowledge of engineering documentation required for process equipment.
Working knowledge of word processing, spreadsheet, and database management software.
Strong communication skills.
Computer skills with Excel, PowerPoint, Word, SAP, AutoCAD, and Visio.
Ability to work independently and lead or participate in cross-functional teams.
Ability to manage multiple tasks and achieve results with minimal supervision.
Availability for off-hours access, including sometimes holidays and weekends.

Responsibilities

Ensure the reliability of plant electrical, instrumentation, control, and automation equipment, including transformers, switchgears, MCCs, motors, grounding, lighting and lightning systems, PLCs, and HMIs.
Participate in budgeting and control maintenance costs for electrical, instrumentation, control, and automation equipment.
Analyze system failures, identify root causes, reduce or eliminate recurrence, and investigate process deviations and anomalies related to electrical, instrumentation, and automation hardware and software.
Implement hardware and software changes and upgrades to electrical, instrumentation, and automation equipment.
Identify and resolve long-term or chronic electrical asset concerns.
Manage projects involving design, commissioning, and performance improvement of electrical, instrumentation, and automated equipment.
Supervise Electrical and Instrumentation Technicians.
Develop and propose preventative, predictive, and autonomous maintenance plans.
Coordinate inspection and maintenance activities with suppliers and plant employees, including maintenance repairmen and electricians.
Provide technical support and follow up on maintenance projects and repair work.
Collect and analyze equipment maintenance histories, investigate failures and damage, and evaluate preventative maintenance program effectiveness.
Own and lead the Root Cause Analysis (RCA) process for major failures to prevent recurrence.
Monitor and optimize predictive and preventive maintenance programs at operating facilities.
Drive resolution of high-impact issues with urgency and integrity.
Work independently and lead or participate in cross-functional teams.
Manage multiple tasks and achieve results with minimal supervision, while remaining accessible off-hours, including sometimes on holidays and weekends.