Instrumentation & Control Systems Engineer
About The Position
The Controls System Engineer contributes to the design and operation of control system hardware and software across Fortera processes, including mineral grinding, kiln operation and calcination, mineral dissolution, gas absorption, precipitation, solids dewatering, and drying. This hands-on role bridges R&D, internal process design, and external engineering firms and equipment suppliers. It is suited to an engineer who understands plant operations, can connect theory with practice, and is comfortable making decisions and recommendations while working through the unknowns of new technology and manufacturing processes in a fast-paced environment. The role supports detailed design and project execution, including control philosophy and logic development, review and testing of PLC and HMI software, preparation of project documents, design reviews, and procurement. It also supports commissioning and operation of the commercial plant, including instrumentation setup and troubleshooting, SCADA and controls troubleshooting, root-cause analysis, control tuning, and continuous improvement. Travel of up to 15% is required.
Requirements
- Minimum B.S. in Electrical, Mechanical, Chemical Engineering, or a relevant field.
- At least 5 years of engineering experience designing, scaling, building, and commissioning commercial control systems.
- Well versed in engineering design using PFDs, P&IDs, and Process Hazard Analyses (PHA).
- Familiarity with one or more industrial control platforms, such as Beckhoff, Siemens, Allen-Bradley, or CODESYS.
- Familiarity with IEC 61131-3 programming languages.
- Familiarity with SCADA software such as Ignition, Wonderware, or FT View.
- Familiarity with industrial communication protocols such as Ethernet/IP, OPC, MQTT, or Modbus.
- Experience developing code with Python, MATLAB/Simulink, or similar tools.
- Experience interacting with external engineering firms, contractors, and equipment suppliers.
- Experience with process control schemes and their implementation.
- Background in control systems theory.
Nice To Haves
- Experience with Allen-Bradley industrial control platforms is preferred.
- Experience with Ignition SCADA software is preferred.
Responsibilities
- Contribute to development of control philosophy, sequence logic, and state machines.
- Review PLC code written by system integrators and third-party vendors.
- Review HMI objects and faceplates developed by system integrators and test them for reliable operation.
- Conduct pre-deployment testing of PLC and HMI software.
- Help prepare project deliverables, including control narratives and operation and maintenance manuals.
- Collaborate with process, R&D, project, and business development teams to define project I&C requirements.
- Review design documents, including PFDs, P&IDs, instrumentation lists, I/O lists, logic diagrams, wiring diagrams, electrical schematics, control enclosure layouts, and interlock schematics.
- Review specifications and datasheets, and participate in procurement activities such as vendor selection and communication, vendor visits, FATs, and SATs.
- Work with EPCs, suppliers, and external vendors to source automation equipment, components, and systems while meeting specifications, timelines, and quality standards.
- Manage supplier relationships, conduct technical discussions, and resolve issues during procurement, testing, and integration.
- Set up, calibrate, and troubleshoot industrial sensors and transmitters.
- Support commissioning and troubleshooting activities for the commercial plant.
- Troubleshoot complex SCADA and controls issues using relevant tools.
- Support implementation of a Management of Change procedure tailored to PLC and SCADA software modifications.
- Diagnose system issues and distinguish mechanical, electrical, and software-related root causes.
- Categorize, systematize, and address gaps in automated system behavior.
- Tune control gains and calibrate systems, documenting the process for future reference.
- Identify and address system performance gaps and support continuous improvement using advanced control methods such as MIMO and MPC.
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What This Job Offers
Job Type
Full-time
Career Level
Mid Level
