PLC Process Automation Engineer - Manufacturing Operations

Arrow Specialties USA, LLC•Richmond, VA

1d•Onsite

About The Position

The Process Automation Engineer (PLC) is responsible for tracking engineering changes and updating required documentation through the Management of Change (MOC) process. The role assists with setting up, qualifying, and maintaining equipment and machinery, troubleshoots issues, keeps current with technology, and serves as the primary resource for existing PLC equipment and initiatives. This is a full-time, salaried, exempt role with an annual bonus incentive at the Spruance Manufacturing Plant in Richmond, Virginia. The engineer works with technicians and engineers to maintain, troubleshoot, and enhance machine automation systems; supports the design, implementation, commissioning, and validation of control applications; and designs, commissions, maintains, and improves control systems, primarily using Allen-Bradley ControlLogix PLCs and associated electrical and instrumentation systems. The role also supports development of a Stratus appliance running VMware ESXi, with the goal of complete virtualization, and leads minor and medium capital improvement automation projects. Additional work includes developing FactoryTalk HMI graphics, mentoring team members on PLC activities, participating in process-control incident investigations and follow-up, and supporting communications between systems. The position requires occasional off-hour support and may require rare travel of less than 10% of the time. It strengthens safe, reliable production through E/I engineering judgment, field partnership, and disciplined control-system stewardship.

Requirements

Bachelor’s degree in electrical engineering or a related field, with relevant process and machine-control experience.
Minimum of 5 years of experience in chemical process manufacturing or related areas.
Strong experience implementing and supporting process-control systems, preferably Rockwell Allen-Bradley.
Ability to troubleshoot and resolve issues related to control-system hardware and software, instruments, networks, and processes.
Knowledge of variable-frequency drive applications and troubleshooting.
Excellent problem-solving and analytical skills.
Solid understanding of software development and computer programming.
Strong written and verbal communication skills, with proficiency in hardware and software development and troubleshooting.
Self-motivated, highly organized, creative, and attentive to detail.
Effective engineering leadership skills.
Ability to design process-improvement projects and apply knowledge of industrial automation developments to improve productivity and cost effectiveness.
Ability to work occasional off-hours; rare travel of less than 10% may be required.

Nice To Haves

Knowledge of machine safety, high-hazard processes, and process safety management.
Experience with Allen-Bradley ControlLogix PLCs, Rockwell Automation, Allen-Bradley PLCs, HMIs, variable-frequency drives, and a Stratus appliance running VMware ESXi.

Responsibilities

Track engineering changes and update necessary documents using the Management of Change (MOC) process.
Assist in setting up, qualifying, and maintaining equipment and machinery.
Troubleshoot issues involving control-system hardware and software, instruments, networks, and processes.
Collaborate with technicians and engineers to maintain, troubleshoot, and enhance machine automation systems.
Support the design, implementation, commissioning, and validation of control applications.
Support and develop the Stratus appliance running VMware ESXi, with the goal of complete virtualization.
Lead minor and medium capital improvement automation projects.
Design, commission, maintain, and improve control systems, primarily using Allen-Bradley ControlLogix PLCs and associated electrical and instrumentation systems.
Develop FactoryTalk HMI graphics to support technician response and understanding of process operations.
Coach and mentor team members on PLC tasks and activities.
Participate in investigations of process-control incidents and ensure follow-up actions help prevent recurrence.
Work with team members to support, improve, and maintain communications between systems.
Keep current with the latest technology and continuously improve individual capabilities.
Provide occasional off-hour support and travel when required.
Work alongside craft personnel to diagnose and restore systems, providing clear technical direction.
Identify and execute improvement expense and capital projects, including scope, authorization, construction, commissioning, and start-up, and validate successful implementation.
Engage with craft and technical personnel to gather information and provide guidance.
Develop process-improvement solutions that improve productivity and cost effectiveness.