Senior Automation and Controls Engineer
About The Position
This position is responsible for the development and implementation of process control and automation systems for new equipment and manufacturing processes. Key responsibilities include designing and deploying process control strategies, automation solutions, and data acquisition systems to support operational excellence. The role owns the full controls architecture—from sensor selection and safety-instrumented systems to PLC/DCS programming and data integration—while collaborating closely with chemical process engineers, production, EHS, and R&D teams to drive consistent, high-performance, and world-class manufacturing outcomes.
Requirements
- Automation Engineering or Electrical engineering Bachelor’s degree, MS degree preferred
- 8+ years of hands‑on experience designing and commissioning PLC/DCS/HMI systems in batch or continuous chemical plants.
- Proven expertise with at least one major platform (e.g., Rockwell ControlLogix, Siemens PCS 7, Emerson DeltaV, ABB 800xA, Opto 22 or Honeywell Experion).
- Strong grasp of instrumentation, process‑control theory and hazardous‑area classifications (Class I/Div 2, ATEX).
- Experience with Industry 4.0 technologies and IIoT integration.
- Knowledge of Python, C/C++, or other scripting languages for automation.
- Familiarity with vision systems, servo drives, and safety PLCs.
- Certifications such as TUV Functional Safety Engineer or Rockwell/Siemens certifications
- Demonstrated success leading multi‑disciplinary project teams and external automation integrators.
- Excellent analytical, troubleshooting, and written/verbal communication skills.
Responsibilities
- Lead front-end engineering and detailed design for new equipment, processes, reactors, wet benches, blending, and packaging lines.
- Translate PFDs/P&IDs into I/O lists, control narratives, and cause-&-effect matrices.
- Specify and configure PLC/DCS/HMI/SCADA platforms (Rockwell, Siemens, DeltaV, Opto 22 etc.) and industrial networks (EtherNet/IP, PROFINET, Profibus, Modbus).
- Develop compliant code, sequential/batch logic, alarm strategies, and historian interfaces.
- Lead FAT/SAT, startup, and on‑site commissioning; troubleshoot to root cause and drive continuous improvement.
- Perform LOPA/SIL verifications, design safety‑instrumented functions, and ensure compliance with NFPA 70/79, UL 508A, and IEC 61511 in flammable, corrosive, or cleanroom environments.
- Deploy data‑collection and visualization tools (OSI PI, SQL, Python) to monitor KPIs, reduce downtime, and increase OEE.
- Prepare timelines for process control and automation projects.
- Manage automation workstreams on CAPEX projects—scope, budget, schedule, vendor coordination, and documentation.
- Promote best practices in code management, testing, and change control (ISA‑95/GAMP).
- Stay current in process control technology to resolve problems using solutions that involve new techniques, technologies and concepts.
Benefits
- competitive base salary
- performance-related bonus plan
- health insurance
- dental insurance
- vision insurance
- Wellness Program
- PTO/Holidays
- 401(k)-retirement plan with a company match
- paid parental leave
- tuition reimbursement
- opportunities for professional development
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What This Job Offers
Job Type
Full-time
Career Level
Senior
