Automation test engineer Jobs in Tuscaloosa, AL

Job Summary

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.

Job 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.

Qualifications

• 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).

Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities

• 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.

Working Conditions

• Must be able to perform the job with or without accommodation.

• Must be able to work around the shifts as needed.

• Must be able to work long hours during commissioning / project deadlines.

Physical Requirements

• Requires walking, sitting, lifting, pushing, pulling, and climbing to a significant degree

• Medium Work-Exerting up to 50 pounds of force occasionally, and/or up to 50 pounds or force frequently, and/or up to 20 pounds of force constantly to move objects

• While performing the duties of this job, the employee is regularly required to talk and hear, to communicate to employees/visitors as well as function safely around heavy rolling equipment

• Must be able to perform all job functions which include, but may not be limited to, pushing, turning, and/or pulling of controls.