Process Control Systems Engineer III

The Process Control Systems Engineer III performs a variety of professional, technical, and administrative work to support, design and program process control computer systems throughout WSSC Water.

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Essential Functions

Programs and / or may assist lower level Process Control Specialists in programming, testing, debugging, start-up, optimization of process control automation control systems throughout the Commission

Troubleshoots and resolves very complex control systems hardware and software problems

Analyzes and tunes very complex process control loops to optimum control

Designs and develops implementation documents for incorporation into new process control systems

Assists in developing process control system instrumentation and control specification standards

Designs, deploys in the field, and commissions process control system networks and panels

Coordinates process control and instrumentation standards, designs owner furnished process control equipment on various capital improvement projects

Recommends hardware and software changes and upgrades to existing systems

Participates in testing, debugging, and start-up of new processes and equipment at all Commission sites

Designs, implements and installs databases in the PLC, HMI and historian machine nodes based on PI&D drawings and I / O lists

Installs and upgrades operating system software, logic programming software, communications software and HMI software on servers and operator stations at various sites

Troubleshoots communications network problems

Responds to calls to emergency situations outside of normal work hours during all types of weather to support WSSC water business wherever Process Control and field equipment is located

Drives a vehicle to conduct WSSC Water business

Other Functions

Designs, deploys in the field and commissions PLC based RTU’s in the WSSC Water’s SCADA system

May be required to participate in the group’s emergency duty program as designated by the Division Manager

Designs and maintains communication links to systems outside of process control such as IT and SCADA

Maintains hardware and software backups for disaster recovery

Keeps abreast of and adapts to changes in the process control technology

Performs related duties as required

Work Environment And Physical Demands

Ability to climb ladders and work in confined spaces and elevated locations

Ability to hear audible alarms and abnormal equipment noises

Ability to visually inspect equipment and processes any time of day or night

Required Knowledge, Skills, And Abilities

Extensive working knowledge of PLC based process control systems and PC based HMI systems in the water / wastewater industry

Ability to program and implement a broad range of both continuous and batch control loops and alarming for various processes in the water / wastewater plants as well as the remote pumping stations

Ability to install, program, test, tune, troubleshoot, restore and optimize all process control components such as PLC’s and their associated power supplies and I / O modules, PLC programs, remote I / O racks, fiber optic and STP cabling, networks, operator stations, servers, panels and databases

Ability to program Allen-Bradley and Siemens PLC’s, Wonderware HMI’s, various Ethernet products

Ability to read and understand PI&D drawings, electrical drawings, ladder logic and other engineering drawings for a project

Ability to read and interpret a control narrative and produce a working logic and HMI program from that narrative

Ability to use PI&D and electrical drawings and I / O list to produce an I / O panel design

Ability to learn and use CADD software for design purposes

Ability to write specifications for hardware, software and instrumentation

Extensive knowledge, skill and ability in identifying and evaluating process control changes that are cost effective

Significant knowledge of and ability to effectively interface with operational and technical disciplines (electrical, mechanical, process) and to develop changes in ancillary equipment

Ability to work with contractors, consultants, and internal WSSC Water teams and units and to maintain satisfactory working relationships with subordinates, peers, and supervisors and to work in a team environment at various sites around the commission

Must have expert knowledge in one or more of the following areas of process control :

Expert knowledge and demonstrated ability in Wonderware HMI, including : graphical development; tag database development; scripting; alarming; data logging; I / O driver configuration; and Archestra configuration

Expert knowledge and demonstrated ability in programming development and programming of Siemens S7, Siemens 505, and Allen Bradley 5000 family PLCs, including : RLL and APT programming; Profibus and Control Net configuration

Expert knowledge and demonstrated ability in SCADA systems, including : SCADA polling master configuration and development; DNP3 and OPC; INSQL development and maintenance; RTU design and installation; implementation and configuration of routers with OSPF; of radio and microwave system implementation

Extensive knowledge of Cyber security for control systems. This should include but not limited to : Extensive knowledge of IDS; Securing routers and switches; Accepted methods of performing security assessments

Expert knowledge and demonstrated ability in panel and network design, including : integration and layout of panel components such power supply; UPSs; terminal strips; isolators; fiber optic patch panels; design and installation of copper and fiber networks their and connections and interfaces

Extensive knowledge of CADD

Expert knowledge and demonstrated ability in instrumentation and controls with an emphasis on types used in water and wastewater stations, plants, transport systems and incinerators

Minimum Education, Experience Requirements

Bachelor’s degree

6+ years direct control experience in the design, programming, systems start-up as it is related to new construction and / or control equipment installation, engineering and operations of PLC based distributed process control and / or communication systems, or similar experience relevant to manufacturing industries or control system vendors.

OR

High School diploma or equivalent

6+ years of experience in engineering, instrumentation / communications, electrical or operational environment

4+ years direct control experience in the design, programming, systems start-up as it is related to new construction and / or control equipment installation, engineering and operations of PLC based distributed process control and / or communication systems, or similar experience relevant to manufacturing industries or control system vendors.