Automation and Controls Engineer - Hatch Global Search

Job Description

Automation controls engineers help create the layout of electrical and mechanical control systems. In this role, you may help program an automation process, modify existing programming when necessary, and help ensure the company is using the safest and most productive system possible for its needs.

Automation & Controls Engineer -

1. Salary range $85k - $115k annually + discretionary bonus potential worth up to 12% of their YTD earnings, first year would be pro-rated.
2. Hours M-F 8:30-5:00. Primary location for this position is Lancaster, SC however travel would be necessary between 4 facilities in Lancaster, SC.
3. Only interested in seeing candidates who are green card holders or US Citizens (no visas or sponsorship of any kind now or in the future)
4. We would offer relocation, temp housing in the area, transporting/storage of their personal items in the area, paid site visits, & more
5. Minimum education: HSD, GED, would prefer to see a Bachelors in engineering (mechanical, electronic or chemical).
6. Minimum experience:
   1. Must have minimum 8 years of progressive hands on mechanical experience. STRONG PLC programming and troubleshooting required.
   2. Our ideal candidate would be comfortable developing new automation concepts and maintaining existing automated manufacturing systems.
   3. Comfortable programming, upgrading, and troubleshooting PLC’s, Human Machine Interfaces, vision and date acquisition systems on new and existing production equipment. Also providing technical training and support for automated equipment impacting Manufacturing, Maintenance, and Engineering.

The Automation and Controls Engineer reports to the Manager of Manufacturing Engineering and is responsible for developing new automation concepts as well as maintaining existing automated manufacturing systems. The Automation and Controls Engineer will identify opportunities to optimize safety and quality while maximizing the efficiency of automated manufacturing systems. The position will support Production, Maintenance, and Process Teams in troubleshooting of equipment across multiple facilities. Duties also include to program, upgrade and troubleshoot PLC's, Human Machine Interfaces, vision, and data acquisition systems on new and existing production equipment and provide technical training and support to maintenance, manufacturing, and engineering personnel in the operation and maintenance of automated equipment.

Roles and Responsibilities:

• Responsible to automate all applicable manufacturing process with ROI justification
• Identify, develop and lead projects that will result in automated operations in Manufacturing and Packaging operations.
• Identify, select and manage purchasing of components to build automated systems as well as the vendors who install and support such systems.
• Troubleshoot and eliminate control systems issues and handle controls projects.
• Develop and document new PLC control systems from concept to qualification.
• Troubleshoot control systems wiring and PLC / SCADA logic.
• Maintain configuration control of current PLC source code.
• Select, test, and integrate hardware and software components such as robots, analog devices, motion controllers, sensors, vision systems and lasers.
• Troubleshoot problems with on-line vision inspection systems utilizing Cognex InSight software and other vision software tools.
• Implement quality improvement projects through error proofing, interlocks, and vision system (Cognex Vision) integration.
• Lay out new industrial electrical control panels which are NFPA79/NEC/UL508A/CE compliant and create electrical and pneumatic schematics.
• Manage electrical cabinet builds, field wiring, and pneumatic plumbing.
• Arranges for and manages appropriate third-party contractor support for services associated with the electrical operations of production equipment and facilities.
• Understand process control issues and develop control solutions to enhance process with Process/Manufacturing Engineers.
• Works with members of the engineering department and other groups to continuously improve methods of integrating controls technology, with goals being enhanced safety, enhanced functionality, and reduced cost.
• Offer controls engineering support to plant operations and maintenance department.
• Regular attendance is required.
• Communicate effectively with other departments within the organization and function within a team environment.
• Perform other duties as may be required in meeting company objectives.

Minimum Requirements:

Robotics and Automation Engineering experience is essential. Strong electrical troubleshooting and PLC programming and troubleshooting is required. Supervisory experience is preferred. Strong mechanical aptitude, and a working knowledge of electrical, and mechanical systems required. Excellent trouble shooting and diagnostic skills, with the ability to define problems and resolve them quickly a must. Good interpersonal skills required along with the ability to interact with all staff levels.

Education and Experience:

• Bachelor's degree in Engineering, preferably Electrical, Chemical or Mechanical.
• Minimum of 2-4 years' experience as an Automation/Controls Engineer in a regulated industry.
• Experience in a cGMP facility is preferred.
• Strong problem solving and applied statistics skills are required.
• Technical expertise & application experience in manufacturing-based applications. Experienced in root cause analysis techniques and failure mode and effect analysis.
• Certification in Lean manufacturing is preferred.
• Six Sigma certification - green/black belt is preferred.
• Experience in CAD / SPC / Gantt Charts
• ERP experience is a plus, preferably design, testing, and implementation related to manufacturing processes
• Self-motivated worker with the ability to identify priorities and work independently.

Supervisory Responsibilities:

• Ability to lead internal employee groups as well as contracted vendors in support of automation/controls/robotics projects within sites.