Senior Automation/Controls Engineer - Cyclyx

Cyclyx Overview

Only 10% of plastics are recycled today, and that must change. Cyclyx is a new kind of plastic feedstock management company that works with industry participants to increase plastic recyclability. Cyclyx operates as a membership consortium, uniting stakeholders around the circular value chains to work together and drive new results in plastic recycling. By working with partners to source, collect and pre-process large volumes of waste plastic based on exact technical specifications, Cyclyx redirects more plastic into recycling. This new partner-driven model aims to boost plastic circularity - and break the cycle that has kept recycling from reaching its full potential.

The Cyclyx Circularity Center (CCC) facility in Houston is a first of its kind recycling facility which accepts clean and mixed sources of waste plastics and processes them into usable feedstock for the advanced and mechanical recycling market. This facility is significant in scale, with an annual capacity of >400 million lbs. of inbound plastic.

Role Overview

This role is responsible for oversight, development and maintenance of the Automation and Control systems for the Cyclyx Circularity Centers (CCC's). The Cyclyx Senior Automation/Controls Engineer will serve as Cyclyx discipline lead and subject matter expert (SME), leveraging his or her exceptional leadership, and technical skills to ensure that the Cyclyx production facilities operate to meet their required performance. The Cyclyx Senior Controls Engineer will provide on-site technical support and oversee teams made up of both internal and third-party resources.

This role requires a hands-on, knowledgeable, highly engaged, and responsive collaborator who is a self-starter, resourceful, brings creativity and strong interpersonal skills to the organization.

Key Responsibilities

The Cyclyx Senior Automation/Controls Engineer plays a critical role in ensuring that Cyclyx production facilities meet specifications in support of efficient and effective production.

This requires an individual that can both contribute their own technical expertise to control system design as well as effectively coordinate with and manage internal resources and third-party controls and engineering firms to ensure delivery of high-quality automation and control systems that meet the required design requirements.

Key responsibilities include:

1. Control System Development and Design

• Serves as the discipline lead and SME on multiple projects.
• Collaborates with internal Cyclyx stakeholders and clients to develop necessary specifications for Cyclyx core Automations and Control systems.
• Translates the required specifications into hardware, software and service offerings aligned with the core technology portfolio and Cyclyx business model.
• Develops Automation and control standards, P&ID's, control strategies and narratives.

2. Control System Delivery

• Leverages technical and commercial capabilities, along with third-party controls and automation suppliers, to deliver hardware, software, and services to meet production facility requirements.
• Ensures that all delivered controls and controls-related Automation scope meets identified regulatory approval, such as NEC, NFPA, etc.
• Utilizes effective communication skills to relay expectations, status, and required changes to suppliers and customers.

3. Control System Integration

• Oversees the integration of the plant's industrial control system into the IT infrastructure.

4. Control System Validation

• Leverages existing technical and commercial capabilities, along with third-party controls and Automation suppliers, to integrate, commission, and startup provided industrial control systems.
• Supports validation activities at subcontracted equipment suppliers (FAT's) and onsite (SAT's).

5. Control System Troubleshooting and Support

• Leverages existing technical and commercial capacities and capabilities alongside third-party controls and Automation suppliers to lead or assist (as appropriate) in the troubleshooting and optimization of Cyclyx supplied programming, instrumentation, and equipment.

Experience/Knowledge

• Extensive experience in controls engineering and design (SCADA, PLC, HMI systems), preferably in an industrial manufacturing environment. Cyclyx uses a Siemens PLC control platform, as such preference is given to candidates with a strong Siemens PLC background. Familiarity with Industry 4.0 concepts a plus.
• Experience designing controls systems and associated PLC code.
• Experience with SCADA and HMI design and programming, Ignition design experience is beneficial.
• Strong knowledge or relevant working experience with various communication protocols such as Ethernet/IP, Remote I/O, Modbus, DeviceNet, ControlNet, Profibus, MQTT and fiber optics.
• Understanding of process instrumentation, (temperature, pressure, level, flow, and analytical transmitters or switches).
• Experience with controls and equipment integration, commissioning, and startup requirements of manufacturing facilities.
• Knowledge of regulatory requirements, including NFPA/NEC, UL, OSHA and as they pertain to the design and implementation of Automation and Controls software and hardware.
• Proven record for managing controls engineering vendors and suppliers to deliver results on time and per specifications.
• Strong planning skills, with the ability to effectively coordinate, and prioritize multiple projects simultaneously.
• Strong analytical and problem-solving skills, with a keen attention to detail.
• Exceptional communication and interpersonal skills, with the ability to collaborate effectively with internal cross-functional teams and external vendors.
• Excellent judgment regarding health, safety, environmental guidelines, policies, and regulations as they pertain to process control.

Education/Training

• Bachelor's degree in Automation/Controls, Chemical, Mechanical and/or Electrical engineering, a combination of relevant education and work experience will also be considered.
• Minimum of 10 years of experience working with industrial automation and controls systems.

Personal Qualifications

• Excellent business acumen, commitment to teamwork, and results oriented.
• Superior interpersonal skills and written and verbal communication skills.
• Self-confidence, initiative, and strong problem-solving skills.
• Impeccable personal and professional ethics.

Position Mechanics

Reports to: Project/Engineering Manager

Type: Salaried; full time

Work Hours: 40 hours/week base; work hours and start times may vary with each project or project phase, local office, and projects globally, occasional early morning, evening, and weekend work required.

Staff: None

Location: remote, Houston, TX locality is preferred

Work environment: professional office and manufacturing.

Travel: < 25%

Physical Demands: varies from work performed in an office environment to that of field technicians.

Company Benefits

Cyclyx offers a competitive benefits package which goes beyond just a paycheck. Our comprehensive benefits package includes competitive, company funded (up to 90% company-paid premiums) health, dental, vision and insurance plans to robust retirement benefits that include company-matching contributions, and much, much more. We also provide development and growth opportunities because we believe investing in your success is investing in our success. Also, working for a rapidly growing, fast-paced organization, you will have the opportunity to grow professionally and expand your network while building a rewarding and dynamic career.

Company Culture

We are committed to recruiting, developing, and retaining diverse and highly talented individuals. In addition to a competitive salary, we offer a comprehensive benefits package, an engaging and growing culture, and a variety of opportunities for our employees' professional growth and development.

Cyclyx is an equal opportunity employer and is committed to providing a workplace free from harassment and discrimination. We value mutual respect and diversity in the workplace and are committed to Employment Equity and Inclusion. We celebrate the unique differences of our employees that drive curiosity, innovation, and the success of our business. We encourage applications from all qualified candidates and do not discriminate any applicant's status protected by the laws or regulations in the locations where we operate. Accommodation is available for applicants with disabilities.