Automation and Controls Engineer [DF]

Thatcher-Group,-Inc.; Salt Lake City (UT); On-site; USD 90,000 - 140,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Profit-sharing

401(k) plan

Excellent benefits

Paid time off

Job summary

Thatcher Company in Salt Lake City, UT seeks a skilled Controls Engineer to lead automation and process control initiatives within our manufacturing operations. You will manage capital projects, improve system performance, and ensure safety and regulatory compliance.

Responsibilities include developing project scopes, budgets and schedules, coordinating with engineering, operations, IT, vendors and contractors, and guiding maintenance and startups to minimize downtime.

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in engineering and 5+ years in chemical/manufacturing facilities.
• Experience with PLC systems and ladder logic.

Responsibilities

• Lead control system capital projects, including new installations, expansions, and upgrades.
• Develop scopes, budgets, schedules, and technical requirements for control system initiatives.
• Coordinate with engineering, operations, IT, vendors, and contractors to ensure project success.
• Review and approve control system designs, programming standards and hardware selections.
• Oversee commissioning, testing, startup activities, and ensure performance, safety and compliance.

Skills

PLC systems

Ladder logic

Electrical safety

Travel up to 15%

Mechanical aptitude

Education

Bachelor’s degree in engineering

Tools

Delta V

Schneider Modicon PLCs

Codesys IEC 61131-3

Automation Direct Productivity PLCs

Beijer X2 HMIs

Job description

Thatcher Company is seeking a skilled Controls Engineer to join our engineering team in Salt Lake City, UT. This role would lead and support automation and process control initiatives within our manufacturing operations. It would also include managing capital projects, improving system performance and reliability, and ensuring compliance with safety and regulatory standards.

What You Will Do

• Lead and manage control system–related capital projects, including new installations, expansions, and major upgrades.
• Develop project scopes, budgets, schedules, and technical requirements for control system initiatives.
• Coordinate with engineering, operations, IT, vendors, and contractors to ensure successful project execution.
• Review and approve control system designs, programming standards, and hardware selections.
• Oversee commissioning, testing, and startup activities to ensure systems meet performance, safety, and compliance requirements.
• Monitor and improve manufacturing process control and safety system performance.
• Identify and implement opportunities to improve process monitoring, system efficiency, reliability, and standardization.
• Recommend technological upgrades and automation best practices.
• Diagnose and resolve control system and instrumentation issues to minimize downtime.
• Perform control system modifications, upgrades, and optimizations.
• Support installation, maintenance, and troubleshooting of control and instrumentation systems.
• Provide technical guidance to maintenance and operations teams.
• Support preventive and predictive maintenance programs.
• Maintain control system documentation, including drawings, I/O lists, and software backups.
• Ensure compliance with applicable codes, standards, and company safety procedures, including electrical safety and lockout/tagout (LOTO).
• Support audits and regulatory inspections as needed.

Basic Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in engineering (i.e: Chemical, Mechanical, Electrical, etc.) with 5+ years of experience in a chemical or manufacturing facility.
• Experience in PLC systems, including understanding PLC ladder logic.
• Travel < 15%
• Ability to lift up to 50 pounds.
• Ability to frequently stand, walk, lift, carry, push, pull, reach, handle, bend, twist, climb and balance.

What Will Put You Ahead

• Experience in industry control systems.
• Experience creating P&IDs and Electrical Schematics.
• Experience with managing controls projects.
• Familiarity with Delta V, Schneider (Modicon) PLCs, Codesys based IEC 61131-3 PLCs, Automation Direct Productivity PLCs, Beijer X2 HMIs.
• Experience with networking, industrial Ethernet, and basic cybersecurity concepts.
• Experience in the chemical industry with manufacturing processes, or experience in refining and major petrochemical operations.

Why Thatcher is right for you

• 100% company-funded Profit-Sharing Plan (up to 25% of salary annually)
• 401(k)with traditional and Roth contribution options
• Comprehensive benefits: medical, dental, vision, life insurance, short- and long-term disability, HSA/FSA,
• 3+ weeks of PTO, and paid holidays
• Education reimbursement and ongoing professional development.

The pay for the successful candidate will depend on various factors (e.g., qualifications, education, prior experience). Applications will be accepted while this position is posted on our Careers website. Thatcher is an Equal Opportunity/Affirmative Action employer, including protected Veterans and individuals with disabilities.