Automation & Controls Technician

West Fraser; Greenville (SC); On-site; USD 65,000 - 90,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Benefits starting Day 1

On-the-job training

401K with company match

Employee Stock Purchase Plan

Life Insurance

Disability Insurance

Paid vacations and holidays

Job summary

West Fraser is seeking an Automation & Controls Technician to remotely monitor and support our OSB and lumber manufacturing network from Greenville. You will troubleshoot, calibrate, and program PLCs and HMIs, supporting equipment upgrades and process changes across mills.

Ideal candidates have an Associate's degree in Mechatronics or related fields, strong Rockwell ControlLogix experience, and comfort with VB/SQL/Python programming. Occasional travel may be required.

Qualifications

• Associate degree or higher in Mechatronics or a related engineering tech field is required.
• Strong programming and technical skills with the ability to troubleshoot and optimize automation systems.
• Experience with Rockwell ControlLogix PLCs and related HMIs is preferred.
• Familiarity with VB, SQL, Python or JSON programming is advantageous.
• Comfort with virtualization (VMware ESX) and remote monitoring tools is valued.

Responsibilities

• Remote monitoring of electrical, mechanical, and control devices across multiple mills from the Greenville office.
• Analyze system issues and assist in breakdown recovery and calibration.
• Set up new or replacement equipment and provide programming support for process changes.
• Troubleshoot with onsite technicians and log issues from automated system monitors.
• Upgrade facilities to enhanced automation standards and support site installations.

Skills

Rockwell ControlLogix

PLC programming

HMI development

VB/SQL/Python/JSON programming

VMware ESX / virtualization

Remote monitoring & troubleshooting

Team collaboration

Education

Associate’s degree or higher in Mechatronics / Industrial Electrical / Engineering Technology

Tools

Rockwell Automation software

VMware ESX

Industrial automation tools

Job description

As an Automation & Controls Technician at West Fraser, you will play a key role in the expansion of the automation and predictive controls capabilities (AI) of our OSB and lumber manufacturing network by providing remote technical support for our daily operations. Further responsibilities will include:

• From our Greenville office remotely monitoring the status of critical devices including electrical and mechanical components, circuitry, controls, robotics and other manufacturing machinery and assist in service, repair, and calibration of these devices for multiple OSB and lumber mills
• Analyzing and identifying causes of system issues and assist in breakdown recovery
• Assisting in set-up of new and replacement equipment
• Providing programming support for day-to-day process changes
• Troubleshooting as needed in coordination with onsite technicians
• Answering and logging system issues or requests for assistance from automated system monitors or mill manufacturing staff
• Assisting in upgrading facilities to conform to enhanced automation and digitization standards including providing onsite support of infrastructure installation and commissioning
• Implementing and maintaining West Fraser Analytics System (NAS), Manufacturing Execution Systems (MES), Model Predictive Control(MPC), and Rockwell ECO System across all facilities

An Automation & Controls Technician will also support West Fraser’s mills with continuous improvement and project management objectives by:

• Developing PLC programs and HMIs in accordance with West Fraser standards and capital expense guidelines
• Providing data and support of mill level project analysis and execution
• Configuring tags and templates for process data collection, trending, and reporting
• Auditing changes in the mill automation environment
• Keeping firmware and software revisions up to date
• Support Automation team as needed

The ideal candidate will have:

• An Associate’s degree, equivalent, or greater in Mechatronics, Industrial Electrical, Engineering Technology OR equivalent prior experience as a Technician with good programming/technical skills and prior OSB experience
• Highly collaborative, technology savvy (proficiency in use of collaboration tools), and willing to learn
• Experience with VMware ESX, virtualization and other computer science fundamentals is preferred
• Proficient in programming and troubleshooting of Programmable Logic Controllers (preferably Rockwell ControlLogix)
• Ability to visualize physical processes to remotely assist field personnel in set up and troubleshooting
• Experience with VB, SQL, Python or Json programming is favorable
• Knowledge of, or willingness to learn the OSB and lumber manufacturing process
• Excellent verbal and written communication skills including ability to interpret and disseminate technical info to a wide range of skill sets and support roles
• Ability to work in shifts and variable schedules to support a 24/7 manufacturing schedule
• Ability to work well as a team and independently
• Traveling 20% of less to mill locations

Our highly competitive compensation package and outstanding benefits include:

• Benefits starting Day 1
• Competitive starting pay
• On-the-job training
• A culture that strongly believes in promoting from within
• Medical
• Vision
• 401K with company match and additional retirement contribution
• Employee Stock Purchase Plan
• Life Insurance
• Disability Insurance
• Paid vacations and holidays

West Fraser is an Equal Opportunity Employer M/F/V/D & Drug-Free Workplace (DFW)

Travel Required

Yes . Available to travel to West Fraser locations in the US, Canada, and Europe.

West Fraser is a diversified wood products company producing lumber, OSB, LVL, MDF, plywood, pulp, newsprint, wood chips, and energy with over 60 facilities in Canada, the United States, and Europe. We are the largest lumber producer in North America, a leading global manufacturer of wood-based panels, and the world’s largest producer of oriented strand board (OSB).
We are a growing company, believe strongly in promoting from within, and pride ourselves on providing a challenging environment with continuous development. The successful candidate should be interested in future growth opportunities within the company.

Equal Opportunity Employer
This employer is required to notify all applicants of their rights pursuant to federal employment laws.For further information, please review the Know Your Rights notice from the Department of Labor.