Automation Engineer

Quikrete; Buffalo (IA); On-site; USD 85,000 - 120,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Medical and dental benefits

Vision benefits

Disability benefits

Company paid life insurance

Paid vacation

401K

Job summary

Quikrete is seeking an Automation Engineer to program PID control loops and automate plant processes. You will work on rock crushing, conveying, and grinding systems, implementing DeltaV/Rockwell PLCs and maintaining the control network.

You will train operators, coordinate with maintenance, and participate in safety and regulatory compliance efforts while supporting continuous improvement across the cement production line.

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in engineering or closely related field; or a 2-year technical related degree with 5+ years experience.
• Proficient PLC programming and control system knowledge.
• Experience with process control and industrial automation.

Responsibilities

• Program PID logic to control day-to-day plant operations, including rock crushing, conveying, and cement processes.
• Learn and apply DeltaV, Rockwell, or other PLC programming tools.
• Coordinate with plant departments to maintain safe, compliant operations.
• Maintain plant data servers and historian data for operations and regulatory use.
• Keep backups of control systems and log all programming changes with dates.
• Work with Production and Process teams to refine programming as needed.
• Serve on on-call rotations for 24/7 plant operation.
• Communicate effectively, both verbally and in writing, with team, vendors, and customers.
• Study field equipment drawings and manuals to troubleshoot problems.

Skills

PID control

PLC programming

Industrial automation

Process control

Team communication

Education

Bachelor’s degree in engineering

2-year technical degree + 5+ years experience

Tools

DeltaV

Rockwell PLC

Job description

We are looking for a Automation Engineer to join our team. The prime objective of the Automation Engineer is to program all Proportional, Integral and Derivative (PID) control loops to fully automate all plant systems and subsystems. Troubleshoot, repair, and maintain the control system including field communication equipment and support for system configuration. The Automation Engineer also assists in training Control Room Operators, Shift Supervisors, and others in understanding control relationships and in implementing full automatic control of the entire plant. This position supports a good standing in the community, sustainable operations, and adheres to and upholds all company policies, safety standards and federal / state regulations.

Why apply?

• Competitive wages.
• Opportunities for overtime.
• Company provided benefits: Medical, Dental, Vision, disability, Company paid life and disability benefits, paid vacation, and 401K.

Responsibilities

About the Role

• Performs all tasks in a safe and professional manner in conformance with plant rules, quality standards, and company policies.
• Principle responsibility for programming the Proportional, Integral and Derivative (PID) logic that controls the day-to-day plant operations, including rock crushing and conveying, rock blending and grinding, the pyro-processing system, clinker handling, finish milling, and cement shipping operations.
• Responsible for learning Delta V, Rockwell, or other PLC programming logic and staying current in the programming field so that evolving control technology can be applied in plant operations.
• Interacts and coordinates efforts with other plant departments to maintain safety controls, quality emphasis, efficient operations and compliance with permit regulations.
• Maintains data servers, coordinating efforts with the Information Technology Department, so that data can be stored using the plant data historian (IP.21) and can be utilized and retrieved as needed by operations, maintenance and regulatory agencies.
• Maintains current back up of systems so that operations can be restored in a timely manner should control hard drives be lost for any reason.
• Maintains a log of all programming changes to the process detailing the change made and the effective date of the change.
• Works closely with the Production and Process personnel to refine and update programming changes as needed.
• On-call responsibilities to cover a 24 hour, 365 day operation as directed by the Production Manager.
• Demonstrate the ability to effectively communicate both verbally and in writing, while building rapport with team members/Vendors/Consultants/Customers.
• Study, read, and understand field equipment drawings, manuals, and plans to understand operation and aid in problems solving efforts.

About You

We Require:

• Bachelor’s degree in engineering or closely related field; or a 2-year technical related degree and 5+ years equivalent experience
• Ability to define correlation between like and/or associated equipment
• Ability to reprioritize to fit business needs
• Good verbal, numerical, abstract, and accuracy reasoning abilities.
• Computer literacy.
• Ability to effectively communicate verbally and in writing.
• Good interpersonal skills.
• Ability to transfer knowledge in a training environment.
• Must be able to work overtime, all shifts, holidays and weekends.
• Must display good employability skills (attendance, job performance, attitude, willingness to work, etc.)
• Due to the nature of this position, it is essential that the teammate be available to report to the designated work site / office and be ready to begin work when scheduled,
• Must be able to pass pre-employment screening which may include a physical, background check, and drug screen.

About Us

Each day brings new challenges, and we make sure you are prepared for it all. Our dedication to continual improvement and hands-on training ensures you are ready for the many new experiences and challenges that you will face.

We Offer

• A friendly and team-oriented work environment, with a supportive management team.
• Hands-on training for our employees and opportunities for advancement.
• A company dedicated to continuous improvement.