Automation Engineer

Vesuvius North America; Champaign (IL); Hybrid; USD 90,000 - 130,000; Full time

Job summary

Vesuvius North America is seeking an Automation Engineer to design and manage automation projects for Flow Control systems used in steelmaking. The role balances in-office engineering with on-site commissioning, testing, and customer interfacing.

The position emphasizes PLC/HMI programming, documentation, and collaboration with R&D and sales. Candidates should have a BS in Electrical/Control Systems and strong problem-solving skills.

Qualifications

• Degree or equivalent experience: BS preferably in Electrical and/or Control Systems.
• Experience in Automation Engineering and/or Steelmaking Industry preferred.
• Broad knowledge of Electrical Engineering and Automation technology.
• Excellent skills in Closed-loop control tuning.

Responsibilities

• Engineer and manage automation projects for Vesuvius Flow Control systems, including PLC/HMI programming, testing, and documentation.
• Commission on customer sites for installation, startup, and troubleshooting with customers.
• Provide technical support and R&D assistance to projects and sales teams.
• Create installation documentation and interface with multiple departments and customers.

Skills

Written communication

Verbal communication

Project management

Problem solving

Team collaboration

Work under pressure

Education

BS Electrical/Control Systems

Tools

PLC Programming

HMI Programming

CAD

Database design

C/C++/VB programming

Microsoft Office

Job description

• Industrial Network design
• Database design
• Advanced control techniques

Purpose:

Primary purpose of this position is the engineering and management of projects involving automation for Vesuvius Flow Control systems. These systems are mainly for customers in the steel making market. Automation Engineers split their time between in-office and on-site work. When in office, the job consists of engineering the project, PLC/HMI programming, testing, production of documentation to complement the projects, etc. At customer’s facilities, the work involves the commissioning of those systems, troubleshooting and debugging, interface with customer, activity reporting, etc. In addition, assistance on R&D projects and technical customer support are among the main activities to complement the position responsibilities.

Direct Reports:

None

Technical Expertise

• Written and verbal communication
• Knowledge of steelmaking process
• Hydraulics and pneumatics knowledge
• PLC Programming (multiple brands)
• HMI programming (multiple brands)
• Industrial Network design
• Programming experience
• Electrical cabinet and system design
• Process control loop tuning
• Start up and troubleshooting
• Industrial Sensors
• Knowledge on ISO9000 standards
• Hydraulics and pneumatics design
• CAD
• Foreign languages desirable
• C/C++/VB programming knowledge
• Microsoft Office
• Database design
• Advanced control techniques
• Project Management
• Create documentation for installations

Planning / Development

• TSR planning.
• Planning of assigned development projects and CCARs.

Decision Making

• Makes decisions and recommendations regarding technical approach, or design.

Problem Analysis

• Analysis of CCARs.
• Troubleshooting of specific customer’s problems in office or at customer location.

Communication

• Time sheets for specific projects.
• Must produce trip reports and circulate to all Automation Department and other involved people.
• Must interact with other Departments for major projects.
• Must be in contact with Customer whenever necessary. Will inform the Account Manager whenever a direct contact with the Customer occurred.

Managing / Leadership

• Primary responsibilities are as technical individual contributor.
• Does not formally supervise other employees.
• Position could lead to a Management role.

Safety

• Follows all safety rules set forth.
• Conducts safety audits to recognize safety issues and identify safety risks.
• In accordance with safety guidelines, participates in all safety meetings & functions following all rules set forth by Vesuvius & customer to ensure safe work environment.

Key Result Areas

• Automation/Electrical Engineering project planning
• PLC and HMI programming
• Equipment testing
• Technical writing
• On-site commissioning of equipment and systems
• After-sales customer assistance
• Assistance to Sales Team
• Assistance to R&D

Qualifications

• Degree or equivalent experience: BS preferably in Electrical and/or Control Systems.

Experience

• Experience in Automation Engineering and/or Steelmaking Industry preferred but not required.
• Work experience preferred in positions requiring computer skills, responsibility, problem solving.

Knowledge

• Broad knowledge and experience in: Electrical Engineering and Automation technology
• Above average skills in: PLC/HMI programming, electrical engineering
• Excellent skills in: Closed-loop control tuning
• Demonstrated ability to: Work under pressure in harsh environments
• Demonstrated ability to: Deal directly with customers
• Demonstrated ability to: Integrate him/herself in project teams
• General knowledge of: Electrical and Safety Standards, C and C++ programming, MS
• Word/Excel/PowerPoint/Visio/Project
• Experience in: Electrical troubleshooting
• Additional Experience: Process analysis, problem solving, hydraulics and pneumatics, network design, industrial sensors

Skills & Behavior

• Hands on attitude with regard to automation/electrical systems and the mechanical system being interfaced.
• Ability to effectively communicate verbally and in writing
• Contribute to a productive and positive work environment.
• Interact with others with integrity and respect.
• Must be able to function in an open office environment.
• Must be able to function under pressure in harsh (steel making) environments.
• Management and leadership skills desirable.

Problem Solving & Complexity

• Handle more than one assignment at a time and meet technical requirements and completion dates for each project
• Be able to gather information from others and to resolve issues when information appears to be conflicting
• Overcoming obstacles with creative thinking
• Decisions that the jobholder would typically refer to his / her manager, or others, for solutions:
• Decisions for project direction
• Commercial issues with customers
• Some technical decisions
• Product development direction

Equal Opportunity Employer/Protected Veterans/Individuals with Disabilities

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.