Automation Engineer

Vesuvius; Illinois; Hybrid; USD 85,000 - 120,000; Full time

Job summary

Vesuvius in Illinois seeks an Automation Engineer to design and manage automation projects for Flow Control systems used in steelmaking. The role combines in-office engineering with on-site commissioning, testing, and documentation to support customer deployments.

You will program PLCs and HMIs, troubleshoot systems, and provide technical support to customers while collaborating with R&D and sales. The position emphasizes hands-on, team-based problem solving in a dynamic environment.

Qualifications

• Degree or equivalent experience: BS preferably in Electrical and/or Control Systems.
• Experience in Automation Engineering and/or Steelmaking Industry preferred but not required.
• Work experience requiring computer skills, responsibility and problem solving.

Responsibilities

• Engineer and manage automation projects for Vesuvius Flow Control systems in steelmaking.
• Program PLC/HMI, test systems, and produce installation documentation.
• Commissioning at customer facilities, troubleshoot and support.
• Assist R&D projects and provide technical customer support.
• Prepare trip reports and coordinate with Automation Department and Account Manager.
• Collaborate with Sales and other departments on major projects.

Skills

Written and verbal communication

Knowledge of steelmaking process

Hydraulics and pneumatics knowledge

Electrical cabinet and system design

Start up and troubleshooting

Industrial Sensors

Hydraulics and pneumatics design

Create documentation for installations

Customer interaction

Team integration

Education

BS in Electrical and/or Control Systems

Tools

PLC programming

HMI programming

Electrical design software

Documentation tools

Job description

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

Dimensions of Position

Technical Expertise

• Written and verbal communication
• Knowledge of steelmaking process
• Hydraulics and pneumatics knowledge
• Electrical cabinet and system design
• Start up and troubleshooting
• Industrial Sensors
• Hydraulics and pneumatics design
• Create documentation for installations

Planning / Development

• Planning of assigned development projects and CCARs.

Decision Making

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

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

Equal Opportunity Employer

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.