Automation Specialist (Entry-Level)

Commonwealth Rolled Products Inc; Lewisport (KY); On-site; USD 48,000 - 62,000; Full time

Job summary

Commonwealth Rolled Products Inc. in Lewisport, KY is seeking an Entry-Level Automation Specialist to join the Project Engineering team.

You will support the Electrical and Automation (E&A) portion of projects, assist with troubleshooting, and develop technical skills under guidance from experienced engineers. This role requires enrollment in a BS degree in Engineering or related field, with exposure to PLCs, SCADA/HMI, and networking.

Qualifications

• Must be actively enrolled in a BS degree in Engineering or related technical field.
• Foundational understanding of programming, software development, and control system concepts.
• Exposure to SCADA and HMI, including Rockwell systems.
• Exposure to industrial data acquisition or analysis tools (IBA).
• Exposure to PLC concepts or platforms (Rockwell, Siemens, GE).

Responsibilities

• Maintain a zero-incident safety culture.
• Assist with evaluation and application of standard engineering techniques.
• Support development of contract specifications for E&A projects.
• Help troubleshoot and diagnose E&A equipment issues.
• Learn process network layouts and plant interfaces with IT and engineers.
• Assist in documenting electrical drawings, specs, calculations, and charts.
• Support the preparation of technical training materials and bid analyses.

Skills

Programming basics

SCADA/HMI exposure

Industrial networking

Teamwork/communication

Education

Bachelor's degree in Engineering or related field (in progress)

Tools

Rockwell PLCs

SCADA systems

IBA data tools

Industrial networking equipment

Job description

Commonwealth Rolled Products is a leading manufacturer of Aluminum rolled products for the Automotive, Commercial, and Industrial markets. The Company operates its production facility in Lewisport, KY with the support of an Automotive Innovation Center for R&D, Sales and Field Service in Madison Heights (DET), and Inside Sales in the Cleveland, OH area.

Our production facility is looking for an Entry-Level Automation Specialist to join its Project Engineering team. The purpose of this role is to support the execution of the Electrical and Automation (E&A) portion of projects and upgrades, assist with troubleshooting and diagnosis of E&A issues in the plant, and develop technical skills while contributing to the continuous improvement of electrical, automation, and controls equipment. This position will work under the guidance of experienced engineers and follow all Commonwealth Rolled Products policies and governmental regulations.

Responsibilities

• Actively participate in maintaining a zero-incident safety culture.
• Live and champion the Commonwealth Rolled Products core values: Safety Matters, One Team, Customer Focus, and Own Excellence.
• Assist with the evaluation and application of standard engineering techniques, procedures, and criteria for E&A equipment such as PLCs, drives, process servers and software, and process networks, using guidance from experienced engineers and lean manufacturing practices.
• Support the development of contract specifications for E&A projects with a focus on safety, downtime reduction, equipment performance, and machine life.
• Contribute to team effort by accomplishing tasks, promoting open communication with peers, and providing updates to direct management.
• Assist in evaluating automated equipment and processes, troubleshooting equipment issues, and reviewing manuals, blueprints, and schematic diagrams to understand tasks to be performed.
• Learn and support process network layouts and plant network interfaces in cooperation with IT and experienced engineering team members.
• Help maintain backup systems for automation software, engineering drawing files, project records, equipment archives, and documentation updates as directed.
• Support efforts to improve the performance of E&A installations through data review, troubleshooting assistance, and implementation of assigned improvement actions.
• Assist maintenance and engineering personnel in diagnosing equipment problems and identifying actions to help prevent recurrence, improve reliability, and reduce maintenance costs.
• Support employee engagement and participation in the Company's continuous improvement programs by promoting teamwork and open, honest communication.
• Interact professionally with vendors, customers, contractors, and employees at all levels of the organization while learning company processes and sound decision-making practices.
• Participate in root cause analysis activities and assist with developing and implementing solutions to improve uptime.
• Help identify potential problems or opportunities related to the safe, reliable, and cost-effective operation and maintenance of plant processes.
• Prepare reports, business correspondence, and procedure documentation with guidance from engineering and management personnel.
• Assist with preparing and modifying electrical drawings, specifications, calculations, charts, and graphs.
• Support the preparation of technical training materials and participate in training sessions related to electrical and automation systems.
• Assist with assembling and reviewing bid analyses and recommendations as directed.

Required Qualifications:

• Must actively enrolled and in pursuit of a BS degree in Engineering, Electrical Engineering, Automation Engineering, Computer Engineering, or a related technical field.
• Foundational understanding of computer programming, software development, and control system concepts.
• Exposure to SCADA and HMI applications, including Rockwell systems.
• Exposure to industrial data acquisition or analysis tools, such as IBA.
• Exposure to general networking concepts and industrial network equipment.
• Exposure to PLC concepts or platforms such as Rockwell, Siemens, or GE.
• Basic knowledge of networking principles and applications, including an interest in learning system troubleshooting and installation practices.
• Strong written and oral communication skills, interpersonal skills, organizational skills, and willingness to learn in a team-oriented environment.
• Must be willing to learn and support troubleshooting efforts in a 24/7 operation with appropriate guidance and training.

Preferred Qualifications:

• Internship, co-op, project, or hands-on manufacturing experience.
• Exposure to any of the following through coursework, internships, co-ops, personal projects, or work experience:
  • C#, C++, C, HTML, Javascript, PHP programming languages
• Familiarity with PLC, DCS, or SCADA control systems used in a manufacturing environment through coursework, internships, co-ops, projects, or prior work experience.

EEO Statement

Commonwealth Rolled Products is an equal opportunity employer and supports diversity in the workplace. Qualified applications will receive consideration for employment without regard to their race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, disability, height, weight or status as a protected veteran. Our HR team will reach out to the applicants who met the qualifications and most closely aligned with requirements of the positions.

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.