Engineer, Process Controls

NOVONIX; Chattanooga (TN); On-site; USD 80,000 - 100,000; Full time

Job summary

A technology company in Chattanooga is looking for a Process Control Engineer to lead the controls portion of multiple workstreams, focusing on safety, project management, and process improvement. The ideal candidate will have a bachelor's degree in engineering and significant experience in process control systems. This role is full-time and onsite, offering opportunities for mentorship and production support.

Qualifications

• A bachelor’s degree in EE, ME, IE, MET or EET is required.
• 7+ years of directly related experience may be acceptable.
• 5+ years in a 24/7 manufacturing environment is needed.

Responsibilities

• Manage small controls engineering projects with internal and external resources.
• Be primary point of contact for control issues during production.
• Assist with the 5-year control infrastructure integrity plan.

Skills

Project management experience

Ability to write control schemes

Problem-solving

Ability to prioritize

Mentorship

Education

Bachelor’s degree in EE, ME, IE, MET or EET

Equivalent experience (7+ years)

Bachelor’s degree in IT, Computer Science, or Computer Engineering with 5+ years

Tools

PLC/DCS platforms

SCADA/MES systems (Ignition, TrakSys)

Programming languages (Python, C#)

Job description

Join to apply for the Engineer, Process Controls role at NOVONIX.

The Process Control Engineer (PCE) will report directly to the Process Engineering Manager and be responsible for the controls portion of multiple workstreams at the company, including safety, project management, mentorship, production support, and process improvement.

The PCE will work closely with operations, maintenance, engineering, and outside contracting groups daily to accomplish these work streams. The PCE will become the Subject Matter Expert (SME) for the control’s infrastructure of the NOVONIX plants and will be the “go to” associate regarding controls for all other associates. This position requires significant previous experience and a well‑rounded background in process control, programming, control systems, communications infrastructure, and process control modification.

This position is fully onsite and located at our Riverside office.

What you’ll do

• Safety (10%)
  • The PCE will work with the safety department to provide input to Lockout‑Tagout policies and procedures.
  • The PCE will evaluate changes to process control systems from a safety perspective to prevent unmitigated risk.
• Maintenance (10%)
  • Provide oversight of troubleshooting, maintenance, and long‑term integrity of the control infrastructure.
  • Recommend quarterly spare‑parts inventory updates and manage unplanned control system repairs.
  • Work with IT to develop a robust communications and networking interface.
• Project Management (20%)
  • Manage small controls engineering projects with internal and external resources.
  • Support major projects and construction work by providing engineering input, programming oversight, and system design.
• Production Support (25%)
  • Primary point of contact for operations regarding control issues or emergencies.
  • Be remotely available during non‑office hours for troubleshooting.
  • Assist with the 5‑year controls infrastructure integrity plan.
• Process Improvement (30%)
  • Review requested process changes and determine feasibility.
  • Execute modifications directly or manage small projects for external contractors.
• Mentorship (5%)
  • Mentor summer interns, co‑ops, and new engineers as needed.
• Other duties as assigned.

Who you are and what you bring

• Specific project management experience in design/procure/build.
• Ability to write new control schemes and modify existing ones.
• Self‑driven with a high degree of autonomy.
• Sound engineering‑driven decision‑making skills.
• Ability to prioritize and balance multiple competing demands.
• High availability during non‑working hours as needed.
• Highly motivated self‑starter who takes initiative.
• Well organized and invested in details.
• Build positive relationships at all levels of the organization.
• Resourceful problem solver.
• Intellectually curious.
• Passionate about creating a great culture and continuous improvement.
• Innovative and not satisfied with the status quo.
• Effective coach and mentor.
• Willing to go the extra mile to satisfy customers/stakeholders.

Minimum requirements

• A bachelor’s degree in EE, ME, IE, MET or EET.
• Equivalent experience (7+ directly related) may be acceptable.
• A bachelor’s degree in IT, Computer Science, or Computer Engineering with 5+ years of relevant experience may also be acceptable.
• 5+ years in a 24/7 manufacturing environment.

And it would be extra awesome if you also have

• Experience making control strategy decisions with specific regard to safety impact.
• Experience with multiple PLC/DCS platforms and coding languages (Allen Bradley, Siemens, Unitronics).
• Experience with SCADA/Manufacturing Execution Systems (Ignition and/or TrakSys).
• Experience with Python, C#, MSSQL, programming and scripting.
• Reading, modifying, and creating P&ID diagrams.
• Experience in milling/bulk processing, thermal treating, furnaces, or kiln process background.
• Experience migrating across generations of control systems/manufacturers.
• Knowledgeable about IT and communications protocols, including OT/IT separation and network setup.
• Prior work as satellite support for maintenance and operations departments.