Industrial Networking Administrator

CPM Animal Feed & Oilseed Solutions; Saint Charles (MO); On-site; USD 80,000 - 100,000; Full time

Job summary

CPM Animal Feed & Oilseed Solutions is looking for an experienced Industrial Networking Administrator to oversee the design and integration of automation control systems. The ideal candidate will bridge the gap between Operational Technology and IT, ensuring effective communication and project management.

Responsibilities include managing projects, ensuring customer satisfaction, and providing technical support, requiring a technical background and proficiency in various network technologies.

Qualifications

• 4+ years of relevant work experience preferred in networking or automation.
• Knowledgeable in PLC and PC based architectures.
• Experience in using network monitoring and packet capture tools.

Responsibilities

• Manage multiple automation projects from sale to customer start-up.
• Design network topologies and oversee integration into customer infrastructures.
• Ensure communications between operational technology and IT departments.

Skills

Network monitoring and management

Communication skills

Understanding of industrial process control systems

Education

Four-year bachelor’s degree in a related field or equivalent

Tools

Allen Bradley RSLogix & RSView

Microsoft SQL

Microsoft Office (Word, Excel, Outlook)

VPN protocols (SSL VPN, IPSec)

Job description

Job Summary

The Industrial Networking Administrator is responsible for planning, organizing, controlling, and integrating the architecture of projects in the automation control systems branch of our business. As the backbone to the automation system projects, speed and reliability are the most important features to ensure reliable data transfer and maximum uptime.

General Statement of Duties

Develop system designs of the PC based automation system. Designs include network topology, hardware specification, software optimization, and knowledge of industrial protocols. The role involves interacting with and directing the end user IT departments to integrate the automation project into their company infrastructure. The ideal candidate can provide a solid bridge between the OT (Operational Technology) and IT worlds.

Essential Functions

• Manage multiple projects from definition at time of sale through actual start-up at the customer facility
• Constantly improving the company’s design and technology solutions to meet the demands of the needs of the customer, the automation solution, and industry standards
• Coordinate direct communication with the customer team to ensure the integration of the CPM-Beta Raven production process into the customer network
• Ensure best practices are used by both the company Controls Engineers and the customers’ IT departments
• Establish or participate in problem analysis and system design as required
• Conduct detailed analysis and study of requirements for integrated systems and complex single application programs
• Help with the development and preparation of documentation of operating procedures, testing and field service
• Interface with software engineers to create products that are consistent with the look and feel of the existing product line
• Support Controls Engineers through start-ups, updates, trouble shooting and modification of networking and relevant equipment
• Ensure proper and thorough communication with customers, CPM-Beta Raven production, Engineering, and sales team members on the status of projects responsible for
• Assist Sales to develop pricing and project scopes of new opportunities
• Develop, present, or respond to change orders and proposals for specific customer requirements, including request for proposal responses and industry-specific solutions
• Provide both phone (via modem and/or VPN connection to customer site) and on-site start-up and troubleshooting support for projects
• Support customers by solving network issues in virtualized environments

Installation and Training

• Supervise and inspect the installation, maintenance and performance of Beta Raven equipment and the customer supplied equipment that interfaces to our control systems
• Work with outside contractors, electricians and plant maintenance personnel on installation and calibration issues as necessary
• Work out mutually satisfactory adaptations to existing designs or suggest possible new designs
• Report defective equipment and recommend the replacement of obsolete or damaged equipment
• Provide customer service assistance, to include consultation of installations, expansions, and repairs of customer equipment
• Occasionally direct the activities of one or two employees of less experience to include training, assigning and checking work
• Diagnose problems with installed equipment and provide field support to customer locations
• Recommend improved materials or software to customers, documenting how such changes will lower costs or increase production
• Provide technical and nontechnical support and services to clients or other staff members regarding the use, operation, and maintenance of equipment

Environment

Normal plant and office conditions, with field trips to bakeries, feed mills and other industrial facilities where hot and dusty environments are prevalent

Reporting Relationship

Control Systems Engineering and Customer Service Manager

Subordinate Positions

No formal subordinates, occasionally directs the activities of the Engineering Clerk and Inspection personnel

Physical Requirements

• Standing, sitting, unilateral and bilateral movement, reaching, grasping, talking and hearing
• Clarity of vision at 20 inches or less with the ability to bring objects into sharp focus while reading computer screen
• Must be able to deal with field conditions that are dusty and hot (110°F)
• Occasionally work on lifts and ladders that are approximately 20’ off the ground
• Must have a valid driver’s license and be able to rent a car
• Must be able to fly commercial airlines both nationwide and internationally
• Must be able to lift 40 lbs

Travel Requirements

Average 20% nationwide travel with possibility of international travel

Training Requirements

• Allen Bradley RSLogix & RSView
• In-house and on-the-job training will be provided to certify technician as proficient in the installation and repair of controls systems and products

This job description in no way states or implies that these are the only duties to be performed by the employee occupying this position. Employees may be required to follow other job‑related instructions and to perform other job‑related duties as requested, subject to all applicable state and federal laws.

Qualifications

• Four-year bachelor’s degree in a related field, or a technical background equivalent to a bachelor’s degree
• Preferred 5 to 10 years of work‑related skill, knowledge, or experience
• Understanding of industrial process control systems using PLC and PC based architectures
• Knowledge of principles and processes for providing customer and personal services
• Knowledge of the practical application of OT design and systems
• Practical experience with communicating effectively in writing as appropriate for the needs of the audience
• Demonstrated experience using logic and reasoning to identify the strengths and weaknesses of alternative solutions, conclusions, or approaches to problems
• Experience in the use of various network monitoring and packet capture tools
• Familiarity with VPN protocols such as SSL VPN and IPSec
• Knowledge of ESXI
• Knowledge of Microsoft SQL and MYSQL/MariaDB
• Experience in the use of various network monitoring and packet capture tools
• Must be proficient in use of Microsoft Office; Word, Excel, and Outlook
• Must give attention to detail and take pride in work produced