Laboratory Controls Engineer, Research and Development Laboratory Operations

Johnson Controls; Wichita (KS); On-site; USD 49,000 - 123,000; Full time

Job summary

A leading company in smart building technology seeks a Laboratory Controls Engineer to provide technical expertise for engineering labs. Your role will include supporting lab equipment systems, collaborating with multiple teams, and reporting on key performance metrics. The ideal candidate will have a degree in Electrical Engineering and extensive PLC programming experience, with opportunities for professional growth within a collaborative team environment.

Benefits

Competitive salary

Paid vacation/holidays/sick time

Comprehensive benefits package including 401K, medical, dental, and vision care

On the job/cross training opportunities

Qualifications

• Demonstrated knowledge of Rockwell, Siemens PLC programming.
• Minimum of five years experience with PLC industrial controls.
• Proficiency in data acquisition hardware and process control loops.

Responsibilities

• Develop controls systems for test-and-measurement systems.
• Collaborate with maintenance teams to maximize equipment uptime.
• Track KPI impacts from various projects.

Skills

Industrial controls

PLC programming

Problem-solving

Team collaboration

Interpersonal communication

Education

Bachelor’s degree in Electrical Engineering

Tools

Microsoft Office

Job description

Laboratory Controls Engineer, Research and Development Laboratory Operations

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Laboratory Controls Engineer, Research and Development Laboratory Operations

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Build your best future with the Johnson Controls Team.

As a global leader in smart, health and sustainable buildings, our mission is to reimagine the performance of buildings to serve people, places and the planet. Join a winning team that enables you to build your best future! Our teams are uniquely positioned to support a multitude of industries across the globe. You will have the opportunity to develop yourself through meaningful work projects and learning opportunities. We strive to provide our employees with an experience, focused on supporting their physical, financial, and emotional wellbeing. Become a member of the Johnson Controls family and thrive in an empowering company culture where your voice and ideas will be heard – your next great opportunity is just a few clicks away!

What We Offer

• Competitive salary
• Paid vacation/holidays/sick time
• Company vehicle, Tools, and Equipment to complete all jobs
• Comprehensive benefits package including 401K, medical, dental, and vision care
• On the job/cross training opportunities
• Encouraging and collaborative team environment
• Dedication to safety through our Zero Harm policy
• Check us out: A Day in a life of Johnson Controls
  
  

What You Will Do

This position will create value for JCI stakeholders by providing technical expertise to the UPG (Unitary Products Group) Engineering Labs for systems and controls of lab equipment, supporting two locations. You will work and collaborate with other cross functional disciplines such as test system technicians, maintenance engineers and the calibration team to support various test systems and apparatus, as well as development of new. You will serve as a technical leader for equipment and advanced technology of lab operations while maintaining and improving systems to adhere to changing agency test standards. You will also play a key role in autonomous tracking of equipment performance within the lab and report out on key performance metrics / indicators (KPIs) to management as well as coordinate activities with others outside the immediate team in other JCI locations to standardize technologies and approach, while also investigating alternate strategies to create a world class R&D operation. Typical daily activities include:

• Develop controls systems for locally developed and proprietary test-and-measurement systems (program and support PLC, HMI, data acquisitions systems and telemetry)
• Collaborate with the maintenance team to support equipment and maximize uptime / performance.
• Lead problem solving teams and drive issue resolution plans.
• Track the impact of those projects on KPI’s.
  
  

How You Will Do It

• Design and specify control packages and provide initial programming and periodic updates for Wichita and Norman locations (some travel).
• Develop and support strategies and data collection arrays to track lab process performance and report out on KPIs such as productivity, utilization, and ROI for capital equipment
• Provide technical support to a team of technicians, collaborate, instruct and provide training in the operation of internally developed controls
• Assist with the implementation of continuous improvement projects and processes to eliminate waste, solve operational issues, and improve efficiency of lab operation.
• Development project plans and schedules to meet or optimize required development timeline.
• Create and update system drawings (CAD)
• Facilitates and promotes teamwork and communications within different lab groups
• Provide input to Manager regarding project estimates and time schedules
• Perform other duties as assigned by UPG Engineering management consistent with company policies and procedures.
  
  

What We Look For

• Bachelor’s degree in Electrical Engineering, Electrical Engineering Technology degree, or equivalent combination of education and experience.
• Demonstrated knowledge of industrial controls, particularly Rockwell, Siemens PLC programming and related HMI programming languages
• Ability to design PLC and other controlled industrial controls system (knowledge of data acquisition hardware process control loops and techniques is required)
• A minimum of five years’ experience working with equipment utilizing PLC industrial controls.
• Strong electrical aptitude including unit wiring, controls, and instrumentation
• Strong mechanical aptitude and problem-solving skills.
• Demonstrated ability to work collaboratively in a team environment.
• Ability to organize and manage simultaneous tasks and projects.
• Strong interpersonal skills; effective and professional communication.
• Ability to make decisions quickly to maintain project schedules.
  
  

Proficiency using the Microsoft OS, Office modules and other software applications or tools will be a must to facilitate seamless gathering and tracking of engineering lab performance: Access, Excel, Outlook, PowerPoint, Project, and Word at minimum

Preferred

• Familiarity with residential and light commercial HVAC equipment including air handlers, indoor coils, condensing units, heat pumps, gas furnaces, respacks, and their associated components.
• Knowledge of and experience with refrigeration (refrigerants, refrigeration strategies and equipment)
• Technical expertise related to NFPA 70e calculations and compliance for lab electrical distribution systems.
• Experience with National Instruments/Emerson LabView programming
• Familiarity with industry standards including AHRI, ASHRAE, DOE, EPA, NEC, UL/CSA, etc
  
  

About The Manager

I have been working in the HVAC industry for 30+ years. My experience spans design of residential HVAC products to support of industrial controls and equipment in both manufacturing and design realms. I have held positions where the focus was with component level electronics to other opportunities where the focus was large plant facilities and equipment. My interests now revolve primarily around management of persons in similar types of roles and building teams to support product-design engineering projects in development of HVAC products (I also have extensive experience with manufacturing fabrication and assembly).

If you consider this role, we will work together to create and support lab systems, particularly the electrical control aspects, and develop improved approaches to benchmarking performance and improving these systems. Expect to be challenged in this role to learn new tools and systems, tackle complicated projects, plot new directions and introduce new approaches in the face of uncertainty, and conduct trials to evaluate new technologies. As a leader, I’m focused on continuous learning and development – both building our own engineering skillsets but also improving our processes and products.

I value candidates with strong work ethic and a growth mindset who enjoy being creative, proactive, and detail-oriented in their work.

I hope you’re excited to take on this challenge and help Johnson Controls streamline engineering development of new products!

Johnson Controls has a lot of work to do and if you join me, you will accumulate a broad set of experiences and be able to add the word “transformation” to your resume! Let’s roll up our sleeves and do this!

Seniority level

• Seniority level

  Mid-Senior level

Employment type

• Employment type

  Full-time

Job function

• Job function

  Engineering and Information Technology

• Industries

  Industrial Machinery Manufacturing

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