Maintenance Automation Engineer

Vallourec North America; Houston (TX); On-site; USD 80,000 - 110,000; Full time

Job summary

A manufacturing company in automation solutions is seeking a Systems Engineer to oversee the performance of plant level 1 and level 2 systems. You will analyze and monitor production systems, ensuring their quality and reliability, while collaborating closely with operational teams. Ideal candidates should have over 5 years of engineering experience, strong troubleshooting skills, and proficiency in software development, particularly with HMI and SQL databases. A BA/BS in a related field is required, with an advanced degree preferred.

Qualifications

• 5+ years of systems engineering design experience.
• Strong knowledge of HMI software and level 1 programming languages.
• Proficient in troubleshooting Level 2 system failures.

Responsibilities

• Oversee performance of plants level 1 and level 2 systems.
• Monitor information production systems for quality and reliability.
• Act as a liaison between operations, maintenance, and software developers.

Skills

Systems engineering/design experience

Experience with Oracle, PostgreSQL, SQL databases

HMI software development

Troubleshooting techniques

Data flow monitoring

C# programming knowledge

Education

BA/BS in computer science, information systems, automation, or electrical engineering

Advanced degree preferred

Tools

Linux

Microsoft Windows

RSView

Wonderware

AWS

Azure

Job description

Responsible to oversee the performance of plants level 1 and level 2 systems, focusing on traceability and production optimization solutions, through troubleshooting both hardware and software issues on the existing systems on a strong collaboration with the operational team.

KEY RESPONSIBILITIES

• Analyze the requirements for data, workflow, logical processes, hardware, and operating system environment, as well as interfaces with other plant systems – PLC’s and Level 3 – MES.
• Monitor the information production systems, to ensure the resources quality, reliability, availability, and performance including after-hours technical support.
• Acts as a liaison with application developers for upgrades and support.
• Provide the link between operations (team members, process engineers, and management), maintenance (automation technicians) and software developers.
• Developed and implement modification and enhancements of existing application system, according to changing business needs.
• Evaluate and test the new or updated packages for compliance with user requirements, company standards and compatibility.
• Assist in developing and conducting end-user training.
• Promote effective communication vertically and horizontally within the organization.
• Support the deployment of the Vallourec Automation Standards.
• Be a focal point of projects and initiatives related to automation portfolio.

EXPERIENCE, SKILLS, AND KNOWLEDGE

• 5+ years of systems engineering/design and analysis experience, including specification, simulation, programming, evaluation of software packages, testing techniques. Experience with Oracle, PostgreSQL, and SQL databases.
• 5+ years of experience with developing and/or administrating shop floor production systems in heavy industrial environment, PLC’s programming, integration, and network communication. Desirable experience in Allen Bradley/Rockwell environment.
• Strong knowledge of HMI software development and level 1 programming languages. Experience with data historian and reporting packages, ex. RSView and Wonder Ware.
• Ability to apply troubleshooting techniques to determine Root Cause of Level 2 system failures. Skills needed will include knowledge of LINUX & Microsoft Windows Operating Systems. Determining and managing program/service status, maintaining task schedules, review of system and application logs, message exchange with PLCs & Level 3 applications.
• Ability to establish and monitor data flows from level 2 to industrial cloud applications (AWS, AZURE Cloud, ..)
• Desirable knowledge of time-based systems (IBA, Aveva PI, Aveva Historian, InfoPlus.21…).
• Desirable knowledge of systems development, including web and mobile apps. (C# knowledge is preferred).

EDUCATION, TRAINING, AND CERTIFICATIONS

• BA/BS or its foreign equivalent in computer science, information systems, automation, or electrical engineering.
• Advanced degree is preferred.

CRITICAL COMPETENCIES & CAPABILITIES

• Ability to communicate effectively, verbally and in writing within the organization, both vertically and horizontally
• Strong decision-making skills based on analytical approach to problem solving.
• Ability to work independently and execute objectives in a cross-functional team environment.
• Ability to provide after-hours support.
• Strong interpersonal and communications skills

Equal Opportunity Employer
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