Process Automation Engineer - DCS, PLC & Safety

AVN Corporation; South Charleston (WV); On-site; USD 85,000 - 125,000; Full time

Job summary

AVN Corporation is seeking an Automation Specialist to develop process control strategies, configure DCS, and troubleshoot operations in a chemical research and pilot-scale environment. You will design controls, emergency shutdown systems, and maintain narratives, P&IDs, and instrumentation wiring, while collaborating with engineers and technicians to ensure safety and reliability across projects.

The role requires leading cross-functional teams, planning for hardware and software upgrades, and

Qualifications

• Minimum 3 years of experience in process control configuration and automation within the chemical, pharmaceutical, or similar industries.
• Ability to understand networking and connectivity of the DCS with peripheral hardware such as a data historian.
• Proficient in PLC/HMI programming (e.g., Allen-Bradley, DeltaV, or similar).
• Working knowledge of field instruments and industrial communication protocols (Modbus, Profibus, Ethernet/IP).
• Experience interpreting P&IDs, electrical schematics, and technical documentation.
• Strong troubleshooting, analytical, and documentation skills.
• Excellent communication and collaboration skills.
• Leadership to drive consensus on hardware/software planning and maintenance systems.

Responsibilities

• Design, program, test, and troubleshoot process control systems, including PLCs, HMIs, DCS, and SCADA across facilities.
• Assist in specifying, configuring, and maintaining field instrumentation (pressure, temp, flow, etc.).
• Collaborate with chemical process engineers to translate process needs into control functionality.
• Develop and maintain control logic, alarm strategies, safety interlocks, and operator interfaces.
• Support start-up, commissioning, and troubleshooting of new and existing equipment and systems.
• Lead planning for upkeep and expansion of process control systems and peripheral equipment.
• Evaluate and implement emerging control technologies for R&D and pilot-scale environments.
• Ensure compliance with safety protocols, engineering standards, and quality systems.

Skills

Process control

DCS/SCADA programming

PLC/HMI programming

Instrumentation knowledge

P&IDs interpretation

Team leadership

Networking with data historians

Education

Associate's or Bachelor's degree in a technical field

Tools

Siemens DCS

Allen-Bradley

DeltaV

Job description

AVN Corporation is seeking an Automation Specialist to develop process control strategies, configure DCS, and troubleshoot operations in a chemical research and pilot-scale environment. You will design controls, emergency shutdown systems, and maintain narratives, P&IDs, and instrumentation wiring, while collaborating with engineers and technicians to ensure safety and reliability across projects.

The role requires leading cross-functional teams, planning for hardware and software upgrades, and