Process Control Technologist

Synthomer plc; West Elizabeth (PA); On-site; USD 90,000 - 130,000; Full time

Job summary

Synthomer plc is seeking a qualified Control Systems professional to maintain and optimize process control across manufacturing sites. You will troubleshoot, program PLC/DCS systems, and support equipment installation with E&I technicians and maintenance staff.

The role involves collaboration with operations and process engineering to resolve control issues, with a travel requirement of about 5% and potential involvement in platform migrations across sites.

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in Engineering or equivalent experience.
• Minimum 5 years’ manufacturing or integration experience.
• Practical experience with continuous/batch programming and automation system technologies (DCS/PLC/SCADA/OPC).

Responsibilities

• Maintain, troubleshoot and program current process control systems.
• Direct and support E&I Technicians and Mechanics during installations and troubleshooting.
• Lead platform migrations and automation improvements across sites.
• Provide after-hours call-in duty as needed.
• Collaborate with operations and process engineering to resolve control issues.
• Maintain OT servers and switches, update patches and antivirus.
• Travel up to 5% for site support and project work.

Skills

Process control

PLC programming

DCS/SCADA knowledge

Team collaboration

Troubleshooting

Documentation & communication

Education

Bachelor's degree in Engineering

Tools

Emerson DeltaV

Allen-Bradley PLC

Foxboro

Modicon

OPC/DA/UA

Modbus

Job description

Synthomer is a leading supplier of high-performance, highly specialised polymers and ingredients that play vital roles in key sectors such as coatings, construction, adhesives, and health and protection – growing markets that serve billions of end users worldwide. Headquartered in London, UK and publicly listed there since 1971, we employ c.3,900 employees across our 5 innovation centres of excellence and more than 29 manufacturing sites across Europe, North America and Asia. Around 20% of our sales volumes are from new and patent protected products.At our innovation centres of excellence in the UK, Germany, China, Malaysia and Ohio, USA we collaborate closely with our customers to develop new products and enhance existing ones tailored to their needs, with an increasing range of sustainability benefits. Since 2021, we have been proud holders of the London Stock Exchange Green Economy Mark, which recognises green technology businesses making a significant contribution to a more sustainable, low-carbon economy.Job Duties and Responsibilities:Day-to-day maintenance, troubleshooting and programming of current process control. Operations includes batch and continuous processes along with supporting utilities and ancillary facilities. The site operates on several types of automation platforms from legacy (Allen Bradley, Foxboro and Modicon) to state of the art (Emerson DeltaV).Direct and support E&I Technicians and Mechanics during equipment installation and troubleshooting scenariosAct as Subject Matter Expert for Control System Improvement Projects including platform migrations at the plant and potentially other sitesUnderstand process control issues and develop solutions to enhance process with operations and process engineeringProvide after-hours call-in duty as neededCollaborate with production and maintenance staff to ensure plant operations are smooth and reliableTravel associated with this position would be 5%.Provide input on small projects, large capital expenditures, safety assessments, automation standards, and alarm managementMaintenance of OT servers and OT switches, updating patches and anti-virusCommunication protocol knowledge/understanding (OPC DA/UA, Modbus/Modbus+, Serial RS 232/485, TCP/RTU, Prosoft)OS migrations experience a plusSelf-motivator who takes ownership and eagerly tackles large challengesEducation:Bachelor’s degree in Engineering, preferably in Chemical, Electrical, Controls, or equivalent work experience.Experience:A minimum of 5 years’ experience in a manufacturing environment or with an integrator is preferred; however, new graduates interested in process controls in a manufacturing environment are also welcome to apply.Practical/applied experience with continuous/batch programming, automation system process control technologies (DCS, PLC, SCADA, OPC, DA, APC, RTO, etc.)Experience with Emerson, Rockwell, and Foxboro products is a plusKnowledge of S88, ISA84, and ISA18.2 is also a plusKnowledge of health, safety, and environmental regulationsQualification Criteria:Be legally authorized to be employed in the United StatesHave a valid driver’s license with no restrictionsPossess excellent listening, verbal and written communication skillsPossess good organizations skillsBe an effective team player and interact well with othersEffectively and efficiently establish priorities and accomplish multiple tasks simultaneouslyMust pass background check, physical, and drug screen Global Benefits Overview Competitive, market-aligned compensation Discretionary global bonus scheme Discretionary Long-Term Incentive Plan (LTIP) – for senior positions Company car or car allowance – varies by region and role Healthcare – tailored to regional locations Parental leave and family support – maternity, paternity, adoption (aligned with regional policies) Working options – flexibility where it matters, based on role and business needs Learning & development opportunities – training, online platforms, buddy/mentorship programs, Internal Synthomer University with L&D offers Wellbeing support – employee assistance program (EAP), mental health resources, wellbeing initiatives Retirement / pension contributions – plans vary by country Culture of Inclusion – where everyone can thrive Performance culture, global reward & recognition programmes