Process controls Engineer

Brightpath Associates LLC; Franklin (VA); On-site; USD 110,000 - 140,000; Full time

Job summary

Brightpath Associates LLC in Virginia seeks an experienced Process Control Engineer to maintain and optimize DCS/QCS, develop ABB-based control loops, and upgrade legacy systems in a tissue mill. Expect collaboration with production, documentation, and compliance teams, plus mentoring junior engineers. On-site role with strong emphasis on safety and reliability.

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s in Engineering required; advanced degree preferred.
• 5–7 years in process control engineering; tissue or papermill experience highly desirable.

Responsibilities

• Maintain, troubleshoot, and optimize DCS & QCS systems in a mill environment.
• Develop and program control loops in ABB systems for precise tissue production.
• Learn and program in older control system architectures to keep them functional.
• Lead system upgrades and integrate new control technologies with existing setups.

Skills

ABB control loops

QCS & DCS systems

Older control architectures

Instrumentation & electrical

Problem solving

Communication

Project management

Education

Bachelor’s Degree in Engineering

Advanced degree a plus

Tools

ABB systems

Allen-Bradley AB PLCs

Job description

• Maintenance and optimization: maintain, troubleshoot, and optimize the existing mix of old and new DCS & QCS systems to ensure smooth and efficient mill operations.
• Programming Control Loops: Develop and program control loops in ABB systems, ensuring precision and reliability in the tissue production process.
• Adaptation to Older Systems: Learn and program in older control system architectures, ensuring they are fully functional and meet the mill’s operational standards.
• System Upgrades and Integration: Lead initiatives for system upgrades and integrate new control technologies with existing systems to enhance overall efficiency.
• Technical Support: Provide technical support to the production team, addressing any issues related to process control systems promptly and effectively.
• Documentation and Compliance: Create and maintain detailed documentation of control systems, programming changes, and maintenance activities. Ensure all control systems comply with industry standards and safety regulations.
• Continuous Improvement: Identify opportunities for continuous improvement in control systems and processes, implementing changes to optimize performance and reduce downtime.
• Training and Mentorship: Train and mentor junior engineers and technicians on control systems and programming, fostering a culture of knowledge sharing and professional development.

Qualifications

• Education: Bachelor’s Degree in Engineering, preferably in Electrical, Control Systems, or related field. Advanced degree is a plus.
• Experience: Minimum of 5-7 years of experience in process control engineering, with a focus on AB and ABB systems. Experience in a tissue or papermill environment is highly desirable.

Technical skills:

• Proficiency in programming control loops in ABB systems.
• Strong understanding of QCS & DCS systems and their components.
• Ability to program and troubleshoot older control system architectures.
• Familiarity with process control instrumentation and electrical systems.
• Problem solving: Excellent analytical and problem-solving skills, with the ability to troubleshoot complex control system issues effectively.
• Communication skills: Strong verbal and written communication skills, with the ability to convey technical information clearly to non-technical team members.
• Project management: Proven ability to manage multiple projects simultaneously, prioritizing tasks and meeting deadlines.