Process Controls Engineer

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

Job summary

ST Paper, LLC is seeking a Process Controls Engineer for our Franklin, VA tissue mill. The ideal candidate will have 5–7 years of process control experience with AB/ABB systems and a strong ability to program older architectures, ensuring reliable, high-quality tissue production.

Responsibilities include maintaining and upgrading DCS/QCS systems, developing ABB control loops, and providing technical support to the production team. Experience in a papermill setting is highly valued.

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in engineering is required.
• 5–7 years in process control engineering with AB/ABB experience.
• Experience with tissue/papermill environments is highly desirable.
• Proficiency in ABB control loop programming.
• Strong knowledge of QCS & DCS systems.
• Ability to program and troubleshoot older control architectures.
• Familiarity with process instrumentation and electrical systems.

Responsibilities

• Maintain, troubleshoot, and optimize existing DCS & QCS systems.
• Develop and program control loops in ABB systems.
• Learn and work with older control system architectures.
• Lead system upgrades and integrate new technologies.
• Provide technical support to production teams.
• Document changes and ensure regulatory compliance.
• Drive continuous improvement and mentor junior staff.

Skills

Control loop programming

Analytical thinking

Troubleshooting

Education

Bachelor’s Degree in Engineering

Tools

ABB systems

DCS

QCS

Electrical systems

Job description

Position Details: Process Controls Engineer

Description

Location: Franklin, VA, Tissue Mill

Summary Of Position

We are seeking a highly skilled and experienced Process Controls Engineer to join our dynamic team at our recycled tissue mill located in Franklin, Virginia. The ideal candidate will possess a strong background in process control system, specifically with expertise in AB & ABB systems, and have the ability to adapt to and program older architectures. This position requires a meticulous and innovative engineer who can maintain and improve our control systems to ensure efficient and high-quality tissue production.

Duties & Responsibilities

• 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.
• Team player: Ability to work collaboratively in a team environment, demonstrating strong interpersonal skills and a proactive approach to achieving team goals.
• Work schedule: Must be able to support the organization during 24/7 operations, including holidays (including Christmas and Thanksgiving days), weekends, and nights. May be required to change work schedule based on organizational needs. Some outages may require working nights and weekends. On-call scheduling will also be required.

Work Environment/Physical Demands

The work environment characteristics described are representative of those an employee encounters while performing the essential functions of this job. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.

While performing the duties of this job, the employee is exposed to:

• Hazardous machinery
• Electrical hazards
• Wet quarters
• Height hazards
• Exposure to thermal and chemical burns
• Dust, fumes, gases, and mists
• Magnetic fields, which pose a danger to individuals with pace makers

Physical Demands:

• Frequently: Stand, lift up to 10 pounds, walk, ascend and descend stairs/ladders, and use keyboard and calculator
• Occasionally: Lift up to 20 pounds, sit, bend at the waist, crouch (bend from the knees), reach above and below the shoulders, use foot controls, and make visual determinations regarding color changes, adjust focus, depth perception, and peripheral vision.

Specific vision

abilities required by the job include close vision, distance vision, peripheral vision, depth perception, and the ability to adjust focus.

ST Tissue provides equal employment opportunities to all employees and applicants for employment and prohibits discrimination and harassment of any type without regard to race, color, religion, age, sex, national origin, disability status, genetics, protected veteran status, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, or any other characteristic protected by federal, state, or local laws.

This policy applies to all terms and conditions of employment, including recruiting, hiring, placement, promotion, termination, layoff, recall, transfer, leaves of absence, compensation and training.