Process Controls Programmer

Rockline Industries, Inc.; Morristown (TN); Hybrid; USD 70,000 - 90,000; Full time

Job summary

Rockline Industries, Inc. is seeking an Engineer I – Process Controls Programmer to support FactoryTalk Batch and related automation systems in Morristown, TN.

You will assist with programming, testing, documentation, and commissioning of PLC, HMI, and instrumentation across chemical mixing and batching operations. The role requires a bachelor’s in a relevant engineering field and hands-on ability with automation platforms, problem-solving skills, and collaboration with cross-functional teams to

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in Electrical, Controls, Chemical, Automation, or Computer Engineering or related field.
• Experience or coursework in industrial automation and control systems.
• Ability to read electrical drawings, P&IDs, control narratives, and I/O lists.
• Strong analytical, problem-solving, and communication skills.

Responsibilities

• Modify, troubleshoot, and write PLC/HMI/VFD and related control programs for chemical mixing and batch processes.
• Prepare electrical schematics, control narratives, and I/O documentation for the chemical mix/blending process.
• Identify and implement control process improvements and equipment changes.
• Assist in installation, commissioning, and support of automation updates on equipment.
• Test, validate, and document programming changes; perform root cause analysis for controls-related issues.

Skills

PLC programming

HMI programming

Electrical drawings

Industrial automation

Root cause analysis

Documentation

Education

Bachelor’s degree in Electrical/Controls/Automation/Computer Engineering or related technical discipline

Tools

FactoryTalk

Rockwell PLCs

Job description

The Engineer I - Process Controls Programmer provides programming, troubleshooting, maintenance, and improvement support for FactoryTalk Batch and related automation systems used in manufacturing operations. This role supports chemical mixing, blending, batching, transfer, cleaning, and sanitizing processes to ensure safe, reliable, and efficient production. The Engineer I – Process Control Programmer assists with the configuration, modification, testing, documentation, and commissioning of PLC, HMI, VFD, instrumentation, and batch control systems. The role partners with Engineering, Operations, Quality, Maintenance, EHS, and IT/OT teams to implement control system improvements, support new products and process changes, resolve automation issues, and maintain compliance with established standards and regulatory requirements. Participates in continuous improvement initiatives and supports automation projects of increasing complexity while developing expertise in batch control systems and ISA-88 principles.

ESSENTIAL ACCOUNTABILITIES:

• Modify, troubleshoot, and write PLC, HMI, VFD, instrumentation, and related control programs for chemical mixing, blending, batching, and transferring of wet wipe manufacturing processes.
• Collaborate and create electrical schematics, control narratives, I/O documentation, and process documentation related to chemical mix/blending process.
• Research and identify control process improvements, formula changes, and new chemical blending equipment within Chem Mix.
• Assist in installation, commissioning, and support of automation changes on new and existing chemical mixing and blending equipment.
• Perform testing, commissioning, and validation of programming changes on new and existing projects and programming changes within Chem Mix.
• Troubleshoot and determine root cause analysis for controls-related issues affecting chemical mix quality, batch repeatability, equipment uptime, chemical delivery, line performance, and operator interface usability.
• Creates standard work procedures for the Chemical Mix process.
• Identify required controls and instrumentation critical spare parts and aid leadership and the parts department in maintaining a critical spare parts listing.
• Update and create recipe/change documentation and related process documentation for new and existing chemical mixing and blending systems
• Serves as the liaison between the plant and Global Engineering.
• Coordinate small scale tasks for hired contractors and services.
• Maintain, troubleshoot, and update machine and process safety systems, including interlocks, permissive, alarms, emergency stops, guarding circuits, and controls related to safe chemical handling and equipment operation.
• Demonstrate commitment to company RRITE Values of Renew, Respect, Integrity, Teamwork, and Excellence.
• Associates have a direct and important role in ensuring that all work is performed in a safe manner. Effectiveness in carrying out this responsibility is part of each associate’s essential accountabilities.
• Contribute to a cooperative working effort by demonstrating a willingness to perform other job-related work, as needed or requested.

This position is designated as Safety-Sensitive (A safety-sensitive position is one in which the associate’s inability or impaired ability to perform their job-related tasks could result in a direct threat to the associate’s safety or the safety of others).

QUALIFICATION REQUIREMENTS:

• Bachelor’s degree in Electrical Engineering, Controls Engineering, Chemical Engineering, Automation Engineering, Computer Engineering, or related technical discipline.
• An equivalent combination of education and relevant experience may be considered.
• Basic understanding of industrial automation and control systems, including PLCs, HMIs, instrumentation, motor controls, and industrial networking concepts.
• Exposure to manufacturing processes, process controls, or industrial automation through coursework, internships, co-op assignments, or prior experience.
• Ability to read and interpret electrical drawings, P&IDs, control narratives, I/O lists, and basic process documentation.
• Fundamental understanding of process control concepts such as batching, sequencing, alarms, interlocks, flow control, level control, temperature control, and recipe management.
• Ability to learn automation platforms such as Rockwell Automation PLCs, FactoryTalk applications, and batch control systems under the guidance of senior engineers. Strong analytical and problem-solving skills with the ability to learn and apply engineering principles in a manufacturing environment.
• Willingness and ability to participate in troubleshooting, testing, commissioning, documentation, and continuous improvement activities Basic knowledge of computer applications including Microsoft Excel, Word, PowerPoint, and other engineering software tools.
• Demonstrated written, verbal, and interpersonal communication skills.

Equal Opportunity Employer/Protected Veterans/Individuals with Disabilities This employer is required to notify all applicants of their rights pursuant to federal employment laws.For further information, please review the Know Your Rights notice from the Department of Labor.