Project Engineer Automation

Saigepartners; Muscatine, Northern (IA, KY); Hybrid; USD 90,000 - 120,000; Full time

Job summary

Saige Partners in Muscatine, IA seeks a Project Engineer – Automation to support safe, reliable plant operations through process automation and continuous improvement.

You will design and optimize Level 1 control systems, lead automation projects from concept to commissioning, and provide hands-on support to operations and maintenance teams. Collaboration, documentation, and on-call support are integral to keeping production running smoothly.

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in Electrical Engineering, Computer Science, or related technical discipline.
• 5+ years of experience with ControlLogix and Rockwell Automation platforms.
• Strong understanding of process control systems and their interaction with manufacturing processes.
• Demonstrated ability to apply sound engineering and economic principles to process control decisions.
• In-depth knowledge of industrial automation systems, including PLCs, real-time networks, control hardware, and operating systems.
• Proficiency with ControlLogix and FactoryTalk View programming environments.
• Strong understanding of closed-loop and real-time control systems.
• Excellent troubleshooting, analytical, organizational, and communication skills.
• Ability to work independently, manage multiple priorities, and drive projects to completion.
• Commitment to regular and reliable attendance.

Responsibilities

• Develop and implement automation strategies, methodologies, and best practices to improve product quality, expand production capabilities, and reduce manufacturing costs.
• Design, develop, and manage Level 1 process control systems and automation projects to optimize production efficiency, yield, and product quality.
• Analyze process performance using data-driven methods and implement sustainable continuous improvement solutions.
• Lead automation projects from concept development through implementation, commissioning, and ongoing optimization.
• Provide advanced troubleshooting, technical guidance, and hands‑on support to Operations, Maintenance, and Engineering Maintenance Operator (EMO) teams.
• Maintain, support, and continuously improve Level 1 electrical and control systems to ensure reliability and compliance with applicable standards.
• Deliver specialized support for process control systems and software across manufacturing operations.
• Design, develop, and implement HMI applications.
• Collaborate with Operations and Maintenance teams to ensure interfaces are intuitive, standardized, and aligned with operational requirements.
• Maintain HMI standards, including graphics, alarms, and navigation structures.
• Troubleshoot and optimize HMI performance and real-time data visualization.
• Develop and maintain technical documentation, system configurations, change logs, and historical records.
• Create and update operating procedures, user guides, and support documentation.
• Analyze and reverse-engineer existing systems to reconstruct software specifications and functionality when necessary.
• Respond to operator requests and resolve automation and control system issues in a timely manner.
• Participate 24/7 on‑call support rotation for critical automation systems.
• Train and mentor maintenance personnel on new software, control systems, and automation enhancements.
• Provide expert‑level support for critical process and automation systems.
• Support and maintain automation systems associated with furnace, rolling mill, and finishing operations.
• Troubleshoot and maintain Allen Bradley PLCs, control platforms, and associated hardware.
• Support integration of HMIs, plant business systems, industrial networks, and third‑party supplier systems.

Skills

ControlLogix

Rockwell Automation

FactoryTalk View

Allen Bradley PLCs

HMI Development

Industrial Networking

Real-Time Control

Process Control

Electrical Engineering

Problem Solving

Education

Bachelor's degree in Electrical Engineering

Tools

Rockwell Automation

FactoryTalk AssetCentre

Allen Bradley PLCs

HMI Systems

Job description

We strive to be Your Future, Your Solution to accelerate your career!

Position: Project Engineer – Automation (Muscatine, IA)

Job Overview: The Project Engineer – Automation is responsible for supporting safe, reliable, and efficient plant operations through process automation, control system optimization, and continuous improvement initiatives. This role analyzes process performance, identifies opportunities for improvement, and designs and implements automation solutions that enhance productivity, product quality, and system reliability. The Automation Engineer maintains and supports Level 1 and Level 1.5 control systems, ensuring the integrity, availability, and performance of critical automation infrastructure while providing technical leadership across operations and maintenance teams. This is a direct-hire position.

Key Responsibilities

• Process & Automation Engineering
  • Develop and implement automation strategies, methodologies, and best practices to improve product quality, expand production capabilities, and reduce manufacturing costs.
  • Design, develop, and manage Level 1 process control systems and automation projects to optimize production efficiency, yield, and product quality.
  • Analyze process performance using data-driven methods and implement sustainable continuous improvement solutions.
  • Lead automation projects from concept development through implementation, commissioning, and ongoing optimization.
• Technical Support & Troubleshooting
  • Provide advanced troubleshooting, technical guidance, and hands‑on support to Operations, Maintenance, and Engineering Maintenance Operator (EMO) teams.
  • Maintain, support, and continuously improve Level 1 electrical and control systems to ensure reliability and compliance with applicable standards.
  • Deliver specialized support for process control systems and software across manufacturing operations.
• Automation Systems Management
  • Hardware Management
    • o Perform preventive and predictive maintenance on automation and control system hardware.
    • o Identify, evaluate, and replace obsolete or failing field devices and components.
    • o Manage and maintain I/O interface cabling and associated hardware.
    • o Monitor system performance, diagnostics, fault detection, and recovery processes to support uninterrupted operations.
  • Software Management
    • o Monitor and maintain automation and control applications to ensure stable and efficient operation.
    • o Manage system backups and disaster recovery processes, including administration of FactoryTalk AssetCentre.
    • o Troubleshoot operating systems and application software issues to minimize downtime.
    • o Develop, modify, and maintain automation software and control system programs.
• HMI & Interface Development
  • Design, develop, and implement HMI applications.
  • Collaborate with Operations and Maintenance teams to ensure interfaces are intuitive, standardized, and aligned with operational requirements.
  • Maintain HMI standards, including graphics, alarms, and navigation structures.
  • Troubleshoot and optimize HMI performance and real-time data visualization.
• Documentation & Change Management
  • Develop and maintain technical documentation, system configurations, change logs, and historical records.
  • Create and update operating procedures, user guides, and support documentation.
  • Analyze and reverse-engineer existing systems to reconstruct software specifications and functionality when necessary.
• Operations Support
  • Respond to operator requests and resolve automation and control system issues in a timely manner.
  • Participate 24/7 on‑call support rotation for critical automation systems.
  • Train and mentor maintenance personnel on new software, control systems, and automation enhancements.
• Specialized Systems Support
  • Provide expert‑level support for critical process and automation systems.
  • Support and maintain automation systems associated with furnace, rolling mill, and finishing operations.
  • Troubleshoot and maintain Allen Bradley PLCs, control platforms, and associated hardware.
  • Support integration of HMIs, plant business systems, industrial networks, and third‑party supplier systems.

Qualifications

• Required
  • Bachelor's degree in Electrical Engineering, Computer Science, or a related technical discipline; equvalent combination of education and experience may be considered.
  • Minimum of five (5) years of experience working with ControlLogix and Rockwell Automation platforms.
  • Strong understanding of process control systems and their interaction with manufacturing processes.
  • Demonstrated ability to apply sound engineering and economic principles to process control decisions.
  • In-depth knowledge of industrial automation systems, including PLCs, industrial computers, real‑time communication networks, control hardware, and operating systems.
  • Proficiency with ControlLogix and FactoryTalk View programming environments.
  • Strong understanding of closed‑loop and real‑time control systems.
  • Excellent troubleshooting, analytical, organizational, and communication skills.
  • Ability to work independently, manage multiple priorities, and drive projects to completion.
  • Commitment to regular and reliable attendance.
• Preferred
  • Experience troubleshooting industrial electrical and electronic systems in a heavy manufacturing environment.
  • Formal training in computer hardware, software systems, or related technical disciplines.
  • Strong knowledge of industrial networking, database management, and software development tools.
  • Experience programming, configuring, and tuning AC and DC digital drive systems.
  • Knowledge of DC motor theory, operation, and control systems.
  • Experience with mill stand control systems, winding applications or similar manufacturing process equipment.
• Preferred Technical Skills
  • Rockwell Automation ControlLogix
  • FactoryTalk View
  • FactoryTalk AssetCentre
  • Allen Bradley PLC Systems
  • Industrial Networks & Communications
  • HMI Development & Support
  • Process Control Systems
  • Real‑Time Automation Systems
  • AC/DC Drive Systems
  • Industrial Electrical Systems
  • Continuous Improvement Methodologies

Saige Partners, one of the fastest growing technology and talent companies in the Midwest, believes in people with a passion to help them succeed. We are in the business of helping professionals Build Careers, Not Jobs. Saige Partners believes employees are the most valuable asset to building a thriving and successful company culture.