Senior Automation and Controls Engineer

MacDermid Alpha Electronics Solutions; Fremont (CA); On-site; USD 109,341 - 164,011; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Paid parental leave

Tuition reimbursement

Health insurance

Job summary

MacDermid Alpha Electronics Solutions in Fremont, CA is seeking a seasoned Automation Engineer to lead front-end engineering and manage automation projects. Your role will involve hands-on design and commissioning of PLC/DCS/HMI systems with a focus on Industry 4.0 technologies.

The ideal candidate will have 8+ years of experience, strong knowledge of major automation platforms, and a relevant degree. Attractive benefits and a competitive salary are offered, with a range of $109,341 to $164,011.

Qualifications

• 8+ years of hands-on experience in PLC/DCS/HMI systems.
• Proven expertise with major platforms (Rockwell, Siemens, etc.).
• Experience with Industry 4.0 technologies and IIoT.

Responsibilities

• Lead front-end engineering for new equipment and processes.
• Translate PFDs/P&IDs into I/O lists and control narratives.
• Develop and configure code for automation systems.

Skills

PLC/DCS/HMI systems design

Instrumentation knowledge

Automation engineering

Process control theory

Python programming

Industrial IoT integration

Education

Bachelor’s degree in Automation Engineering or Electrical Engineering

Master’s degree preferred

Tools

Rockwell ControlLogix

Siemens PCS7

Emerson DeltaV

SQL

Job description

Business Unit: MAES

Division: Kuprion

Overview

MacDermid Alpha Electronics Solutions, a business segment of Element Solutions Inc (NYSE: ESI), is renowned worldwide for its commitment to revolutionizing the electronics industry. With a legacy spanning over a century, we have continually set new benchmarks for excellence, reliability and sustainability in electronic materials.

Responsibilities

• Lead front‑end engineering and detailed design for new equipment, processes, reactors, wet benches, blending, and packaging lines.
• Translate PFDs/P&IDs into I/O lists, control narratives, and cause‑&‑effect matrices.
• Specify and configure PLC/DCS/HMI/SCADA platforms (Rockwell, Siemens, DeltaV, Opto 22 etc.) and industrial networks (EtherNet/IP, PROFINET, Profibus, Modbus).
• Develop compliant code, sequential/batch logic, alarm strategies, and historian interfaces.
• Lead FAT/SAT, startup, and on‑site commissioning; troubleshoot to root cause and drive continuous improvement.
• Perform LOPA/SIL verifications, design safety‑instrumented functions, and ensure compliance with NFPA 70/79, UL 508A, and IEC 61511 in flammable, corrosive, or cleanroom environments.
• Deploy data‑collection and visualization tools (OSI PI, SQL, Python) to monitor KPIs, reduce downtime, and increase OEE.
• Prepare timelines for process control and automation projects.
• Manage automation workstreams on CAPEX projects—scope, budget, schedule, vendor coordination, and documentation.
• Promote best practices in code management, testing, and change control (ISA‑95/GAMP).
• Stay current in process control technology to resolve problems using solutions that involve new techniques, technologies and concepts.

Qualifications

• Automation Engineering or Electrical engineering Bachelor’s degree, MS degree preferred.
• 8+ years of hands‑on experience designing and commissioning PLC/DCS/HMI systems in batch or continuous chemical plants.
• Proven expertise with at least one major platform (e.g., Rockwell ControlLogix, Siemens PCS7, Emerson DeltaV, ABB 800xA, Opto 22 or Honeywell Experion).
• Strong grasp of instrumentation, process‑control theory and hazardous‑area classifications (Class I/Div 2, ATEX).
• Experience with Industry 4.0 technologies and IIoT integration.
• Knowledge of Python, C/C++, or other scripting languages for automation.
• Familiarity with vision systems, servo drives, and safety PLCs.
• Certifications such as TUV Functional Safety Engineer or Rockwell/Siemens certifications.
• Demonstrated success leading multi‑disciplinary project teams and external automation integrators.
• Excellent analytical, troubleshooting, and written/verbal communication skills.

Benefits

• Opportunities for career growth, competitive compensation (base salary and performance‑related bonus plan), and benefits packages (health, dental, vision insurance, wellness program, PTO/holidays, 401(k) with company match).
• Perks and incentives include paid parental leave, tuition reimbursement, and opportunities for professional development.
• The typical base salary range for this position is between $109,341.00 to $164,011.00.

Equal Opportunity Employer

All qualified applications will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, age, pregnancy, genetic information, disability, status as a protected veteran, or any other protected category applicable under federal, state and local laws.