Senior Automation Engineer (Mining)

Covia; Concord (NC); On-site; USD 110,000 - 140,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Excellent Healthcare Benefits -medical

401K with company matching

Paid Time Off + Paid Holidays

Disability plans and Life / AD&D

Employee Assistance Program

Job summary

Covia in Concord, NC is seeking a Senior Automation Engineer to lead complex industrial automation initiatives, provide technical guidance, and shape Covia's automation journey. This role combines strategic oversight with hands-on execution across PLC/SCADA, data analytics, and digital twin initiatives.

You will collaborate with cross-functional teams, advance Industry 4.0 programs, and help modernize device networks while ensuring safe, reliable operations.

Qualifications

• Bachelor's Degree or equivalent in a related field.
• 10+ years of experience in automation at manufacturing or mining facilities.
• Preference for mineral and bulk solids conveyance/processing experience.
• Proficient in process control, data analytics, and optimization with modern tools.
• Knowledge of advanced technologies such as machine learning and simulation tools.
• Proficiency with PLC configuration software.
• Proficiency with SCADA software.
• Proficiency with SQL databases.
• Proficiency with Ethernet networking.
• Ability to read electrical schematics and familiarity with virtualization.
• Proven ability to influence when working with technicians and managers.
• Ability to travel 25-40% domestically.

Responsibilities

• Collaborate with cross-functional teams to develop and execute projects with detailed specifications.
• Identify opportunities to apply digital manufacturing tech to drive value.
• Implement OT technology including PLC/SCADA and motor controls.
• Support data collection, contextualization, and abstraction needs.
• Work toward Industry 4.0 initiatives for smart factory and digital twin opportunities.
• Design and deploy control systems for new construction and brownfield projects.
• Maintain and modernize device networks (Ethernet, DeviceNet, ControlNet).
• Program PLCs (RSLogix 5000/500, Connected Components).
• Program SCADA (Ignition, Wonderware, CitectSCADA) and troubleshoot electrical issues.

Skills

Leadership

Cross-functional collaboration

Industrial automation

Data analytics

Machine learning basics

Process control

SCADA programming

PLC programming

Technical troubleshooting

Travel readiness

Education

Bachelor's Degree or equivalent in related field

Tools

RSLogix 5000/500

Ignition

Wonderware

CitectSCADA

SQL (MSSQL/MySQL)

Ethernet networking

Job description

Covia responsibly provides minerals solutions for a better tomorrow. As a leading provider of diversified minerals, our products support a variety of industrial markets, including glass, ceramics, coatings, metals, foundry, polymers, construction, water filtration, and sports and recreation. Long-standing relationships with a broad customer base enable Covia's market-inspired approach to innovation to enhance solutions and customer benefits. Underpinning these strengths is an unwavering commitment to safety and to sustainable development, further enhancing the value that Covia delivers to all its stakeholders.

Covia is looking for a dynamic Senior Automation Engineer who will have a positive impact on our engineering team and help lead Covia in its automation journey. Covia is seeking an experienced Senior Automation Engineer to lead complex industrial automation initiatives and provide technical guidance across our organization. This leadership role combines strategic oversight of large-scale projects with hands‑on execution of specialized automation solutions.

The successful candidate will have the following Key Accountabilities:

• Project support - collaboration with cross-functional team to support development and execution of projects. Tasks to include developing detailed project specifications, scope of work documents, provide expert level feedback during design, and finally support execution of projects through closure.
• Developing Capabilities - Identify opportunities to utilize digital manufacturing technology to drive value.
• Support manufacturing needs - Implement technology in the OT space such as typical PLC/SCADA control systems and motor controls, as well support the success of modern technology deployments.
• Support the evolution of data collection/contextualization/abstraction needs, and systems to perform these functions.
• Working knowledge of modern technologies and methodologies is preferred. This includes: IIoT, AI, and machine learning. Work with cross-functional group towards industry 4.0 initiatives to support future smart factory and digital twin opportunities.
• Assist team with design and deployments of control systems for new construction and brownfield projects.
• Maintain and modernize device level networks including ethernet, DeviceNet, and ControlNet
• PLC Programming (RSLogix 5000, RSLogix 500, Connected Components)
• SCADA Programming (Ignition (Preferred), Wonderware, CitectSCADA)
• Support troubleshooting of electrical issues as they arise. These issues range from instrumentation, plc, and motor controls, up to medium voltage services.
• Specification, Installation, Configuration, Testing, and Troubleshooting of:
• Analog Sensors (4-20ma)
• AC variable frequency drives and starters for 480V motors
• Ethernet devices

The successful candidate will have the following Minimum Qualifications:

• Bachelor's Degree or equivalent, in related field
• 10+ years of experience in the automation field at manufacturing or mining facilities
• Candidates with experience in mineral and/or bulk solids conveyance and processing will be given preference
• Proficient in process control, data analytics, and optimization using modern tools.
• Has knowledge of advanced technologies, such as machine learning and simulation tools
• Proficiency with PLC configuration software
• Proficiency with SCADA software
• Proficiency with SQL (MSSQL/MySQL) Databases
• Proficiency with Ethernet networking
• Knowledge of proper electrical codes and procedures
• Ability to read, interpret, and review electrical schematics
• Familiarity with virtualized software environments
• Proven ability to influence when working with technicians and managers
• Ability to travel. Normal job will require 25-40% domestic travel

Commitment to Our Culture:

Our core values - Safety, Team, Customers, Growth, and Courage-guide our work every day and will help us achieve our vision: Covia is the leading minerals solutions provider, and through the passion and commitment of our people, we enable customer success-ensuring a sustainable future for our company.

All Covia Team Members are expected to:

• Live the Life-Saving Rules
• Build high-performing work teams
• Focus on customers
• Demonstrate a growth mindset
• Do the right thing, always

At Covia, we strive for and support a diverse workforce as we firmly believe this lays the foundation of our success. Our compelling culture supports inclusion, individuality, and respect within the workplace. We are committed to providing employment opportunities to the most qualified candidate based on work-related factors and without regard to non-work-related factors including race, color, religion, national origin, gender, sexual orientation, gender identity, gender expression, age, disability, or military service or reserve or veteran status.

The organization offers competitive salaries, advancement opportunities, and a full range of benefits.

Benefits:

• Excellent Healthcare Benefits - medical, vision, dental
• 401K with company matching
• Paid Time Off + Paid Holidays
• Disability plans and Life / AD&D

Employee Assistance Program

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