Senior Controls and Automation Engineer

SWISS KRONO Group; Klamath Falls (OR); On-site; USD 120,000 - 150,000; Full time

Job summary

Swiss Krono USA seeks a Senior Controls and Automation Engineer to join the electrical/instrumentation team at the Klamath Falls facility. You will design, configure, integrate, and implement process control solutions across PLCs, HMIs, SCADA, and related IT systems.

The role emphasizes improving downtime, implementing condition-based monitoring, coordinating project work, and maintaining documentation and SOPs while ensuring safety and quality standards.

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in electrical, computer, or mechanical engineering with 5+ years of manufacturing/process control experience.
• Experience with Ethernet networks, PLCs, HMIs/SCADA, and industrial automation.
• Knowledge of fluid systems, drives, and instrumentation in continuous manufacturing.

Responsibilities

• Design, configure, integrate, and implement process control solutions for wood products facilities.
• Plan and coordinate technical design and project implementation, including downtime prevention.
• Provide training and sustainment of electrical personnel; maintain system documentation and SOPs.

Skills

Electrical systems

Instrumentation

PLC integration

HMI/SCADA

SQL/Access

Project leadership

Troubleshooting

Documentation

Downtime reduction

Communication

Education

Bachelor’s in electrical, computer, or mechanical engineering

Tools

AutoCAD

SQL

Access

CMMS

Kronos

Wonderware HMI

Job description

At SWISS KRONO, our people are the driving force behind our success. With nearly 5,000 employees worldwide, we are powered by individuals who bring passion, ideas and commitment to work every day. We are proud of our motivated, loyal and high‑performing workforce—and they are proud to be part of a global leader in the wood‑based products industry.

Position Summary

The Senior Controls and Automation Engineer will work with the electrician team in the design, configuration, integration, and implementation of process control solutions for our wood products manufacturing facilities. This includes the engineering of electrical systems, PLCs, HMIs, SCADA systems, SQL, Access, and PC networking technologies.

Duties/Responsibilities

• Gain mastery in the current process, control, and reporting systems and work to continuously improve electrical/process control systems.
• Combine newer technologies and extensions of current architectures. Plan and coordinate technical design and implementation of project work.
• Work as a member of the maintenance team to think strategically about downtime prevention and long‑term resolution of issues while maintaining a culture of efficiency and quick reaction to downtime events.
• Respond to equipment downtime emergencies, and plan/execute plans for any recurring situations.
• Identify opportunities where condition‑based monitoring can successfully predict failure.
• Provide ongoing informal and formal training for electrical personnel to ensure development of good operating and maintenance practices.
• Provide backup support to other process control and electrical supervision personnel. Provide electrical engineering support to sustain production.
• Work closely with electrical supervisors to maintain all documentation related to the process control system configuration and SOP’s.
• Balance day‑to‑day needs with long term projects.
• Ensure compliance with all standards and programs (safety, environmental, quality, maintenance, and manufacturing policies and procedures) within area of responsibility.
• Participate in planning and budgeting activities for the business unit.
• Perform additional duties as required by supervisor.
• On‑site attendance is essential to effectively perform the listed duties and responsibilities.

Required Skills And Abilities

• Strong knowledge of engineering concepts including electrical, instrumentation, hydraulic, and mechanical systems.
• Ability to do full controls integration, from electrical/instrumentation design to PLC to HMI.
• Familiar with most common sensors and transmitters, and their suitability to an application.
• Proficient using computers and associated software (MS Suite, Project, Access, SQL, CMMS, AutoCAD, Kronos) and IO Servers.
• Strong communication skills (written and verbal) and strong interpersonal skills.
• Strong leadership skills with the ability to manage and motivate team members.
• High level of personal integrity and ethical and professional standards.
• Excellent time‑management and organizational skills.
• Ability to troubleshoot and repair machinery through the use of drawings, schematics, and root‑cause/failure analysis.
• Excellent analytical, reasoning, and problem‑solving skills; ability to think creatively and find innovative solutions to complex problems.
• Ability to work weekends, holidays and respond to callouts if needed.

Education And Experience

• Bachelor’s degree in electrical, computer, or mechanical engineering and 5+ years post‑degree manufacturing or relevant process control experience.
• Experienced in Ethernet network design and implementation, including fiber and 10/100/1000 Base TX.
• Working knowledge of fluid systems including steam, natural gas, hydraulic, and pneumatic.
• Experience with continuous manufacturing processes, forest products, paper and pulp, food or beverage processing, or chemical industries preferred.
• Working experience with CTI/TI505 and Allen‑Bradley PLC’s, Ethernet/IP, Profibus, Allen‑Bradley drives, and Wonderware HMI or equivalent.
• Experience in capital project design, installation, and startup.

Environmental Conditions

May be exposed to dust, noise, trip hazards, and variable weather and temperatures.

Required Personal Protective Equipment

Positions may require Personal Protective Equipment (PPE) at specific times. Examples of PPE which may be required include high visibility garments, hand protection, eye protection, hearing protection, a hard hat, and foot protection.

EEO

Swiss Krono USA is an equal opportunity employer. All applicants will be considered for employment without attention to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, veteran, or disability status.