Senior Controls Engineer - PLC/HMI & Startup Expert

Jatca, Inc; Southfield (MI); On-site; USD 75,000 - 90,000; Full time

Job summary

A leading company in industrial automation is seeking a Controls Engineer to oversee the electrical design and commissioning of their product range. This role requires thorough knowledge of PLC programming, HMI design, and customer interaction, with a focus on safety and efficiency. The ideal candidate will have a strong background in engineering and be prepared for some travel.

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in Electrical Engineering with relevant experience.
• Experience in PLC and HMI programming (Siemens and Rockwell).
• Working knowledge of electrical and safety codes.

Responsibilities

• Responsible for electrical design and commissioning of equipment.
• Works with Mechanical Engineer and customers on project specifications.
• Develops designs using CAD software and creates Operator Instructions.

Skills

AutoCAD

PLC Programming

HMI Design

Customer Interaction

Commissioning Procedures

Education

Bachelor’s degree in Electrical Engineering

Associate’s degree in Electrical Engineering with 5+ years experience

10+ years experience in Controls Engineering

Tools

Microsoft Office

AutoCAD

Job description

Full Job Description

As the Controls Engineer, you will be responsible for all aspects of the electrical design and commissioning of all equipment in the Company product range. This includes, but is not limited to industrial cleaning systems, industrial filtration systems and automation control. The position requires up to 25% travel.

Primary Functions & Responsibilities

• Works closely with the Mechanical Project Engineer assigned to a project from its launch, through to the final customer acceptance and sign-off, and for follow-up and support services after this point.
• Thoroughly examines and understands all requisite customer supplied specifications in order to develop the designs and functionality of the equipment to meet these specifications.
• Develops electrical, fluid power and/or lubrication hardware design for all Company products, ensuring the designs are functional, safe, robust, and efficient and within the budget requirements. This is performed using the company determined CAD designing software.
• Develops and creates the Operator Instructions for machines’ Operators Manual. This is typically screenshots of the HMI screens and how to use each screen for proper machine operation.
• Develops and designs the controls software packages for all Company products utilizing whatever controls system the customer has determined in the specifications delivered to the Company. This can include, but is not limited to: Programmable Logic Controllers (PLC), Human/Machine Interfaces (HMI), and/or Personal Computer based systems (PC). Develops these programs in accordance with the Company standard programming formats when applicable, ensuring accuracy and completeness in all aspects of the programming.
• Works closely with Manufacturing to ensure the designed hardware, fluid power and lubrication systems are built and installed correctly and that the designs meet the functionality and safety requirements expected.
• Performs all aspects of the start-up and commissioning of the equipment in a safe manner, following all Company safety practices and policies.
• Ensures that all errors and changes identified during the start-up process are noted in the issued electrical/pneumatic/hydraulic/lubrication drawings, located at the equipment.
• Documents the start-up and commissioning process on the check lists placed on the equipment and signs appropriately when necessary.
• Ensures the equipment being started up and commissioned operates in accordance with the customer requirements as detailed in the approved functional specification or as designed to meet the need of the process.
• Debugs completely the developed and installed software packages, ensuring all changes and modifications are appropriately documented and noted correctly.
• Follows all customers’ and Company safety policies while in the customers’ facilities.
• Commissions the equipment to meet customers’ expectations as designed to meet the need of the process and works with the Project Manager and any Company Service personnel on-site to secure the acceptance.
• Support the Service Department as needed. This includes in-house support, as well as traveling to customer sites.
• Interact professionally with customers and suppliers at all levels; ability to handle difficult situations and de-escalate situations as needed.
• Follows all Company company policies and procedures diligently and effectively.
• Other duties as assigned.

Knowledge, Skills and Abilities

• Basic understanding of the most current AutoCAD Electronic development software packages, or an equivalent CAD drafting package (Eplan).
• Experience with equipment start-up and commissioning procedures.
• The ability to learn new programming and development platforms quickly and effectively in order to meet deadlines and budget restrictions.

Position Requirements

• Local and non-local travel required; non-local may include out of state and country for multiple days.

Minimum Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in an Electrical Engineering discipline OR an Associate’s degree in a similar field and 5+ years of experience in the Controls Engineering field OR 10+ years of experience in the Controls Engineering field.
• 2+ years of applicable experience in software design and development and commissioning, preferably both.
• 2+ years of experience in PLC programming, relating to software development (Siemens and/or Rockwell required).
• 2+ years of experience with different brands of HMI units (Siemens and/or Rockwell required) with respect to design, development and programming of the same.
• Working knowledge of national and international electrical and safety codes and practices.
• Experience using Microsoft Office programs, including Outlook (required), Excel (Basic level), Word (Basic level), PowerPoint (Basic level), and Access (Basic level)