Position Overview
We are seeking a Process Control Specialist to provide hands-on support for the process control systems that drive our metal, alloy, and component-making facility. This role is designed for a skilled technician with experience in troubleshooting and maintaining PLCs, HMIs, and industrial process control systems. The ideal candidate will support daily plant operations, lead equipment-based improvements, and contribute to the implementation of OPEX projects and continuous improvement initiatives across a complex, high-tech manufacturing environment.
Responsibilities
- Provide hands-on technical support for plant process control systems, including routine checks, basic maintenance, and troubleshooting equipment or system faults.
- Provide daily technical support for plant process control systems, including troubleshooting and maintaining PLCs, HMIs, VFDs, sensors, and safety systems to ensure smooth and safe operations.
- Respond to process control-related issues as part of an on-call rotation, including after-hours support as needed.
- Assist in implementing and maintaining standard operating procedures for process control systems and support response protocols.
- Support troubleshooting efforts led by engineers to minimize downtime and ensure continuous improvement of system performance.
- Document and report system issues, maintenance actions, and resolution outcomes to engineering leadership.
- Perform routine inspections of process control equipment to identify and report wear, potential failure points, or improvement opportunities.
- Support continuous improvement (CI) and OPEX projects by implementing changes to process control systems, improving equipment functionality, and reducing downtime.
- Perform hands-on installation, testing, and calibration of process control components—such as instrumentation, control panels, and field devices.
- Read, interpret, and redline electrical schematics, P&IDs, panel layouts, and wiring diagrams for existing or modified systems.
- Support the programming, configuration, and maintenance of process control platforms including Rockwell (Studio 5000), FactoryTalk View, and Siemens TIA Portal.
- Conduct preventive and predictive maintenance of process control systems; perform software backups, maintain change logs, and document all control system activities.
- Interface regularly with operators, maintenance, engineering, and EHS teams to ensure process control systems meet operational and safety requirements.
- Assist with commissioning and startup of new or modified process control systems, ensuring compliance with performance specifications.
- Use diagnostic tools (e.g., multimeters, oscilloscopes, network analyzers) to test and troubleshoot control signals and communications.
- Collaborate with other technicians, operators, and engineering staff to support safe, efficient plant operations.
- Support training efforts for maintenance and operations staff to improve system knowledge and troubleshooting capabilities.
Basic Qualifications
- Associate degree or equivalent technical certification in Electrical Engineering Technology, Industrial Automation, Mechatronics, or a related field.
- 3+ years of hands-on experience working with PLC and HMI-based process control systems in an industrial or manufacturing environment.
- Proficiency in reading, interpreting, and modifying control system documentation such as electrical drawings and schematics.
- Hands-on experience with Rockwell (Allen-Bradley), Siemens, or similar process control platforms.
- Familiarity with industrial communication protocols: EtherNet/IP, Profinet, Modbus TCP.
- Comfortable working in an industrial environment with chemical, mechanical, and thermal processes.
- Experience using diagnostic tools such as multimeters, loop calibrators, and signal simulators.
Desired Qualities
- 5+ years of process control or automation experience in a manufacturing setting.
- Proactive, self-motivated, and comfortable taking ownership of process control-related issues.
- Strong troubleshooting skills with an analytical approach to solving electrical/control problems.
- Familiarity with robotics, vision systems, or motion control technologies is a plus.
- Comfortable balancing multiple priorities and adapting to dynamic production demands.
- Basic CAD skills for modifying electrical schematics (AutoCAD Electrical preferred).
- Knowledge of SCADA systems and virtualized environments is a plus.
- Excellent verbal and written communication skills; able to clearly document work and collaborate across departments.
- Advanced proficiency in Microsoft Office tools, especially Excel and Outlook.