Sr. Eng, Process Control

Smurfit Westrock plc; Hopewell (VA); On-site; USD 80,000 - 100,000; Full time

Job summary

Smurfit Westrock plc is seeking a Process Control Engineer in Hopewell, Virginia. The role involves providing technological expertise in implementing and supporting control systems for manufacturing processes. Key responsibilities include project planning, designing control logic, and maintaining process improvements. Candidates should have at least five years of industrial experience, particularly in DCS and PLC applications, and a B.S. degree in an engineering field. The company promotes a strong safety culture and encourages innovation in problem-solving.

Qualifications

• Minimum five years of experience in DCS, PLC, and HMI applications.
• Process control experience in the paper industry preferred.
• Ability to drive large scale control system projects from concept to commissioning.

Responsibilities

• Design and implement control systems and updates.
• Support existing and new Process Control systems.
• Lead troubleshooting efforts of systems and processes.
• Engage in short and long-term planning of system upgrades.

Skills

Strong troubleshooting skills

Knowledge of field instrumentation

Control devices

Motor controls

Strong written and verbal communication skills

Self-directed and flexible

Education

B.S. Degree in Chemical, Electrical, Pulp & Paper Engineering or related

Tools

ABB 800XA

Honeywell Experion

Rockwell PLC Systems

GE Mark VI

Microsoft Office365

Job description

SUMMARY

The Process Control Engineer position: provides technological and engineering expertise for the implementation of new process control technology and equipment; evaluates and resolves problems with existing process control systems utilizing vendor and/or mill maintenance support when necessary; designs and programs changes to the existing process control systems as needed. This position ensures the control systems are properly deployed to provide the greatest return on investment regarding production, costs, quality as well as safe and environmentally sound operations. The Process Control Engineer reports to the Technical Support Manager.

HOW YOU WILL IMPACT SMURFIT WESTROCK

• Responsible for providing design, implementation, and support for existing and new Process Control systems. This includes Distributed Control Systems (DCS), Programmable Logic Controllers (PLC’s), as well as custom control applications used to meet manufacturing needs and production goals.
• Assists project engineers and managers in the planning, development, and implementation of capital projects.
• Engages in development of short and long-term planning of system upgrades and migrations.
• During project design, assists with coordinating the development of control logic and system configuration between the Operating Department and control system suppliers. Participate in factory checkout of equipment prior to delivery to confirm design and functionality.
• Assists with control system operator training.
• Maintains a strong emphasis on process improvement projects -- customer focused innovations, cost saving improvements, process optimization, etc.
• Utilizes a proactive approach and project skills to develop solutions to short and long-term issues.
• Designs and implements control system logic based on process knowledge, applicable safety and environmental requirements, operational need, and maintenance requirements that provide clearly defined benefits.
• Works closely with Maintenance and Operations to identify and resolve issues.
• Leads troubleshooting efforts of systems and processes. Helps promote technical skills in E&I technicians.
• Manage and direct consultants, contractors, and vendors during controls related projects.
• As part of the Process Control team, shares in the responsibility of providing weekend and off-hour availability to support Process Control and IT mill needs as well as startup support from planned and unplanned shutdowns.
• Adheres to all mill safety rules, participates in, or may lead safety programs and meetings with the goal of improving safety at the mill. Supports the mill behavior-based safety program.
• Maintains mill-wide data historian (OSIsoft Pi) and related interfaces.
• Evaluates, troubleshoots, and maintains system hardware.
• Perform other duties as assigned.

WHAT YOU NEED TO SUCCEED

Required Experience

• A minimum of five years of industrial experience in DCS, PLC and HMI applications
• Strong knowledge of field instrumentation, control devices, and motor controls required.
• Process control experience within paper industry experience preferred.
• Strong troubleshooting skillset for evaluating root cause and addressing technical issues with long term solutions in mind.
• Experience with ABB 800XA, Honeywell Experion, Voith QCS, Rockwell PLC Systems, GE Mark VI, GE drive Systems.
• Experience with Ethernet networks including configuration of switches, routers and VLANs.
• Experience with control loop tuning and performance evaluation tools.
• Strong written and verbal communication skills.
• Results oriented individual capable of handling projects individually, yet able to work efficiently in a team-oriented environment.
• Ability to drive large scale control system projects from concept to commissioning.
• Ability to read and understand P&AID’s loop sheets, and electrical drawings.
• Additional skills needed: self‑directed, flexible, self‑learner, multitasking, results driven, safety focused.
• B.S. Degree in Chemical, Electrical, Pulp & Paper Engineering or other engineering degree with adequate DCS, PLC and HMI application experience.
• Experience in a 24/7 manufacturing environment
• Experience with Anti‑Virus products such as McAfee and Symantec
• Experience with VDI (Virtual Desktop Infrastructure) environments utilizing Thin/Zero clients
• Expertise with all Windows operating systems (Server and Workstation)
• Knowledge of Microsoft Office365 application suite (Word, Excel, Outlook, PowerPoint, Access, Teams, SharePoint, OneDrive, etc.)
• Ability to support other devices such as Vehicle Mounted Units (VMUs), Uninterruptible Power Supplies (UPS), and Cameras
• Understanding of Industrial Communication Protocols such as Modbus TCP, Ethernet/IP, OPC, Wireless HART, etc.
• Experience with Ethernet networks including configuration of switches, routers and VLANs.

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Candidates are required to undergo a drug screening after receiving a conditional job offer, but before starting employment.

Qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, national origin, disability, protected veteran status or other characteristics protected by state or federal law.