Senior Industry Technical Consultant

Nalco Water, An Ecolab Company; Remote; USD 157,000 - 237,000; Full time

Job summary

A leading automation solutions provider in Naperville, IL seeks a Sr. ITC professional to manage projects in the pulp and paper industry. The role necessitates technical consulting, troubleshooting complex systems, and collaboration with various teams to deliver effective automation solutions. Candidates should have over 10 years in industrial automation and a strong grasp of PLC programming. The position offers extensive travel opportunities and a comprehensive benefits package, promoting innovation and career growth.

Benefits

Paid training

Flexible work environment

Comprehensive benefits package

Non-decaled company vehicle

Qualifications

• 10+ years in industrial automation/control systems, with strong exposure to pulp and paper industry operations.
• Proven experience in PLC programming and industrial communication protocols.
• Bachelor’s degree in Engineering (Chemical, Mechanical, Industrial), or Life Sciences (Biology, Chemistry, etc.) is preferred.

Responsibilities

• Serve as the primary technical resource for industrial feed equipment and automation solutions.
• Conduct on-site audits to assess equipment performance and safety.
• Lead equipment projects from planning through commissioning, ensuring timelines and quality standards are met.
• Work closely with RD&E, suppliers, and sales teams to align technical solutions and innovation.
• Advocate automation technologies (IoT, remote monitoring, predictive analytics) and articulate their ROI to customers.
• Use data analytics to optimize equipment performance and identify improvement opportunities.

Skills

Project management and coordination

Strong analytical and problem-solving abilities

Excellent communication and customer-facing experience

Education

Bachelor’s degree

Tools

PLC programming

Industrial communication protocols

Job description

This Sr. ITC position combines technical consulting, Feed equipment and Automation expertise, to support customers in the pulp and paper industry. You will manage projects, troubleshoot complex systems, and lead to the adoption of advanced automation and data-driven solutions. The role requires strong collaboration across Research, Engineering, Sales, and Vendor teams to deliver measurable business value.

What’s In It For You

• The opportunity to take on some of the world’s most meaningful challenges, helping customers achieve clean water, safe food, and healthy environments
• The ability to make an impact with a company that is passionate about your career development
• Paid training held in the field and at Nalco Water Headquarters in Naperville, IL
• Enjoy a flexible, independent work environment
• Receive a non-decaled company vehicle for business and personal use
• Comprehensive benefits package starting day 1 of employment – medical, dental, vision, matching 401(k), company paid pension, stock purchase plan, tuition reimbursement and more!

Key Responsibilities

• Technical Consulting & Support:
  • Serve as the primary technical resource for industrial feed equipment and Automation solutions
  • Troubleshoot issues and provide solutions to field teams and customers.
• Equipment Audits & Maintenance:
  • Conduct on-site audits to assess equipment performance and safety.
  • Commissioning and Startup of standard and non-standard solutions
• Project Management & Coordination:
  • Lead equipment projects from planning through commissioning, ensuring timelines and quality standards are met.
  • Coordinate with vendors, engineering teams, sales teams and customers for seamless execution.
• Cross-Functional Collaboration:
  • Work closely with RD&E, suppliers, and sales teams to align technical solutions and Innovation with customer needs.
  • Support sales efforts by providing technical input for proposals and demonstrating solution value.
• Digital Solutions & Value Selling:
  • Advocate automation technologies (IoT, remote monitoring, predictive analytics) and articulate their ROI to customers.
• Advanced Automation Expertise:
  • Program and troubleshoot PLCs (Siemens, Allen-Bradley) and integrate industrial communication networks.
  • Ensure secure and reliable connectivity for automation systems.
• Data Analysis & Innovation:
  • Use data analytics to optimize equipment performance and identify improvement opportunities.
• Communication & Documentation:
  • Prepare clear technical reports, executive summaries, and project updates for internal and external stakeholders.

Position Details

• This position is remote.
• Territory covers the United States.
• Targeted accounts in the paper industry
• 50% or more overnight travel required

Required Qualifications

• Education: Bachelor’s degree
• Experience:
  • 10+ years in industrial automation/control systems, with strong exposure to pulp and paper industry operations.
  • Proven experience in PLC programming and industrial communication protocols.

Preferred Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in Engineering (Chemical, Mechanical, Industrial), or Life Sciences (Biology, Chemistry, etc.)
• MBA or equivalent
• Ability to lead teams and develop and motivate team members
• Experience with process instrumentation and industrial automation systems
• Other languages proficiency (Spanish, other)

Skills

• Project management and coordination.
• Strong analytical and problem-solving abilities.
• Excellent communication and customer-facing experience.

Mindset

Passion for innovation, sense of urgency, and ability to thrive in fast-paced environments.

Performance Metrics

• Successful delivery of automation and equipment projects on time and within budget.
• Demonstrated improvement in process efficiency through data-driven initiatives.
• Customer adoption of digital solutions and satisfaction with technical support.

About Nalco Water

In a world with increasing water shortage and contamination challenges, Nalco Water, an Ecolab company, helps customers conserve more than 161 billion gallons of water each year. We work with customers across the world in the light industry (institutional, food & beverage, manufacturing, transportation, textile care, and global high tech) and heavy industry (chemical, downstream, paper, mining, power and primary metals industries) to reduce, reuse, and recycle their water while protecting their systems and equipment. Nalco Water provides the unique opportunity to work with a broad suite of technologies to deliver automated monitoring systems, data analysis and deep technical expertise to increase efficiency, sustainability and performance for our customers.

Annual Or Hourly Compensation Range

The total Compensation range for this position is $157,900-$236,900 which includes base pay and target incentive based on performance, per plan terms. Many factors are taken into consideration when determining compensation, such as experience, education, training, geography, etc. We comply with all minimum wage and overtime laws.

Benefits

Ecolab strives to provide comprehensive and market-competitive benefits to meet the needs of our associates and their families. Click here to see our benefits. If you are viewing this posting on a site other than our Ecolab Career website, view our benefits at jobs.ecolab.com/working-here.

Potential Customer Requirements Notice

• Undergo additional background screens and/or drug/alcohol testing for customer credentialing.
• Be fully vaccinated for COVID-19, including a booster if eligible, unless a religious or medical accommodation is requested by the applicant and approved by Ecolab.

Americans With Disabilities Act (ADA)

Ecolab will provide reasonable accommodation (such as a qualified sign language interpreter or other personal assistance) with our application process upon request as required to comply with applicable laws. If you have a disability and require accommodation assistance in this application process, please visit the Recruiting Support link in the footer of each page of our career website.

Our Commitment to a Culture of Inclusion & Belonging

At Ecolab, we believe the best teams are inclusive. We are on a journey to create a workplace where every associate can grow and achieve their best. We are committed to fair and equal treatment of associates and applicants and recruit, hire, promote, transfer and provide opportunities for advancement based on individual qualifications and job performance. In all matters affecting employment, compensation, benefits, working conditions, and opportunities for advancement, we will not discriminate against any associate or applicant for employment because of race, religion, color, creed, national origin, citizenship status, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity and expressions, genetic information, marital status, age, disability, or status as a covered veteran. In addition, we are committed to furthering the principles of Equal Employment Opportunity (EEO) through Affirmative Action (AA). We will consider for employment all qualified applicants, including those with criminal histories, in a manner consistent with the requirements of applicable state and local laws, including the City of Los Angeles’ Fair Chance Initiative for Hiring Ordinance, the San Francisco Fair Chance Ordinance, and the New York City Fair Chance Act.