Sr. Process Control Engineer

Salas O'Brien; United States; Hybrid; USD 130,000 - 150,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Medical insurance

Dental insurance

Vision insurance

401(k) with company match

Paid time off

Job summary

Salas O’Brien in the United States is seeking an experienced Process Controls Engineer to design, implement, and test PLC-based control systems for industrial processes. You will collaborate with clients, project managers, and electrical designers to deliver robust controls solutions.

The role includes developing functional descriptions, commissioning PLC programs onsite, and supporting field tests. Travel up to 25% is expected; a bachelor’s degree in electrical or chemical engineering and 5

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in electrical or chemical engineering.
• 5 years Process Controls experience in the Pulp and Paper or Food and Beverage Industries.
• Experience programming legal PLCs and familiarity with USDA requirements for pasteurizers.
• Proficiency in Wonderware InTouch, Wonderware ArchestrA, and FactoryTalk HMI development.

Responsibilities

• Collaborate with clients, vendors, and cross-functional internal team to determine Process Control needs and solutions.
• Support Project Managers and Process Engineers in developing estimates for controls hardware and engineering effort.
• Work with Electrical Designers to specify controls hardware components and develop electrical wiring diagrams.
• Review electrical installation documents for technical accuracy and ensure the design meets the controls requirements.
• Write Functional Descriptions that describe how control systems will operate.
• Develop and test PLC programs based on Functional Descriptions.
• During commissioning, perform onsite IO checks.
• Commission PLC programs onsite until the systems are in full production, performing maintenance and operator training.

Skills

Allen-Bradley PLCs

RSLogix/Studio5000

Process instrumentation

Batch controls

VFD systems

P&ID interpretation

Microsoft Office

Technical writing

Leadership

Education

Bachelor’s degree in electrical or chemical engineering

Tools

Wonderware InTouch

Wonderware ArchestrA

FactoryTalk HMI

Job description

At Salas O’Brien we tell our clients that we’re engineered for impact. This passion for making a difference applies just as much to our team as it does to our projects. That’s why we’re committed to living our values every day: inspiring, achieving, and connecting as shared owners of our success with a focus on a sustainable future.

Building for the long-term means that all our team members can expect to work on amazing projects with a people-first approach to problem solving. It also means that each member of our team has truly limitless potential to build a unique, meaningful, and high-impact career—and they’ll receive great total rewards along the way.

About Us

Founded in 1975, Salas O’Brien is an employee-owned engineering and professional services firm focused on achieving impact for our clients, our team, and the world. We know that tomorrow’s requirements are today’s opportunities, and we are here to design lasting solutions for pressing challenges.

We work across a variety of industries providing integrated engineering and consulting services. Our specialized experience includes design for data centers, healthcare, science and technology, high-rise buildings, clean energy, education, and other building types as well as structural and building sciences, infrastructure asset management, advanced robotics, and more.

Our technical expertise is paired with an exceptional team of business development, human resources, finance and accounting, information technology, and marketing professionals, all of whom play a key role in bringing our commitments to life every day.

In This Role You Will

• Collaborate with clients, vendors, and cross-functional internal team to determine Process Control needs and solutions.
• Support Project Managers and Process Engineers in developing estimates for controls hardware and engineering effort.
• Work with Electrical Designers to specify controls hardware components and develop electrical wiring diagrams.
• Review electrical installation documents for technical accuracy and ensure the design meets the controls requirements.
• Write Functional Descriptions that describe how control systems will operate.
• Develop and test PLC programs based on Functional Descriptions
• During commissioning, perform onsite IO checks.
• Commission PLC programs onsite until the systems are in full production, performing maintenance and operator training.
• Performs other related duties as assigned.

You Will Be a Good Fit If

• Proficiency in Allen-Bradley PLC Programming Software (RS Logix, Studio 5000)
• Ability to develop a PLC program from scratch or customize a program based on customer specific templates.
• Detailed understanding of process instrumentation (flow, mass flow, temperature, pressure) and control loop concepts
• Proficient in batch controls, recipe management, and CIP circuits
• Proficient at designing, programming, and configuring Variable Frequency Drive systems, specifically Rockwell hardware.
• Proficiency in interpreting P&ID drawings
• Experience with liquid processing including pumps, blending, filtration, heat transfer, etc.
• Experience with utility (steam, water, air, NH3, etc.) design and impacts on process design.
• Ability to perform in a design team environment.
• Experience working with multi trade-based vendors/contractors.
• Experience in plant operations and industrial environments understanding control system impacts to maintenance and other work processes.
• Proficiency in Microsoft Office Suite (Outlook, Excel, Word, Project, et.)
• Technical Writing expertise
• Leadership skills. Good verbal and written communication skills
• Attentiveness to detail, follow-up procedures, and documentation of action
• Proficient in time management and personal organization

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in electrical or chemical engineering
• 5 years Process Controls experience in the Pulp and Paper or Food and Beverage Industries
• Experience programming legal PLCs and familiarity with USDA requirements for pasteurizers.
• Proficiency in Wonderware InTouch, Wonderware Archestra, and FactoryTalk HMI development
• Experience designing controls system networks using Ethernet.
• Experience in Food & Beverage Manufacturing

Work Environment

• 50% standard office setting
• 50% shop and manufacturing facility

Physical Demands

Sufficient mobility to work in an office setting; stand or sit for prolonged periods of time. Must have ability to walk long distances and possess the flexibility to maneuver in and around machinery to take measurements. When on customer startups, must be able to travel long distances by car or plane and have the stamina to work extended hours (12+ hours per day) for up to 14 continuous days.

Location

Travel: Up to 25%

Compensation & Benefits

The expected base salary range for this role is $130,000 - $150,000 USD per year. Actual compensation will be determined based on a number of factors including skills, experience, qualifications, and location.

This role is also eligible for performance-based bonuses and a comprehensive U.S. based benefits package, including:

• Medical, dental, and vision insurance
• 401(k) with company match
• Paid time off and company holidays
• Wellness programs and employee assistance resources
• Professional development support

Benefits

For more information, visit our full benefits overview here.

Equal Opportunity Employment Statement

Salas O’Brien provides equal employment opportunities to all employees and applicants for employment and prohibits discrimination and harassment of any type without regard to race, colour, religion, age, sex, national origin, disability status, genetics, protected veteran status, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, or any other characteristic protected by federal, state/provincial, or local laws. Salas O’Brien will accommodate the disability-related needs of applicants as required by law.