Systems Control Engineer

Process Controls & Instrumentation; Detroit (MI); On-site; USD 80,000 - 110,000; Full time

Job summary

A leading automation solutions firm is seeking a skilled Controls Engineer to develop, maintain, and improve automation control systems. In this role, you will design, troubleshoot, and support various process control solutions including Ovation and Allen Bradley systems. Candidates need a Bachelor's degree and at least 5 years of engineering experience, alongside strong troubleshooting skills for electrical systems. This is a dynamic role demanding collaboration with diverse teams and problem-solving expertise across various projects.

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in Electrical or Controls Engineering or relevant field required.
• 5+ years of experience in an Engineering role or similar experience.
• Hands-on troubleshooting ability of electrical circuits up to 480VAC.

Responsibilities

• Review electrical panel layouts and wiring schematics for new equipment.
• Programs, integrates, troubleshoots, and supports PLC, HMI software.
• Analyzes control panel layouts and electrical schematics for machinery.

Skills

Expertise with various hardware equipment

Strong technical aptitude

Analytical problem solving skills

Detail oriented

Excellent communication skills

Education

Bachelor’s degree in Electrical or Controls Engineering

5+ years of experience in an Engineering role

Tools

Ovation

Allen Bradley

Siemens PLC

Wonderware

iFIX

Job description

Summary

The Controls Engineer is responsible for development, maintaining, and improving automation control systems integral processes. To increase uptime, throughput, efficiency and quality, through the process of maintaining, designing, developing and continuously improving equipment and the utilization of technology. This support role includes designing, troubleshooting of instrumentation and controls equipment. This position will gather data, configure, and integrate numerous process control solutions, including, but not limited to, Ovation, Siemens, AB PLC Logix series systems, HMI packages and SCADA systems.

Education and Experience

• Bachelor’s degree in Electrical or Controls Engineering or relevant field required.
• 5+ years of experience in an Engineering role or similar experience required.
• Expertise with various hardware equipment such as OVATION, Allen Bradley, Siemens, and SCADA platforms (iFIX, RSView and WonderWare)
• Experience in a manufacturing/industrial automation environment a plus.
• 2 or more years of Allen Bradley hardware and software troubleshooting experience - RS Logix 5, 500, 5000.
• Must have hands-on troubleshooting ability of electrical circuits up to 480VAC, DC circuits up to 24VDC.
• Troubleshooting ability of servos, variable frequency drives, motors, hoists, and presses.
• Experience with pneumatic and hydraulic machinery.
• Strong technical aptitude and analytical problem solving skills.
• Detail oriented, excellent organizational skills, self-motivated and have the ability to manage multiple priorities.
• Excellent interpersonal and communication skills and the ability to work well with all levels in the company.
• Must possess a mature, professional attitude.
• Must be willing to work any shift and travel.

Job Duties

• Review electrical panel layouts, wiring schematics and BOMs for new equipment
• Programs, integrates, troubleshoots, and supports PLC, HMI software for control systems and equipment
• Programming and Troubleshooting Ovation DCS system.
• Programming PLCs and developing ladder logic diagrams.
• Troubleshooting issues with control systems as they arise.
• Analyzing control panel layouts and electrical schematics for machinery.
• Creates electrical panel layouts, wiring schematics and BOMs for new equipment.
• Designs, implements and supports PLC, HMI software for control systems and equipment.
• Designs, implements and supports hardware electrical systems.
• Investigates and solves automation problems and troubleshooting of existing equipment.
• Develops functional and design specifications for automated systems/processes.
• Assists in the development of project control strategies, project plans and estimates for projects.
• Stays current with a variety of the field's concepts, practices, and procedures.
• Will program Allen Bradley and other manufacturers' controls for new and existing automated equipment.
• Contribute to the development and improvement of plant system processes and structures for acquiring, displaying, and trending process data.
• Collaborate with internal and external personnel for proposal development.
• Acquire data to demonstrate cause and affect relationships within processes, and prioritize business and process opportunities for improvement.
• Review and interpret control system, construction, and installation drawings and the development of control system descriptions and training manuals.
• Interact with contractors, maintenance, and other appropriate personnel to identify issues in system processes and provide solutions.
• Provide direction, assistance, and training to maintenance team (technicians/electricians) and plan and coordinate detailed aspects of engineering work.
• Travel.

Related Job Functions

• Strive to meet the established Key Performance Indicators (KPI’s)
• Support testing, installation and troubleshooting of projects.
• Participate in the implementation of new initiatives.
• Perform related work duties as assigned.

Supervision Exercised

• Provide direction to staff assigned as a functional team when required.

Knowledge of

• Programming of Ovation, Allen Bradley PLCs, Siemens PLC, Wonderware and iFIX platforms.
• Communication protocols: OPC, Modbus, Ethernet.
• Process instrumentation and Controls, SCADA, DCS and communication systems.
• Process and Instrumentation Diagrams and Network Layouts.
• Instrumentation installation and or calibration (flow, float, volume, pressure, level, temperature, vibration, etc.).
• Conveyor systems.
• Water Treatment processes.
• Waste Water Treatment systems.

Skill to

• Make effective decisions.
• Promote and foster team work environment.
• Establish and operate in an environment which provides the capacity for excellence.
• Support installation of projects.
• Participate in the implementation of new initiatives.
• Communicate both verbally and in writing with all levels.
• Negotiate and develop solid internal and external relationships.
• Exercise superior computer, analytical, problem solving and conflict resolution skills.

Ability to

• Manage multiple projects effectively.
• Interface with a multidisciplinary team.
• Motivate, train, lead and develop staff for improved performance and efficiency.
• Maintain effective working relationships with others.
• Communicate effectively, both verbally and written instructions.
• Problem solve effectively.
• Communicate frequently with team members and others about process, equipment or potential problems.
• Direct team activities or to work as a team member.

PHYSICAL REQUIRMENTS

The physical demands described here are representative of those that must be met by an employee to successfully perform the essential duties of this job. This position requires extensive outdoor exposure and extended time at customer sites/meetings in Michigan and outside of Michigan.