Automation Engineer

The Manager of Automation is responsible for the overall reliability, performance, and continuous improvement of the plant’s control systems and automation infrastructure. This role ensures that all PLCs, DCS, instrumentation, and control networks are maintained to optimize production, safety, quality, and energy efficiency. The Manager of Automation works closely with production, maintenance, and engineering departments to support plant operations and strategic initiatives.

OVERVIEW: The Automation/Process Engineer is responsible for prioritizing, planning, and directing all instrumentation repair/maintenance activities throughout operations while complying with applicable safety and environmental regulations and/or policies at all times. Basic qualifications and/or traits that the Automation/Process Engineer must possess include:

1. Proficient in the troubleshooting, repair, and maintenance of all electrical instrumentation systems throughout . This includes process control computers, relay logic controllers and pressure sensing devices and recorders.
2. Knowledge of computer systems and operations.
3. Knowledge of all aspects of cement manufacturing.
4. Excellent organizational skills to facilitate completion of maintenance/repair/replacement activities on time and within budget constraints.
5. Leadership; must lead by example.
6. Integrity and ethical behavior beyond reproach.
7. Must possess good communication skills; writing, speaking, listening, etc.
8. Proficiency in establishing goals that are clear, well defined, and measurable. Must be able to communicate these objectives clearly to others, and provide feedback/appraisals to ascertain if the objectives are being met.
9. Must possess good decision making skills based upon the ability to accurately identify problems, collect relevant information/data, and generate cost effective solutions.
10. Must be capable of handling stress associated with job duties, deadlines, and personnel interactions.
11. Capable of maintaining appropriate and constructive responses under and circumstances.

RESPONSIBILITIES: The Automation/Process Engineer is a front line supervisor accountable for directing the Instrument Technicians and working with personnel from other departments. This individual’s responsibilities include but are not limited to:

1. Compliance with all MSHA, Federal, State, and local safety rules and regulations, and/or observance of company policies at all times. Procedures and performance of activities may vary as conditions change (i.e. changing weather conditions, operations status of mechanical equipment changes, etc.).
2. Compliance with all Federal, State, and local environmental rules and regulations at all times.
3. Completion of accurate, timely troubleshooting/repairs/maintenance of computer instrumentation, and electrical systems throughout all operations.
4. Providing leadership that establishes clear goals that are measurable and well defined.
5. Problem solving including the ability to accurately identify problems, development of cost effective corrective actions, delegating responsibility of performance of actions to subordinates, and holding subordinates accountable for job/task performance.
6. Clear communication of priorities/goals/objectives to the Instrument Technicians to provide definitive direction.

Education & Experience Requirements: The Automation/Process Engineer will have a formal education along with previous technical experience.

1. A minimum of a B.S. in Electrical Engineering degree.
2. A minimum of three years of field experience as an instrument technician with similar equipment.
3. Technical schooling in areas of cement process is considered beneficial.