Controls Project Engineer

Position is onsite in Richmond VA. 85-105K

Job summary:
Responsible for the design, installation, and maintenance of new and existing electrical control systems for the Corporate Engineering Group. The work requires a knowledge of both machine controls and process controls. Smaller projects are performed independently, while larger projects are performed as a member of a project team.

Typical office work includes preparing design/construction documentation, purchasing materials/services, coordinating construction/installation/schedule with contractors and company personnel in the manufacturing locations. Travel to manufacturing locations is often required to acquire machine or process information for the design, to support contractor installation work and for system startup/commissioning

Position Scope:
The engineer will work independently, and in coordination with other engineers, to develop requirements, design, and implement electrical control systems for machinery and processes. This includes modifications to existing systems, and creating new systems. The upgrade of obsolete electrical controls on existing machinery is also a common responsibility. Most work involves designing, programming, and then commissioning the electrical controls projects within our manufacturing plants.

Key tasks include creating and/or modifying electrical drawings to be used for construction and installation, generating materials lists, soliciting quotations, and purchasing materials/services. Project management type tasks includes engaging, negotiating and coordinating with vendors, panel shops and electrical contractors to build and install the systems, and working with our plant manufacturing personnel to coordinate and schedule the installations.

Most work performed in an office environment, but pre-installation setup/testing often requires the work to be performed in a dedicated area adjacent the office, or at a local panel shop. Some installation support, and most startup/commissioning work requires travel to the manufacturing plants. Technical support of new and existing systems is also a critical part of the position.

Technical support includes assisting plant staff to resolve difficult electrical/controls problems, implementing control system improvements, and recommending solutions for obsolete controls components.

Requisites:
Education: Major duties and responsibilities of the job can be satisfactorily performed with completion of a bachelor's degree.

Experience: Minimum of 3 years' experience required to perform the job.

Minimum Qualifications:

• Experience with machinery controls and/or industrial process control.
• Experience designing/programming/commissioning software for control systems utilizing Allen Bradley PLCs with Studio 5000.
• Experience designing/programming/commissioning operator interfaces (HMI) using Rockwell FactoryTalk View or similar software
• Experience designing/commissioning electrical controls hardware, including panel layouts, panel power distribution, and safety systems.
• Experience creating drawings for electrical controls hardware with a CAD software, AutoCad strongly preferred.
• Experience with the startup/commissioning of AC drive and/or servo systems such as Allen Bradley Powerflex and Kinetix series.
• Strong mechanical aptitude.
• Preferred Qualifications:
• Experience with Allen Bradley RSlogix 5, 500, or 5000.
• Experience with Siemens Step 7 classic and/or TIA

Competencies:

Analytical - Synthesizes complex or diverse information; Collects and researches data; Uses intuition and experience to complement data; Designs work flows and procedures.

Design - Generates creative solutions; Translates concepts and information into images; Uses feedback to modify designs; Applies design principles; Demonstrates attention to detail.

Problem Solving - Identifies and resolves problems in a timely manner; Gathers and analyzes information skillfully; Develops alternative solutions; Works well in group problem solving situations; Uses reason even when dealing with emotional topics.

Technical Skills - Assesses own strengths and weaknesses; Pursues training and development opportunities; Strives to continuously build knowledge and skills; Shares expertise with others.

Innovation - Displays original thinking and creativity; Meets challenges with resourcefulness; Generates suggestions for improving work; Develops innovative approaches and ideas; Presents ideas and information in a manner that gets others' attention.

Quality - Demonstrates accuracy and thoroughness; Looks for ways to improve and promote quality; Applies feedback to improve performance; Monitors own work to ensure quality.

Project Management - Develops project plans; Coordinates projects; Communicates changes and progress; Completes projects on time and budget; Manages project team activities.

Maintain acceptable attendance.

This job description reflects management's assignment of the essential functions. It does not prescribe or restrict the tasks that may be assigned. Critical features of this job are described under the heading below. They may be subject to change at any time due to reasonable accommodation or other reasons.

Responsibilities:

Essential Functions:

• Investigate and generate ideas related to industrial processes and machinery controls. This is frequently performed in conjunction with the Chief Electrical Engineer and Vice President of Engineering and members of a project team.
• Design and create industrial processes and machine control systems.
• Compile estimated and actual costs for the design and manufacture of control systems.
• Negotiate with and oversee work performed by outside contractors and vendors.
• Design tests, research ideas and evaluate new approaches and materials related to control systems.
• Create specification documents. Create electrical, electronic and engineering drawings, machine control system descriptions, flow charts and sketches.
• Create computer programs needed for control systems
• Ability to travel 20%-30%.