Electrical Automation Engineer at Sparrow Company LLC – Tuscaloosa, Alabama

Job Summary

The Electrical Automation Engineer position will support the efforts to upgrade/troubleshoot the existing control systems through the company to optimize plant operations, performance, and efficiency of all manufacturing units and process according to company standards.

Job Responsibilities

• Design and implementation of control strategies based on plant manufacturing processes needs and company vision.

• Work within the team to help multi-faceted upgrades to existing plant controls systems including personnel, programming, HMI and budgeting etc.

• Review the existing hardware architecture for PLC-based control systems, analog and digital I/O systems and hardware, supporting equipment, and design improvements as needed

• Program PLC and DCS control systems, primarily using the Control Logix, Siemens, GE, SCL500 and PLC5.

• Must have the ability to learn FLS ASYS function blocks for the PLC and corresponding HMI graphic objects for the HMI.

• Design and create custom PLC code and HMI graphic objects as needed to integrate sub-system PLCs with the main control system in a way that presents a common interface to the operator.

• Coordinate control system startup, checkout, and commissioning activities with the project manager or team leader.

• Update documentation and backup all the control system applications.

• Participate control system upgrade meetings and develop the strategy at a large cement manufacturing facility as per company standards.

• Mentor and supervise younger Engineers or interns.

• Experience with engineering and developing PLC code using the FLS ASYS function block system and Rockwell system integrator design suite.

• Travel is required to attend the meetings and upgrades within the US as needed.

• Self-starter and ability to work in both teams as well as independently.

• Comply with all company policies and safety regulations.

Qualifications

• Bachelor of Science degree in Electrical Engineering/ Computer science, or another Engineering degree with related experience in controls and automation

• Must have the proficiency in English Language.

• Must have troubleshooting skills.

• Minimum of 3-5 years’ experience in industrial manufacturing.

• Must have proven knowledge, learning ability and experience in writing PLC logic, developing programs and troubleshooting for various existing PLC systems including Rockwell Allen Bradley/Siemens/GE/FLS ASYS function block etc.

• Experience with communication protocols, Profinet, Profibus, I/O link, TCP/IP, RS 232, and RS 485 etc.

• Prior experience in interfacing PLCs to a SQL database using an OPC UA interfacing.

• Must have knowledge of basic electrical systems, motor controls, and instrumentation like flow meter, solenoid and level sensors etc.

• Familiarity with computer networking and communication systems, particularly as they relate to automation systems, cisco network certification will be preferred.

• Must be able to read and understand engineering CAD drawings including P&ID, interconnection, and elementary drawings.

• Ability to work cooperatively within the team as well as independently.

• Open to travel within US (30%-40%).

• Successful candidate must submit to post-offer pre-employment physical examination, drug/alcohol screen, background check and FMCSA (if required).

Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities

• Experience in Cement, concrete, and aggregate manufacturing.

• Knowledge of distributed control systems (DCS), Control Logix programming.

• Knowledge of historian database systems (FactoryTalk / OSIsoft-Pi / Canary data/AVEVA/Yokogawa) and data interfacing.

• Familiarity with AutoCAD or other CAD software.

• Ability to review, design and layout the control panels.

• Experience with other HMI systems in a client/server configuration.

• Project management skills.

Working Conditions

• Must be able to perform the job with or without accommodation.

• Must be able to work around the shifts as needed.

• Must be able to work long hours during commissioning / project deadlines.

Physical Requirements

• Requires walking, sitting, lifting, pushing, pulling, and climbing to a significant degree

• Medium Work-Exerting up to 50 pounds of force occasionally, and/or up to 50 pounds or force frequently, and/or up to 20 pounds of force constantly to move objects

• While performing the duties of this job, the employee is regularly required to talk and hear, to communicate to employees/visitors as well as function safely around heavy rolling equipment

• Must be able to perform all job functions which include, but may not be limited to, pushing, turning, and/or pulling of controls.

Applicants may be subject to a background check and pre-employment drug screen.*

*A conviction does not automatically disqualify you from employment. We will consider factors such as your age at the time, the timing and nature of the offense, its seriousness, and any rehabilitation efforts when determining your suitability for the role.

Sparrow Company Executive Search & Staffing is an Equal Opportunity Employer.