PLC Engineer

General Description

We are seeking a highly skilled and motivated controls engineer to join our Factory Automation and PLC Services Team. The ideal candidate will have a strong technical background in Factory Automation Systems and Controls including PLC/HMI, Edge Device for IIoT/I4.0 and SCADA systems with excellent technical skills to deliver high-quality services to our clients. The successful candidate will be a significant contributor on our Project Execution Team. The Automation Engineer will work in the development, delivery, and commissioning of PLC-based control systems and solutions for R.E. Mason’s industrial customers.

The Automation Engineer will have close interaction with the Project Technical Lead Engineer (“Tech Lead”) who will be managing the configuration development. The Tech Lead will provide coaching to the Automation Engineer to ensure the work adheres to technical standards and guidelines and is completed with the high level of quality expected by our customers.

The Automation Engineer will also provide aftermarket (“Lifecycle”) and staff augmentation support to customers. Typically, this includes maintaining and updating existing control strategies, implementing small scale expansion projects and assisting with process optimization projects.

Specific Responsibilities

• Configure, troubleshoot, and maintain PLCs used to control both OEM skids and custom process equipment
• Configure SCADA solutions and local Historians and configure integrations to 3rd party systems such as Emerson’s DeltaV DCS & OSI PI
• Develop system documentation which includes functional requirements specifications and detailed design specifications for a variety of continuous and batch process control applications
• Support Factory Acceptance Tests (“FAT”s) / Site Acceptance Tests (“SAT”s) and any start-up and commissioning activities at customer sites
• Travel in North Carolina, South Carolina and Virginia – approximately 25%
• Develop scope and specification documentation for new station equipment installations, including control panels and station instrumentation.
• Review vendor provided design packages for new control panels and/or instrumentation installations to ensure package meets design requirements.
• Liaison with contractor for panel and equipment installations.
• Migrate existing PLC programming to Emerson Rx3i, including configurations and logic files.
• Perform GE iFIX control database modifications as needed.
• Perform graphic development and modification from existing station graphics, including Emerson QP+ HMIs and GE iFIX, as needed.
• Perform typical Power and Grounding checks and I&I.
• Work with plant personnel and contractors to perform loop checks, final testing and any necessary startup support.
• Maintain station I/O lists and drawings during system checkout and commissioning.

Required Competencies

• Demonstrated interest in software development
• Excellent verbal and written communication skills
• Ability to work in team environment; a team player
• Self-directed, self-motivated, and detail oriented
• Customer focused
• Organized and reliable; Demonstrates integrity
• Valid driver’s license required
• This is a hybrid role requiring three days per week in the office and two days working from home.

Required Education and Experience

• B.S. in CHE, EE, ME, Comp. Eng, Comp. Sci., other related disciplines
• 3+ years of relevant experience
• Experience in the pharmaceutical/biotech industry
• MS Office Experience

Preferred Experience/Competencies

• Experience using and configuring PLC control systems including Emerson VersaMax / PACSystems (formerly GE), Allen-Bradley, and/or Siemens.
• Experience using Studio 5000 Logix Designer and configuring HMIs and SCADA applications such as PanelView / Panel View Plus, WonderWare, Ignition, and Iconics
• Ability to configure 3rd Party interfaces using OPC and FactoryTalk Gateway
• Understanding of regulated and validated systems
• Prior experience working in a relevant manufacturing environment
• Windows Server 2016/2019 and network troubleshooting skills

Physical Requirements

• Standing
• Walking
• Sitting
• Kneeling
• Reaching Overhead
• Climbing
• Pushing and Pulling
• Lifting - 20 pounds
• Using a Computer
• Using a Telephone
• Driving