Automation​/Controls Engineer III

Job Summary

As a design build engineering firm and general contractor that designs and builds food and beverage processing facilities, Dennis Group’s Automation/Controls Engineers work closely with our process, packaging and building engineers to meet our clients’ expectations in startup, commissioning, and qualifying their food and beverage production facilities. The role requires regular onsite presence to ensure necessary diagnoses, troubleshooting, and operational startup of our client’s production lines, equipment, and facilities.

Our automation & controls engineers are frequently facing engineering challenges in applying standard engineering techniques to design, develop, and maintain instrumentation or control systems. Both software and hardware design and troubleshooting skills and abilities is required for this role.

• Handles complex issues and problems and refers more complex issues to higher-level engineer, team lead, or manager
• With general supervision, designs and troubleshoots both software and hardware necessary for control systems utilizing PLCs for integration of manufacturing systems
• Automates manufacturing processes through the use of instrumentation or controls systems
• Designs, diagnoses, and troubleshoots network infrastructures - Ethernet, Device Net, AS-i, Profibus, etc.
• Develops new PLC applications, interfaces, or embedded controls
• Develops new or modifies existing set-up and commissioning of new facilities or upgrading of existing facilities
• Designs, specifies, wires, and procures control panel equipment (e.g., safety circuits, I/O, networks)
• Designs, specifies, and procures electrical equipment (e.g., MCCs, panel boards, transformers)
• Creates design basis documents and scope of work
• Develops functional descriptions and analysis documents for devices
• Understands size and placement of control/electrical panels
• Specifies, procures, configures, and troubleshoots controls hardware and field instrumentation
• Assists with coordinating with other engineer disciplines
• Troubleshoots and resolves malfunctions and makes recommendations to improve efficiency or quality of operations
• Creates commissioning and start-up checklists
• Observes rough-in construction for compliance with plans, specs, and details
• Serves as primary technical client contact
• Develops bid documentation for Electrical, Automation, and Low Voltage (network, security) vendors
• Documents specifications and operating procedures
• Interfaces and manages installation contractors during construction
• Researches automation/controls materials and best practices
• Supports talent growth within the organization
• Provides coaching and/or mentoring to a subordinate group when directed by supervisor

• Degree in Electrical Engineering or a related field
• 8+ years of experience with Allen Bradley/Rockwell, Siemens, GE Fanuc, Honeywell Systems
• 8+ years of experience in Visual Basic, SQL, MS Access database programming skills a plus
• 8+ years of experience with design and implementation of process network infrastructure (Ethernet, Device Net, Control Net, Profi Bus, etc.)
• 8+ years of experience in an industrial manufacturing setting
• Database programming skills a plus
• Proficiency with MS Office and AutoCAD
• Excellent professional, self-motivated, and energetic communication and interpersonal skills for client-facing work
• Must meet travel requirement – significant time in client facilities during installation and startup/commissioning/qualification phases of a project (35% to 50% of time)

• Prolonged periods sitting at a desk and working on a computer
• Prolonged periods of standing and walking during installation, commissioning and startup
• Must be able to lift up to 30 pounds

• Up to 50% travel required to visit project sites and other offices

We plan, design, engineer, and build food plants for major brands across the country and the world. For the past three decades, we’ve focused exclusively on the food and beverage industry, helping brands put your favorite foods in the grocery store. Food isn’t one thing we do, it’s all we do.

Dennis Group offers competitive compensation packages commensurate with experience. We provide comprehensive employee benefits including medical, dental, vision, life and disability insurance, paid time off including an open vacation policy, as well as bonus, profit-sharing, and retirement plans.

Dennis Group is proud to provide equal employment opportunities (EEO) to all employees and applicants for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, age, disability, or genetics.