Automation Engineer

The Automation Engineer is responsible for company wide applications of the design, programming, budgetary requirements, installation of equipment and components, maintenance, troubleshooting, repair and improvement of all plant manufacturing equipment and systems. The individual in this position will also evaluate and recommend improvements for all plant equipment and instrumentation. The individual will work closely within the Engineering Department in conjunction with Mechanical Engineers and Project Managers to assist in various roles involving the tasks listed above.

ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS

To perform this job successfully, an individual must be able to perform each essential function of the job.

• Install, maintain, troubleshoot, and repair plant manufacturing equipment.
• Interact with computer software and hardware suppliers and manufacturers, and with suppliers and manufacturers of all company manufacturing equipment and instrumentation.
• Evaluate, recommend and implement improvements to company equipment and instrumentation.
• Assist Company Maintenance and Operations during off hours remotely.
• Install, program, troubleshoot, and repair machine control PC's and PLC's.
• Perform electrical wiring from low voltage through 480 volt, 3-phase.
• Actively participate in and support company expansion, improvement, and cost reduction projects.
• Manage engineering projects, electronics upgrades, and controls obsolescence avoidance program.
• Interact with IT to ensure manufacturing equipment and instrumentation effectively interfaces with corporate data systems and networks.
• Program/Troubleshoot PLCs and equipment handshakes via direct or WAN/LAN connections.
• Frequently and effectively use computers for the documentation, analysis, and communication of data.
• Work with engineering team to develop electrical, instrumentation and controls products and systems to satisfy unique customer specifications, contracts, and new business development.
• Create/review/modify electrical schematics, drawings and I/O lists for various electro-mechanical systems to ensure compliance with engineering standards and customer specifications.
• Support design and shop building of machine control systems.
• Participate as necessary in equipment tests (including Factory Acceptance Tests (FAT)), assembly, installation, and set-up activities to ensure components and systems are conforming to engineering design standards and customer specifications.
• Estimate engineering time, material costs and resources required for proposed projects.
• Issue purchase orders and/or provide the Purchasing Department with technical guidance on electrical components, equipment, software, and services.
• Maintain good housekeeping and regularly clean work area, machines, and equipment.
• Identify and contribute to continuous improvement efforts to reduce costs or increase productivity without reducing effectiveness.
• Support the development of the project charter and the detailed project concept. Ensure engineering implementation in accordance with the defined time, budget and safety measurements. Evaluate aptitude and give guidance to Contractor and Warren assets to assist in project completion in the most efficient and safe manner.
• Organize projects or teams throughout a department/company to accomplish broad sweeping changes and improvements.
• Capability of working with all levels within the organization and the ability to make effective presentations to diverse groups. Ability to create thorough and detailed project progress reports and offer effective "as built" solutions to the project manager throughout a project.
• Assist Project Managers with project closeout, handoff and required training for affected associates, supervisors and Dept. Managers.
• Capability to make high level safety determinations of risks and hazards associated with electrical exposures and assist at a technician level in training and comprehension. Have a broad understanding of company electrical safety policy and NFPA 70E and assist facilities in compliancy and training.
• Maintain an open and candid working relationship with immediate supervisor/manager in discussing matters of importance.
• Adhere to established company values, practices, policies and procedures at all times. Follow and support compliance with all applicable safety rules, laws, regulations, and standards.
• Demonstrate regular and punctual attendance at the assigned work location.
• Travel to vendor locations and to all Highline-Warren Distribution facilities to perform essential duties and responsibilities, including overnight stays, with travel required up to 30% of the time.

Marginal Functions

Although not essential to the position, the individual may be asked to perform other duties as requested by management.

Required knowledge, skills, and abilities

An individual qualified for this job must be able to:

• Read and interpret documents such as safety rules, operating and maintenance instructions and procedure manuals.
• Understand mechanical, electrical, hydraulic, and pneumatic…