Automation Specialist

Our client is seeking an Automation Specialist to support automation and process control systems within a large-scale steel manufacturing environment in Cayce, South Carolina.

This role will focus on maintaining and supporting automation equipment and systems, including Variable Frequency Drives, Programmable Logic Controllers, instrumentation, process computers, Human-Machine Interfaces, and related equipment. The Automation Specialist will also support database management and programming while identifying opportunities to improve consistency and efficiency through new automation solutions.

The ideal candidate will bring hands-on Level II process automation experience along with a strong electrical engineering foundation and the ability to work effectively within a heavy industrial manufacturing environment.

This is an on-site position supporting a steel manufacturing operation in Cayce, South Carolina. The Automation Specialist will report to the Area Maintenance Manager for the Melt Shop and will work closely with appropriate departments and individuals across the operation.

The environment includes Level I and Level II PLC systems, OWS, HMI systems, SAP, process computers, instrumentation, and other industrial automation equipment. A general understanding of the steel mill process is important for success in the role.

This is an individual contributor position with no direct reports and no required travel.

• Maintain and support Variable Frequency Drives, Programmable Logic Controllers, instrumentation, process computers, and related equipment.
• Support Level II process automation systems and their interfaces with Level I PLC systems, OWS, HMI systems, and SAP.
• Program and maintain PLC systems, with Siemens 7 or Rockwell Automation experience preferred.
• Maintain and modify Graphical User Interface programs and HMI systems.
• Support database management and programming activities.
• Develop and maintain automation-related systems and equipment.
• Proactively identify and implement new automation solutions that improve consistency and efficiency.
• Support the ongoing reliability and performance of automation systems within the manufacturing operation.
• Communicate effectively with the appropriate departments and individuals to address automation and process needs.
• Apply a general understanding of steel mill processes to automation and controls activities.
• Work with process automation systems and equipment in a heavy industrial manufacturing environment.

Success in this role includes:

• Reliable operation and maintenance of automation and process control systems.
• Effective support of Level I and Level II automation systems and their interfaces.
• Automation issues identified and addressed before they negatively affect operations.
• HMI, PLC, instrumentation, and process computer systems maintained effectively.
• Automation solutions identified and implemented to improve consistency and efficiency.
• Strong communication and collaboration with teams across the manufacturing operation.
• A growing understanding of the steel mill process and how automation supports production.
• Continued development of automation capabilities within the operation.

• 5-10 years of automation experience.
• Minimum of 2 years of Level II Process Automation experience.
• Bachelor's degree in Electrical Engineering or a closely related discipline.
• A 2-year degree or extensive military training in a related technical discipline may be considered with 4 years of Level II Process Automation experience.
• Experience in the steel industry is preferred.
• Candidates without steel experience should have experience in heavy industry, mining, or metals.
• Electrical engineering experience.
• PLC programming…