The Automation Controls Engineer will primarily focus on maintenance activities with yearly projects to upgrade and/or install new equipment. Their objective is to optimize and automate processes that are manual, semi-automatic or automated to increase safety for personnel and increase efficiency, as well as maintain and troubleshoot the facility(s) automation and control systems in collaboration with the maintenance electricians to reduce downtime. Develop, implement, maintain facility/LDC automation and safety related policies and standards. Below are the related daily and weekly duties and responsibilities of the position:
- Implement, maintain, and develop facility standards/policies for automation programming, operator interface (HMI) and control hardware.
- Ensure 3rd parties follow LDC standards and policies related to Electrical Controls and Automation.
- Assist in development and execution of each Yorkton facility(s) annual Maintenance and CAPEX project plans.
- Assist with enhancing operational efficiency across all Yorkton facilities, as well as other facilities within North America on a as needed basis.
- Program, troubleshoot, and commission Electrical Control System hardware and software.
- Assist with Capital Project Work – Includes but not limited to: planning, designing, programming, commissioning, evaluating/review and working with 3rd parties.
- Evaluate, maintain, and upgrade firmware for DCS, Motor Control Centers, Skids, development software, Operator interface (HMI/GUI) hardware and software.
- Design and troubleshoot Automated Programming Sequences (APS).
- Update and or create 2D electrical drawings in AutoCAD for changes to existing electrical system or new projects.
- Work closely with facility and contractor personnel to complete tasks.
- Configure, design, troubleshoot Industrial Networking and Advanced Communication Protocols (i.e.: Ethernet IP, Modbus) related but not limited to Equipment Skid’s, DCS and MCC’s.
- Modify and troubleshoot Historian and SQL data reporting.
- HMI/GUI Development and troubleshooting.
- Proficient in Ladder Logic and Structured Text with experience in Function Block and Sequential Flow Chart.
- Work with LDC IT to regularly backup critical controls software and related files.
- Participate and or lead root cause analysis related to electrical controls and automation.
- Must have post-secondary education in Electrical Controls, Technology or Power Systems, OR applicable equivalent experience which may includes a combination of the below Preferred Qualifications in addition to Mechanical or Electrical Engineering post-secondary education
Preferred Qualifications:
- 2 or more years of experience in controls and automation engineering function at a manufacturing or processing plant.
- Previous work experience at a canola crush facility.