Job Details

Description

Automation Engineer I

JOB SUMMARY

Provides technical support for the programming, configuration and testing of automation-related systems and equipment including process control PLCs, HMI hardware, software, control system equipment, smart instruments, and the SCADA network. Develops fully functional and integrated control logic, control loops and operator interfaces using PLCs and HMI programs, databases, displays and communications in compliance with the District’s Operation and Maintenance standards. Proactively identifies beneficial process control improvements, tunes control loops to improve equipment operation and assists on process control related projects. Assists contractors with new software and hardware implementation and licensing upgrades. Utilizes continuous improvement activities to improve department efficiency. Ensures the automation systems meet project goals and automation standards. Participates in activities between departments, including the Engineering & Construction Department, Operation and Maintenance Department and the Information Technology Department. Performs other duties of a similar nature as may be required.

ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS

– Supports other engineers in the programing, configuration, installation, testing, maintenance, troubleshooting and repairing of building automation and process control PLCs and HMI hardware, software and related control system equipment and software. Designs, develops, programs and bench tests new and modified control logic and displays prior to field installation. Programs and configures communication equipment, power monitoring equipment and links to smart instruments and networked field devices.

– Supports the development of fully functional and integrated control logic, control loops and operator interfaces using PLCs and HMI programs, databases, displays and communications in compliance with the District’s Operation and Maintenance standards.

– Develops, updates and maintains HMI graphics, alarms, events, and databases.

– Reports any equipment faults and failures, problematic and unresolved technical issues and unstable or unreliable operation.

– Supports Operation and Maintenance staff, Construction Supervisors, and other technicians to mitigate or minimize impact on process operations. Follows policies and procedures for shutdown requests and operation of equipment to test programming changes.

– Assists in the documentation of all completed hardware and software work to keep reference documentation up-to- date and accurate using the District’s Operation and Maintenance programming and configuration practices. Coordinates with document support staff for creation and archiving of as-built/as-programmed documentation from field notes and drawing markups. Follows management of change protocols.

– Supports thorough software and hardware testing of all modifications to control system equipment and software. Creates and archives backup copies of control logic and HMI displays in accordance with District established Operation and Maintenance procedures.

– Builds acumen on technology trends and new developments for implementing processes, monitoring, controlling, networking, system security, process automation and related topics.

– Performs other duties of a similar nature as may be required.

Automation Engineer II

JOB SUMMARY

Provides lead technical support for the programming, configuration and testing of automation-related systems and equipment including process control PLCs, HMI hardware, software, control system equipment, smart instruments and the SCADA network. Develops fully functional and integrated control logic, control loops and operator interfaces using PLCs and HMI programs, databases, displays and communications in compliance with the District’s Operation and Maintenance standards.  Proactively identifies beneficial process control improvements, tunes control loops to improve equipment operation and assists on process control related projects. Assists contractors with new software and hardware implementation and licensing upgrades. Utilizes continuous improvement activities to improve department efficiency. Ensures the automation systems meet project goals and automation standards. Participates in activities between departments, including the Engineering & Construction Department, Operation and Maintenance Department and the Information Technology Department. Performs other duties of a similar nature as may be required.

ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS

• Collaborates with other engineers in the programing, configuration, installation, testing, maintenance, troubleshooting and repairing of building automation and process control PLCs and HMI hardware, software and related control system equipment and software. Designs, develops, programs and bench tests new and modified control logic and displays prior to field installation. Programs and configures communication equipment, power monitoring equipment and links to smart instruments and networked field devices.
• Develops fully functional and integrated control logic, control loops and operator interfaces using PLCs and HMI programs, databases, displays and communications in compliance with the District’s Operation and Maintenance standards.
• Initiates recommendations for improvements to control logic to address performance issues. Recommends changes to District standards when needed. Proactively identifies beneficial process improvements, tunes control loops to improve equipment operation and implements approved changes and process control related projects.
• Develops, updates and maintains HMI graphics, alarms, events and databases.
• Reports any equipment faults and failures, problematic and unresolved technical issues and unstable or unreliable operation.
• Collaborates with Operation and Maintenance staff, Construction Supervisors and other technicians to mitigate or minimize impact on process operations. Follows policies and procedures for shutdown requests and operation of equipment to test programming changes.
• Documents all completed hardware and software work to keep reference documentation up-to- date and accurate using the District’s Operation and Maintenance programming and configuration practices. Coordinates with document support staff for creation and archiving of as-built/as-programmed documentation from field notes and drawing markups. Follows management of change protocols.
• Collaborates in thorough software and hardware testing of all modifications to control system equipment and software. Creates and archives backup copies of control logic and HMI displays in accordance with District established Operation and Maintenance procedures.
• Keeps current on technology trends and new developments for implementing processes, monitoring, controlling, networking, system security, process automation and related topics.

Performs other duties of a similar nature as may be required.

MINIMUM JOB REQUIREMENTS

EDUCATION

– Candidate must possess a bachelor’s degree, preferably in Engineering, Engineering Technology, Computer Science, or a closely related STEM field.

– Equivalent combination of relevant education and experience may be substituted as outlined in the Education Equivalencies Policy.

EXPERIENCE

– Candidate must possess one (1) year of experience in automation or related field. Experience may include work performed during internships and co-operative education.

– Knowledge of the Rockwell Automation control platform and Wonderware is preferred.

OTHER REQUIREMENTS

LICENSURE AND CERTIFICATIONS

Candidate must possess a valid driver’s license with a driving record in accordance with the District’s acceptable guidelines.

KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS AND ABILITIES

Candidate must possess the ability to effectively interface with administrators and other departments within the organization; communicate effectively both in written correspondence and in oral speech to convey the existing problems and appropriate needs for the project, and demonstrate initiative and dependability while maintaining professional working relationships with colleagues.

PHYSICAL AND MENTAL REQUIREMENTS

During the course of performing the essential functions of this position the employee must be able to compare, compute, compile, analyze, coordinate, copy and synthesize. Ability to communicate while exhibiting strong interpersonal skills is required. Physical work will need to be performed, such as standing, sitting, walking, feeling, fingering, and talking. Ability to lift up to 25 lbs. on an occasional basis. Position will require visual demands of near acuity, far acuity, depth perception, color vision and accommodation. While working in the field the employee may be exposed to extreme weather, atmospheric conditions, vibrations, extreme cold and heat (non-weather related), hazards and confined/restricted working environments. Position required to sometimes perform confined space entry on the job. Employee must possess the ability to wear required respiratory protection devices, including not having facial hair that interferes with the facepiece-to-face seal.

PAY RANGE:

USD, Commensurate with experience, education and level offered

Automation Engineer I:

$62,364 – $77,956

Automation Engineer II:

$69,239 – $86,548

NEORSD, an Equal Opportunity Employer
The Northeast Ohio Regional Sewer District is an Equal Opportunity Employer. We are committed to fostering a diverse and inclusive workforce, recognizing the full range of human differences and similarities. Through our unwavering efforts to leverage the potential of our diversity, we continually strive to build and foster an environment that respects each individual. We encourage and promote innovation, and provide opportunities for all employees to interact, communicate, and realize the full potential of their talents.

Our Equal Employment Opportunity Statement

Our Accessibility Statement

Our Education Equivalencies Policy

Our Employee Benefits & Wellness Programs
We offer a comprehensive employee benefits package including Health Insurance Coverage, Various Retirement Planning Options (Ohio Public Employee Retirement System and Deferred Compensation Plans), Flexible Spending Accounts, Employee Assistance Program, Free Parking at our facilities, Corporate Discounts, and more! We also have an active Health & Wellness Program that promotes a life/work balance.

DISCLAIMER:  The information outlined in this job description indicates the general nature and type of work performed by employees within this classification.  It is not intended to provide a comprehensive inventory of all duties, responsibilities or competencies required of employees within this classification.