Process Automation Engineer

Pertinent Details: Direct Hire Career Opportunity with a highly reputable employer that has been a cornerstone of the Windsor community.

Compensation: $115,000-$130,000 (negotiable) + Bonus + Comprehensive Benefits + Defined Contribution Pension + Relocation Assistance (if required)

The successful candidate will a hands-on Automation Engineer and will thrive solving complex electrical and controls challenges on the plant floor. They will possess strong PLC programming and electrical design skills, understand industrial process automation, and thrive in batch manufacturing environments where safety, quality and reliability are critical. They will be equally comfortable troubleshooting equipment, designing new control systems, and leading automation projects from concept through commissioning.

Job Description:

We are seeking an experienced Automation Engineer with a strong electrical and controls background to support and continuously improve automated manufacturing systems within a highly regulated batch process environment.

This is a hands-on engineering role responsible for PLC programming, HMI development, electrical and control panel design, industrial instrumentation, and process optimization. Working closely with Operations, Maintenance, Engineering and external vendors, the successful candidate will troubleshoot production issues, execute capital projects, and develop automation solutions that improve safety, reliability and manufacturing performance.

Candidates with experience in pharmaceutical, food & beverage, chemical processing, consumer packaged goods or other batch process manufacturing environments are strongly preferred. Duties to include, but not limited to the following:

• Design, program, troubleshoot and optimize PLC and HMI control systems supporting manufacturing operations.
• Develop and maintain electrical schematics, control panel layouts and documentation using AutoCAD Electrical.
• Support daily manufacturing operations by diagnosing and resolving electrical, controls and automation issues.
• Design, implement and commission automation improvements that increase equipment reliability, productivity and process performance.
• Configure and troubleshoot industrial instrumentation including transmitters, flow meters, pressure, temperature and level devices, control valves and VFDs.
• Support process control strategies including PID loop tuning and continuous process optimization.
• Interpret P&IDs and translate process requirements into effective automation solutions.
• Lead or support capital automation projects from concept through commissioning.
• Coordinate with Operations, Maintenance, OEMs and contractors during equipment installations and system upgrades.
• Ensure all electrical and automation systems comply with applicable CSA, ESA, TSSA and Health & Safety standards.
• Maintain accurate documentation for PLC programs, HMI applications, electrical drawings and control system changes.
• Participate in root cause investigations and implement long-term corrective actions.
• Evaluate emerging automation technologies and recommend improvements to existing manufacturing systems.
• Support 24/7 manufacturing operations through technical troubleshooting and occasional after-hours support when required.

Qualifications:

• Diploma in Electrical Engineering Technology, Automation Engineering Technology, or a Bachelor’s Degree in Electrical or Automation Engineering.
• Five (5) + years of industrial automation engineering experience in a batch production environment.
• Strong electrical background with the ability to design and troubleshoot industrial control systems.
• Hands-on PLC programming experience (Allen-Bradley / Rockwell Automation) mandatory.
• Experience developing and modifying HMI applications (FactoryTalk View or similar).
• Experience with electrical and control panel design using AutoCAD Electrical.
• Strong understanding of industrial process control, instrumentation and electrical systems.
• Experience working within batch processing industries such as:
  • Pharmaceutical
  • Food & Beverage
  • Chemical Processing
  • Consumer Packaged Goods
  • Specialty Manufacturing
• Working knowledge of:
  • PLCs
  • VFDs
  • Industrial networks (Ethernet/IP)
  • Industrial instrumentation
  • PID control loops
  • P&IDs
  • Control valves
• Experience commissioning new equipment and supporting plant startups.
• Strong troubleshooting and root cause analysis skills.
• Experience managing automation projects and coordinating with contractors and equipment suppliers.
• Excellent communication skills with the ability to work effectively alongside Operations, Maintenance and Engineering teams.

Preferred Qualifications

• Experience with FactoryTalk Batch and/or Rockwell PlantPAx.
• Knowledge of hazardous area classifications and intrinsically safe control systems.
• Familiarity with industrial historians such as AVEVA PI (OSIsoft PI), SQL Server or manufacturing reporting systems.
• Experience with industrial networking, VMware, ThinManager, Active Directory or OT infrastructure.
• Knowledge of power distribution systems, arc flash studies and single-line diagrams.
• Exposure to GMP, HACCP or other regulated manufacturing environments.
• Professional Engineer (P.Eng.) designation is considered an asset.