Automation Engineer Level 2

Summary/Objective:

The Automation Engineer Level 2 builds on the foundational knowledge of automation, controls, and electrical engineering to independently complete small or simple engineering tasks.  The level 2 engineer is developing broad knowledge and skills through guided experience.  The level 2 engineer may be responsible for small scale projects, building understanding of business needs, time and resource management, and project management.

Essential Functions:

(This description is not all inclusive, other duties may be assigned):

• Assist the senior controls engineers in conceptual design and project scoping, translating customer design requirements into design specifications and control strategies

• Perform controls system design, programming, simulation, and testing of simple custom automation equipment.  Assist senior controls engineers with complex or large-scale design projects.

• Perform electrical design, generate schematics, specify hardware and create bills of materials for simply electrical systems.  Assist the senior electrical design engineer in the design of complex or large-scale electrical systems.

• Participate in internal and external design reviews to identify design errors, and high-risk items

• Perform integration of new control systems and the modification of existing systems, including PLCs (Programmable Logic Controllers), HMIs (Human-Machine Interfaces), Robotics, safety devices, vision systems, motor drives, and other control devices

• Independently execute system start-ups and operational checkouts on systems including configuration, calibration and functional testing

• Execute testing and validation of control systems to identify and rectify issues related to functionality and reliability of machine operation

• Troubleshoot control system issues, both hardware and software

• Collaborate with multidisciplinary team members and customers to meet project objectives

• Provide technical support and expertise during the installation, commissioning, and maintenance phases of custom automation projects, which may include training, equipment troubleshooting, electrical and/or software field upgrades, or installation of new products

• Maintain thorough documentation of all system designs, modifications, and operating instructions

• Research technologies and share knowledge and best practices

• Observe sales calls for new project scoping

• Achieve cost targets and adhere to project milestones through effective design and time management

• Follow industry-specific regulations and standards

• Provide ongoing technical support for control systems

• Adhere to all workplace safety laws, regulations, standards, and practices

• Other duties as assigned

Education and Qualification Requirements:

• Bachelors degree in Automation, Mechanical, Electrical, or Computer Science or equivalent experience.

• Minimum of 2 years’ experience in manufacturing or other technical field working on automated systems.

• Practical experience and knowledge of automated systems including PLC, HMI, Motion (VFD, Stepper, servos, robotics), vision platforms, and PC/proprietary systems.

• Knowledge and ability, hands-on experience with troubleshooting electrical, controls and programs of industrial automation/robotic equipment.

• Practical experience programming.  Allen Bradley Studio, Robots, PID control/ tuning and servo systems; programming and experience with machine vision, Beckhoff, Mitsubishi PLC, VB and C a plus.

• Ability to read and generate electrical schematics, panel layouts, safety systems and P&lDs drawings using AutoCAD, BricsCAD or equivalent.

• Excellent communication skills, ability to work well on a team.

Highly Valued Personal Competencies:

• Oral Comprehension - The ability to listen to and understand information and ideas presented through spoken words and sentences

• Written Comprehension - The ability to read and understand information and ideas presented in writing

• Oral Expression - The ability to communicate information and ideas in speaking so others will understand.

• Problem Sensitivity - The ability to tell when something is wrong or is likely to go wrong

• Deductive Reasoning - The ability to apply general rules to specific problems to produce answers that make sense

• Inductive Reasoning - The ability to combine pieces of information to form general rules or conclusions (includes finding a relationship among seemingly unrelated events)

Supervisory Responsibility:

None

Work Environment:

General office and manufacturing environment for automation equipment

Physical Requirements:

Reasonable accommodations will be considered which would allow the employee to perform the essential functions of the job.  While performing the duties of this job, the employee is regularly required to:

• Communicate in English.

• Sit for long periods of time.

• Stand; walk; use hands to finger, handle or feel; reach with hands and arms.

• Climb, balance, stoop, kneel, crouch, or crawl.

• Frequently lift and/or move up to 25 pounds and occasionally lift and/or move up to 50 pounds.

• Specific vision abilities required by this job include close vision, color vision, and ability to adjust focus.

Travel:

Domestic and international travel may be required.