What are the responsibilities and job description for the Automation Engineer position at Sonoco?
Key Activities
- Provide technical support to all areas daily across electrical, mechanical and automation disciplines.
- Configuration and programming of controllers and visualizations systems using Siemens (Simatic Manager and TIA Portal and WinCC flexible software).
- Project planning and programming of drive technology and servo drives – with emphasis on SEW Drive as well as Allen Bradley systems.
- Development, conception, design and creation of hardware / circuit diagrams.
- Automation troubleshooting following a recognisable troubleshooting process.
- Experience with bus systems and bus technology such as “Profinet” and “Profibus” with knowledge of systems such as ASI bus and CAN bus.
- Project Management and Project Coordination of site automation projects.
- Utilise AutoCad/Cad systems to maintain documentation updates, producing 2D CAD drawings of control panels, P&IDs and electrical wiring diagrams.
- Provide onsite services to assist in start-up or troubleshooting.
- Support and lead automation activities at both the Chesterfield and Bradford Production Sites.
- Develop HMI’s for operator use.
- Coordinating with cross-functional team(s) to resolve automation issues.
- Write programs for new designed automatic and semi-automatic machines and conveyor systems for Siemens and Allen Bradley hardware.
- Debug and test new or modified PLC and robotic programs on the production floor.
- Conduct comprehensive machine and system testing.
- Ensure the department operates with due regard to current legislation, company and statutory requirements.
- Ensure the safe and efficient operation of equipment throughout the site.
- Installation of production and plant equipment, commissioning, breakdown analysis and repair
- Identify areas in which engineering improvements can be made to increase safety, quality, efficiency, or reduce waste.
- Assist with the training of company apprentices and shift Engineers.
- Assist with developing operational manuals for newly designed machines and conveyor systems.
- Assist in risk assessment of newly designed machines with emphasis on machine safety.
- Help refine and develop programming standards and methods.
- Coordinate with other engineers and programmers on large systems and machines.
- Maintain and enhance the software and robotics solutions for the two sites.
- Maintain and document the appropriate software changes and updates to support equipment modifications and continuing operation.
- Work with Manufacturing/Operations to identify and troubleshoot machine control failures.
- Specify instrumentation and control hardware for equipment upgrades and future equipment lines.
- Will keep in line with new technology and advise the site accordingly.
- Running testing and diagnostics on IT systems to identify potential problem.
- Identifying and resolving malfunctions within the system.
- Developing and installing new hardware or software to update and improve the functionality of systems.
- Liaising with outside suppliers or developers to source the most effective hardware or software for the company’s needs.
- Creating schematics plans of the system.
- Building robust backups that can be accessed in the event of system failure.
- Training shift Engineers and Process Improvement Engineers to work within the systems and to resolve issues on their own.
- Liaising with operational staff to ensure that systems can Complete designed tasks to
- Lead improvement activities/projects across site, covering all equipment and facilities.
- % Unplanned Downtime on focus machinery
- % Implementation of project work
- % People trained to correct operating level on focus machinery
- % People trained on problem solving
- $ saved by continuous improvement projects implemented
