Controls & Automation Engineer Technician

Position Title: Controls & Automation Engineer Technician

Location: Scottsbluff, NE

Position Overview

• The Western Sugar Cooperative has a great opportunity for a Controls & Automation Engineer Technician. This position supports, maintains, and implements automation and process control systems at the Scottsbluff facility, which processes sugar beets into sugar. The role works in direct support of Controls & Automation Engineers, Process Engineers, and Plant Operations to install, modify, troubleshoot, and commission PLC and HMI based control systems. The Controls & Automation Engineering Technician focuses on execution, field support, and system reliability. They assist Controls & Automation Engineers by carrying out approved designs, implementing system changes, performing testing and commissioning activities, and providing hands-on troubleshooting support under the supervision and guidance of the Controls & Automation Engineers

Essential Functions

• Provide solid leadership that lives our Core Values of: Being a Safety Leader, Integrity, Openness & Trust, Teamwork, Entrepreneurship, and Social Responsibility,
• Be a safety leader with solid safety behaviors and demonstrated leadership. Working with others to perform against the plant site safety plan with the goal of being a zero-injury workplace.
• Support the implementation, testing, maintenance, and modification of PLC based automation systems, primarily Rockwell ControlLogix, SLC500, and PLC-5 platforms, following directions from Controls & Automation Engineers,
• Support PC based HMI systems, primarily Rockwell FactoryTalk View SE and ME, including troubleshooting, minor modifications, and deployments as assigned.
• Assist with installation and commissioning of automation systems, including panels, field devices, networks, and I/O, under engineering guidance
• Assist with control panel layout review, panel design implementation, and panel build activities, including verification of wiring, component placement, labeling, and adherence to engineering standards, under the direction of Controls Engineers
• Troubleshoot PLC programs, HMI applications, instrumentation, VFDs, and control panels to support ongoing plant operations and escalate design related issues to Controls & Automation engineers as needed.
• Implement approved control logic changes, HMI updates, and system configurations following established standards and engineering direction.
• Support automation networks by assisting with configuration, troubleshooting, and maintenance of communications hardware and cabling.
• Maintain confidentiality and security of controls systems, automation assets, and industrial control networks by following established cybersecurity policies, access controls, and data handling procedures
• Maintain and update system documentation, including drawings, control narratives, I/O lists, and change records, in coordination with engineering.
• Provide on-site support during outages, startups, and maintenance activities as required.
• Assist with testing and verification of system changes to ensure safe and reliable operation.
• Provide technical support to operations, maintenance, and E&I personnel as needed.

Skill & Experience Requirements

• Associate degree in Electrical Engineering Technology, Automation Technology, or a related technical field is preferred. Equivalent experience will be considered.
• 2 to 3 years of relevant industrial automation, controls, or commissioning experience.
• Ability to read and interpret AutoCAD Electrical drawings to understand electrical schematics, wiring diagrams, and panel layouts, with willingness to further develop AutoCAD Electrical skills.
• Experience with control panels, instrumentation wiring, and VFD setup and commissioning, including ABB, Yaskawa, and Rockwell PowerFlex drives.
• Ability to troubleshoot electrical and automation systems in an industrial environment.
• Ability to manage multiple tasks and priorities within a plant environment.
• Strong customer focused mindset when working with production and maintenance personnel.
• Ability to communicate clearly and work collaboratively with engineering, operations, and maintenance teams.
• Maintain high regard for personal safety and the safety of company assets and employees.
• Reliable attendance and consistent performance.
• Friendly, results oriented, and team-oriented approach.
• Experience working with Allen Bradley PLCs and FactoryTalk HMI systems preferred.
• Experience supporting industrial communications networks using Ethernet, ControlNet, DH , DF-1, Modbus, or similar protocols preferred.
• Basic electrical skills including AC and DC control circuits and low voltage power distribution up to 480 VAC preferred.
• Experience with industrial networking hardware, copper and fiber cabling, and field device communications preferred.
• Familiarity with PID loops, pressure, temperature, and level instrumentation in a manufacturing environment preferred.
• Ability to read and interpret electrical schematics, wiring diagrams, flow charts, P&IDs, and cause and effect diagrams preferred.
• Ability to follow engineering standards, procedures, and direction from management preferred.

Working Relationship:

• Reports to the Engineering VP.

Travel Requirements, if any (please indicate percentage):

• Up to 5%

It is the policy of The Western Sugar Cooperative not to discriminate against any employee or any applicant for employment because of age, race, religion, color, handicap, sex, physical condition, developmental disability, sexual orientation, or national origin. This policy shall include, but not be limited to, the following: recruitment and employment, promotion, demotion, transfer, compensation, selection for training, layoff and termination.

Western Sugar Cooperative is a Drug Free workplace.