Controls Engineering Technician

Purpose and role of job:

Troubleshoot and maintain controls components and systems for production and associated utility equipment to insure highest reliability, proper line performance, and safe operation.

Principal Accountabilities/ Responsibilities:

• Observes all OSHA and company safety rules and uses the proper safety equipment at all times.  Notifies Supervisor of potential electrical hazards and takes immediate corrective action. 

• Works with Operations, Process Engineering, Maintenance and others to modify control systems including program modifications and wiring changes as needed.

• Works with equipment suppliers in support of modifications and installations of new equipment.

• Performs upgrades of obsolete control components including PLCs, HMIs and Variable Frequency Drives.

• Ability to diagnose chronic control system issues and identify the root cause and best corrective action.

• Diagnoses problems using laptop computers interfaced to PLC’s, HMI’s and servo systems utilizing electrical schematics, meters, oscilloscopes, and any additional resources available.

• Assists Operations, Maintenance, and Process Engineering to meet short and long term goals.

• Shares knowledge and techniques with team members and assists with training of maintenance and new personnel.

• Attends all training seminars provided by the company when applicable.

• Maintains a clean and orderly work area.

• Provides off hour support on a recurring basis.

• Communicates with the parts department to ensure adequate spares.

• With assistance, can operate production equipment.

• Performs other duties as necessary when directed to do so.

Education and experience requirements:

• High School Diploma with Associates Degree in electronics or equivalent experience.

• Preferred 1-3 years of industrial experience.

• Personal Computer skills including specific controls programming software and basic e-mail, word processing, and spreadsheet applications.

• Has fundamental knowledge of electrical theory and principles of operation.

• Solid knowledge of three phase, single phase and DC power.

• Familiar with NEC, NFPA-70E and standard wiring practices.

• Utilizes meters and oscilloscopes to identify electrical problems.

• Reads electrical schematics.

• Has advanced knowledge of all controller based hardware and software.

• Standard knowledge of product specifications, quality requirements, production goals, efficiency and waste.

• Understands the impact of downtime and waste on production efficiency.

• Repairs must be thorough to prevent any further downtime.

• Works well in a team environment.

 

Work Environment:

 

Work in an environment exposed to dust.  Work in an environment exposed to marked changes in temperature or humidity.  Observes all safety rules and uses the proper safety equipment at all times.

 

Physical Requirements:

 

• Occasional sitting with frequent walking/standing during 8-hour shift.

• Occasional bending, kneeling, climbing, and reaching overhead throughout shift.

• Occasional pushing or pulling with the arms, legs, or body during shift.

• Frequent lifting or carrying up to 10 pounds with occasional lifting or carrying up to 50 pounds.

• Occasional repetitive use of hands.

• Occasional light and firm grasping with hands throughout shift.