Senior Control and Automation Engineer

Senior Control and Automation Engineer - Burnham RNG

Burnham RNG ( ) is a wastewater and agricultural waste-to-renewable natural gas (RNG) provider that helps communities profitably reduce treatment & disposal costs, improve environmental outcomes and re-use energy, water, and nutrients. Burnham manages and reuses organic waste and wastewater by transforming it into RNG, clean water, and high-value soil additives that enhance sustainability and profitability.

The company builds/acquires, owns, and operates renewable natural gas (RNG) producing facilities with the mission to end emissions from waste and to live in a future where waste is a resource used to create low-carbon commodities and fuels. Burnham is a turnkey solutions provider that can build, finance, and operate these facilities.

By marketing and selling RNG and capturing associated tax benefits, the company can significantly reduce the cost of waste treatment and disposal for communities while improving environmental outcomes.

To accomplish our mission, we are looking to build and grow a cohesive team in an execution-oriented culture. We have created the following cultural markers and strive to hire like-minded people to help fuel our growth.

• We are HUMBLE we take pride in the quality of our work, but recognize it can always be improved with the input of others.
• We are DISCIPLINED we strive for systemic, disciplined, consistent execution in everything we do.
• We are ANALYTICAL we need team members who come to conclusions using logic, data and math.
• We are ENTHUSIASTIC we care deeply about the outcomes of our work.
• We are PROBLEM SOLVERS we don't have all the answers. We need team members to take the initiative to figure it out.
• We are FUN we love what we do and love coming to work each day.

Burnham is currently seeking a Senior Control and Automation Engineer to join the technical team at Burnham and become the authority in the field of Automation, Control and related systems. The Automation and Control Engineer (ACE) will be responsible to oversee all aspects of design, configuration and implementation of control systems, including selection of Controllers, Scada systems, Remote monitoring systems, condition monitoring, instrumentation and their integration in the plant ant the IT system. The ACE will also lead evaluation and improvement of existing control systems. The ACE will participate in all parts of design, construction and commissioning. This is an onsite position based in Raleigh, NC, and requires 30% travel.

This position requires...

• An individual that has overlapping core values with those at Burnham.
• A detail-oriented, systematic technical contributor and leader.
• Willingness to relentlessly charge forward and solve problems.
• Effective and collaborative working relationships with a wide range of entities, including:
• --> Burnham internal teams: Engineering, Construction, Operations, and Business Development (Origination)
• --> EPC Contractors, Engineering teams, Regulatory agencies and local authorities.

In this position you will

• Define and develop Burnham's standards, processes and procedures related to automation and control system
• Lead evaluation of control systems (controllers, DCS systems, HMI, Process Database, Instrumentation, hardware) in existing and new plants, and define required changes to meet company's needs.
• For all new projects - oversee the design and development of control related software and hardware applications based on Burnham standards and specifications.
• For legacy systems - review, modify and redesign legacy code; troubleshoot issues with existing installed systems
• Review control logic diagrams, control philosophy and software and check suitability to plants requirements.
• Liaise with IT to ensure interfaces between automation systems and IT systems are clearly understood, setup and managed appropriately. As part of that, ensure that all systems are backed up and protected.
• Lead and support the design of control rooms, including central control rooms and the infrastructure required for remote access to control systems
• Periodically review the performance of automated systems to ensure they are functioning as expected and delivering anticipated benefits.
• Identify and lead implementation of new technologies (e.g. Power BI tools, Condition Monitoring tools) that could increase visibility and efficiency of operating plants.
• Provide technical support for new and existing automation systems associated with various Sciences projects.
• Work alongside Projects, Process Engineering and Operations and apply knowledge of automation systems to manage the specification, design, implementation of automation and process control solutions in our plants.
• Work with Operations and Process Engineering to manage upgrades and modification of existing systems. As part of that - provide technical input to the assessment of impact from the proposed change, review and approve the changes.
• Be the focal point for work with control engineers and designers with all aspects relative to automation and control systems.
• Work closely with vendors and consultants for all types of automation related work required to support Burnham's new and existing plants.
• Support commissioning and of automation systems, and manage the resolution of deficiencies through to completion, maintaining full compliance with relevant procedures.
• Identify training requirements and define technical training requirements for Operations, Engineering and Maintenance staff in the use of new and existing automation systems. As part of that, oversee writing user manuals to communicate functionality of company developed programs.

In this position, you will gain

• Opportunity to join a fast-paced, high-growth start up and be a key member of a team growing and building a business.
• Opportunity to be a part of a company culture that is disciplined and execution-oriented, but also fun; we take time to celebrate our wins.
• The chance to support team members locally and across the U.S. who are helping deliver sustainable solutions that support renewable energy and lessen environmental impact.
• The opportunity to participate in identification, attraction and retention of engineering talent.

In this position, we will need you to have .

• MSc or BSc Degree in Electrical, Electronic or Software Engineering, with focus on Control and Automation systems.
• At least 5 years experience in design, specifications, installation, construction and commissioning support, as well as O&M support in the following:
• --> PLC and/or DCS systems
• --> HMI, Process databases (such as Aveva's Historian) and Scada systems
• --> Instrumentation - devices, infrastructure
• --> Control room design, configuration and operation; IT and communication systems
• Experience and deep understanding of Chemical and Process Plants operations and associated control systems requirements and challenges, providing immediate support to Operators as required.
• Experience of providing support, maintenance, or system admin. for existing automation systems
• Detailed understanding of Change Management processes, direct involvement in the development and implementation of MOC processes
• Understanding and working experience in development of Safety Instrumented Systems (SIS) and
• Experience in generating and maintaining Engineering drawings and data, particularly Control schemes, PLC documents, Instrument loop diagrams.
• Proficiency in the use of Microsoft Office packages
• Proficiency in the use of risk management techniques in the identification,
• Excellent communication skills (both written and oral)
• Proven ability to manage multiple tasks simultaneously, while maintaining a high quality and high level of accuracy in all work carried out
• Proven ability to work effectively on own initiative and within a team environment

Burnham is dedicated to the principles of equal employment opportunity (EEO) in any term, condition or privilege of employment. Burnham does not discriminate against applicants or employees on the basis of race, color, creed, religion, sex, national origin, age, physical or mental disability, ancestry, marital status, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, veteran status, uniform service member, genetic information or any other status protected by law. Burnham complies with applicable state and local laws governing nondiscrimination in employment in every location in which we operate.