Automation & Controls Specialist

SUMMARY

The Automation and Controls Specialist works with plant teams to meet set objectives in the areas of safety, quality, reliability, scrap and lean manufacturing. The Automation and Controls Specialist works with all departments to justify and complete continuous improvement projects and assists with skills assessment and development of the site maintenance and instrument technicians.

Principal Duties and Responsibilities:

• Ability to adhere to attendance and punctuality policies.
• Follows and enforces all company policies and work rules including but not limited to Safety, Environmental, Quality, Management of Change and Capital Execution.
• Follow NEC and OSHA electrical requirements as well as corporate LTT policies when troubleshooting and modifying electrical and control systems.
• Able to work flexible hours including nights and weekends as needed for plant or project support.
• Coordinate full scope of small site-specific capital projects, working with vendors and contractors as necessary.
• Act as site technical representative and support for division led projects.
• Recommend and implement process improvements.
• Programming of PLC's as needed to support ongoing site operations, improvement initiatives and capital projects.
• Assist with upgrade, design and integration of equipment into automated systems including overseeing installation, troubleshooting and debugging of machinery.
• Develop and/or improve electrical preventive maintenance plans for site equipment, including, but not limited to: screw tightening, component replacement, visual inspection, data collection, panel cleaning, panel wiring, wire tracing, panel documenting and various other duties.  Train and oversee technicians on proper execution of electrical, instrumentation, and controls related activities.
• Electrical and automation troubleshooting: diagnosing problems by applying various troubleshooting techniques with the use of computers, PLC's, voltage meters, current meters, oscilloscopes and electrical formulas.
• Oversee projects involving panel building, equipment relocation and system design.
• Responsible for creating and updating plant electrical prints
• Provide electrical safety training as needed
• Perform skills and training needs assessment for maintenance craft personnel, develop and assist with execution of training plan to advance their electrical and instrumentation troubleshooting and programming skills.
• Site utility liaison acting as first line of communication with JEA, TECO, and Intercon to coordinate outages, communicate and resolve utility issues.
• Site Electrical expert.
• Develop and manage plant's electronic equipment obsolescence strategy
• Maintain compatible and updated PLC and drive revision and firmware
• Maintain a software changelog on all plant programs
• Manage site software licenses and ensure we have the correct versions to support site equipment
• Develop an electrical monitoring system to predict failure and analyze data to optimize equipment performance
• Set up a calibration program for process instrumentation and measurement equipment
• Performs root cause failure analysis and develops troubleshooting guides for site equipment.
• Miscellaneous related duties as assigned.

QUALIFICATIONS: To perform this job successfully, an individual must be able to perform each essential duty satisfactorily. The requirements listed below are representative of the knowledge, skill and/or ability required.

• Strong mechanical aptitude and experience.
• Must demonstrate industrial electrical troubleshooting skills.
• Past performance that demonstrates self-starting behaviors and ability to work independently as well as with a team.
• Strong decision-making skills.
• Technically orientated and knowledgeable in manufacturing systems.
• Strong verbal, written and interpersonal communication skills.
• Able to multitask in a fast-paced environment.
• Proficient in computer programs.

EDUCATION and EXPERIENCE:

• High School diploma or general education degree (GED)
• Minimum of Associates Degree in electrical studies and/or 5-10 years related electrical and informal leadership experience

SKILLS AND ABILITIES

The employee should hold the following abilities:

• Verifiable and sustained authorization to work in the United States
• Must be able to read, write, and speak English
• Must possess advanced critical thinking and troubleshooting skills
• Must possess strong communication and organizational skills
• Must have the ability to multi-task
• Must work well in team environment
• Must have the ability to do advanced mathematical calculations
• Must be willing & able to effectively train others on advanced craft/controls related skills.
• Must learn new controls technologies and systems as required throughout plant.
• Must pass the written test and place at the designated level for this job classification.
• Must attend internal and external training on or off site, travel may be required.

COMPUTER AND SOFTWARE COMPENTENCIES

The employee must be able to:

• Navigate SAP Work Order System proficiently
• Database creation, extrapolation, and technical reporting
• Utilize a keyboard to routinely take online coursework, check emails, PeopleSoft (paycheck and benefits information portal)
• Document and modify PLC programs using Asset Center, RSLinx, ControlLogix, CompactLogix, RS Logix 5, 500 and Studio 5000 software.
• Update and program HMI's using Factory Talk View ME, PanelBuilder, & Ignition.