POSITION SUMMARY: The Automation Engineer is responsible for developing, maintaining and supporting process network and control systems for the Lhoist Apex Plant (mining and manufacturing) and similar systems across multiple Lhoist production sites. The Automation Engineer troubleshoots and solves on site instrumentation, process control and network system problems. The Automation Engineer provides technical support for data engineering and reporting, from data acquisition to storage and MES systems, and developing reporting tools.
RESPONSIBILITIES & EXPECTATIONS:Support Process Control and Automation Systems at plant sites.- Provide Automation support to LNA sites to ensure equipment safety, network security and operational efficiencies.
- Work with other teams (Production, Maintenance, Engineering) to accurately understand problems and priorities and collaborate on solutions.
- Troubleshoot and fix problems fast when instruments or control systems stop working to keep production running.
- Improve processes by making changes to control settings or automation to save time, reduce waste, and improve quality.
- Program and maintain systems like VMIs, PLCs, HMIs, Network Switches to control equipment and monitor performance.
- Manage engineering data, including acquisition, cleaning, transformation, storage, security, data visualization and reporting.
- Follow LNA standards and best practices for automation systems. Maintain up-to-date network architecture diagrams.
- Support the implementation of plant process networks and automation upgrades and improvement projects.
- Support and programming of Wonderware Intouch, Wonderware Historian, Rockwell PlantPAx and Factory Talk View SE systems at the plants.
- Program, configure and setup, Allen Bradley 750 series drives, SMC Flex soft starts, E3 plus and E300 overloads.
- Set up maintenance, calibration and interconnectivity of precision instruments, meters, analyzers, scanners and other control/monitoring devices.
ATTRIBUTES:- Advance Knowledge of Allen Bradley PLC software including PLC5, SLC 500, RSLogic 5000, GE PLC's, and Modicon PLC's.
- Advance Knowledge of Ladder Logic, Function Block, Structured Text, Control Loop along with associated Digital and Analog I/O and all other PLC hardware.
- Advance knowledge of HMI and SCADA systems including PlantPAx, Factory Talk View SE, Factory Talk Historian, Factory Talk Vision, Transaction Manager, ViewPoint, Wonderware Intouch, Wonderware Historian, and OSPI Vision.
- Knowledge of OT Networking including different network topologies, fiber installation best practices, Cisco and AB Stratix switch configurations.
- Knowledge of server-based systems using Server 2016, Server 2019 including experience with VMWare, Virtual servers, and VCenter.
- Experience with ACAD, MSSQL and other Microsoft Application Software.
- Industrial plant operations including mechanical, electrical and automation knowledge in low current and AC/DC systems.
- Ability to analyze problems, learn how devices work, determine root causes, implement solutions safely, effectively and document work performed.
- Interpret complex technical/electrical solutions into plain-English knowledgebase articles and how-to guides for local plant maintenance personnel.
- Teamwork through communicating with other engineers, production and management personnel to develop an expert level of understanding.
- Eagerness to self-develop and expand personal knowledge in automation systems such as emerging PLC technologies, Industrial Cybersecurity, Virtualization, Augmented Reality, Big Data Integration / Historian Systems and IIoT (Industry 4.0).
Physical Demands include, but are not limited to:- Ability to travel 10% to sites within US/Canada
- Will be working in both an office environment and in a mining process environment.
- The employee will be required to perform the following actions (from time to time), standing, walking, balancing, stooping, kneeling, reaching, talking, seeing, hearing and sitting.
- Must be physically able to perform work assigned and capable of accessing all plant locations, which could include heights, confined spaces, climbing ladders or stairs, and accessing tunnels.
- Will require periodic travel to each of the regional locations as needed.
- Must be physically able to perform work assigned.
- Must respond to and address callouts/emergencies after regular business hours in the event of production down scenarios.
- Tolerate working outside in adverse weather conditions as well as exposure to extreme high or low temperatures, noise, and dust.
- Access all areas within a site which could include heights of 120 feet, confined spaces, climbing ladders or stairs, working on floating barges, and accessing tunnels.
- Able to lift up to 50 pounds.
Required Experience:- Minimum 5+ years' industrial experience in process controls/automation system design, operation and maintenance.
Preferred experience: - In a mining or lime/cement/minerals manufacturing environment.
Required Education:- Bachelor's Degree in Automation Engineering or alternatively Electrical, Process Control, Mechatronic or Industrial Engineering degree with major or Master qualifications in Automation
Preferred Education: - Bachelor of Science in Automation Engineering (B.S.E)
Lhoist North America is proud to offer a highly competitive compensation package designed to support your well-being and future.Our benefits include comprehensive medical, dental, vision, life, and disability insurance, along with paid vacation and sick time. We also offer an attractive
401(k) Retirement Savings Plan with a generous Employer Match as well as a Supplemental Contribution based on your Years of Service to help you plan confidently for the future. We recognize that growth doesn't stop at the workplace. That's why we provide educational assistance to encourage continued learning and professional development, empowering our employees to reach their full potential.
At Lhoist North America, your success is our investment. 
