Position Overview:We are seeking a Process Control Engineer to play a key role in optimizing, maintaining, and advancing the control systems that enable safe, efficient, and high-quality operations at our state-of-the-art rare earth manufacturing facility. This role bridges engineering and operations, with a focus on developing and improving control strategies that drive process stability, throughput, and continuous improvement across the plant.
The ideal candidate is hands-on, analytical, and passionate about automation and process optimization. This position focuses on operational excellence (OPEX) initiatives, control system troubleshooting, and process improvements that support our mission of domestic supply chain leadership.
Position Responsibilities:- Lead or support process control projects throughout the full lifecycle-from conceptual design and control strategy development to implementation, testing, and commissioning.
- Develop, implement, and optimize advanced process control (APC) strategies and regulatory control loops to improve process performance and consistency.
- Maintain and enhance existing control systems infrastructure, including PLCs, HMIs, SCADA systems, and instrumentation, to support plant reliability and performance.
- Program and troubleshoot PLCs and HMIs using Rockwell (Studio 5000, FactoryTalk View) and Siemens (TIA Portal, WinCC) platforms.
- Work closely with process engineers, operations, and maintenance teams to identify process control opportunities, analyze issues, and implement robust automation solutions.
- Conduct root cause analysis (RCA) and implement corrective actions for process upsets or control failures.
- Manage control system backups, documentation, and revision control to ensure system integrity and traceability.
- Support hardware and software upgrades, including developing BOMs, coordinating with supply chain, and minimizing production disruptions.
- Contribute to control systems standardization and documentation initiatives across the site.
- Support real-time troubleshooting and process optimization efforts during normal operations.
- Other duties as assigned.
Basic Qualifications:- Bachelor's degree in, Electrical, Electronics, Mechatronics Engineering or a related technical field- or equivalent practical experience.
- 3+ years of experience in control or automation engineering within a manufacturing or industrial operations environment.
- Practical experience programming and troubleshooting PLC and HMI systems (Rockwell Studio 5000, FactoryTalk View, Siemens TIA Portal, WinCC).
- Working knowledge of industrial communication protocols: Ethernet/IP, Profinet, Modbus TCP.
- Experience working collaboratively in cross-functional teams in a fast-paced, production-driven environment.
Desired Qualities:- Strong technical understanding of industrial automation systems, instrumentation, and control hardware.
- Demonstrated ability to analyze complex issues, think critically, and implement robust, reliable automation solutions.
- Hands-on experience with robotic systems, vision inspection systems, and motion control is highly desirable.
- Flexible and responsive to shifting priorities; capable of managing multiple projects and urgent troubleshooting needs simultaneously.
- Strong communication skills-able to clearly document work, create functional descriptions, and work effectively with non-technical teams.
- Proficient in Microsoft Office applications (Excel, PowerPoint, Outlook, Project).
