Job DescriptionSenior Controls and Automation SpecialistLocation: IKO Glass Fiber Inc., Chester, SC Department: Maintenance Type: Full Time WHAT'S IN IT FOR YOU?- Competitive salary
- Competitive health and benefit plan
- Competitive matched retirement savings program
- The opportunity to join a continuously growing organization with focus on Diversity and Inclusion
- The opportunity to work with an industry leader in manufacturing
WHEN YOU JOIN US YOUR RESPONSIBILITIES WILL BE TO;Key ResponsibilitiesAutomation System Ownership- Serve as the primary technical resource for plant-wide automation and process control infrastructure including PLC, DCS, HMI, and drive systems.
- Maintain, troubleshoot, and optimize automation platforms to support continuous process manufacturing and maximize equipment uptime and operational efficiency.
- Provide technical leadership in diagnosing complex control system failures, network communication issues, and drive system faults.
PLC / DCS Programming & Control Architecture- Develop, modify, and maintain control strategies and automation code within:
- Siemens PCS 7 Distributed Control System (DCS)
- Siemens S7 PLC platforms (S7-1200 / S7-1500) using TIA Portal
- Perform advanced diagnostics, root cause analysis, and corrective actions within PLC/DCS environments.
- Implement control logic enhancements and process improvements to improve system stability, throughput, and product quality.
- Maintain program version control, backups, and structured documentation of automation systems.
Drives, Motion Control & Power Systems
- Configure, commission, and troubleshoot Siemens G120 and S120 variable frequency drives (VFDs) and associated motor control systems.
- Optimize drive parameters and control schemes to improve energy efficiency, system responsiveness, and equipment reliability.
Industrial Networks & Communications- Support and maintain industrial communication infrastructure including:
- PROFINET
- PROFIBUS
- Ethernet/IP
- Diagnose network-level communication failures and optimize network performance across control platforms.
HMI, Visualization & Diagnostics
- Develop and maintain HMI visualization interfaces and operator diagnostic tools.
- Create and optimize HMI screens to enhance process visibility, troubleshooting capability, and operator efficiency.
- Support integration of data visualization and process monitoring tools for improved system performance analysis.
Capital Projects & Equipment Integration
- Lead automation-related activities for new equipment installations, capital improvement projects, and system upgrades.
- Collaborate with engineering teams, contractors, and OEM vendors during design, installation, commissioning, and startup phases.
- Implement automation software updates required for new motors, instrumentation, sensors, and process equipment.
- Participate in Factory Acceptance Testing (FAT), Site Acceptance Testing (SAT), and commissioning procedures.
Continuous Improvement & Operational Reliability
- Support plant initiatives focused on automation reliability, predictive maintenance, and process optimization.
- Drive improvements that increase equipment availability, process stability, and production throughput.
- Identify opportunities to modernize legacy automation systems and implement best practices in industrial control architecture.
Compliance & Safety
- Ensure all automation systems comply with plant safety standards, electrical codes, and corporate operational procedures.
- Support adherence to lockout/tagout (LOTO), electrical safety, and process safety requirements.
- Maintain documentation and configuration records for critical automation systems.
OUR IDEAL CANDIDATE;- Associate's degree or Technical Diploma in Automation, Electrical Technology, Mechatronics, or related field, required and 5+ years of experience in industrial automation or control's role or (substitute 10+ years of experience in industrial automation or control's role)
- Or (BS in Electrical Engineering recent graduate with internship experience)Top of Form
Work Environment - Industrial manufacturing environment with exposure to heat, noise, dust, and moving equipment.
- Ability to work at heights, in confined spaces, and wear required PPE.
- On-call availability as required.
Compensation & Benefits- Competitive hourly wage: $__/hour (based on experience and technical skill level)
- Overtime opportunities
- Health, dental, and vision insurance
- 401(k) with company match
- Paid vacation and holidays
- Ongoing technical training and advancement opportunities
Professional DevelopmentEmployees are expected to achieve full proficiency in role responsibilities within
18 months, excluding Life Critical Programs and company core values, which must be completed within the
first five days of employment.
WORK AUTHORIZATIONS AND TRAVEL;- SOME TRAVEL
- I9 VERIFICATION REQUIRED
