Automation Controls Engineer III

ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS

• Develop new machinery concepts:
• Estimate time and material costs for new product machinery quotes
• Develop the prototype machine automation specifications, configurations, options list and cost targets; publish and maintain specifications for approval at milestone reviews
• Direct concept automation development on test components and test rigs
• Report time-plan deviations, project risks, cost overruns, etc. to the Controls Engineering Supervisor
• Create/Improve existing code base to improve efficiency or add new features
• Stay up to date on new hardware releases and determine how they could improve Delkor’s product offerings
• Engineer entirely new equipment and machinery lines:
• Develop the overall automation controls platform
• Specify type of control used to deliver expected results, servo versus pneumatics, sensor types, controls hardware utilized
• Develop the software for new machines while maintaining Delkor’s programing standards
• Utilize technical design reviews as a driver for peer review and communication throughout the project
• Follow all industry safety standards as dictated by the relevant government entities (OSHA, EU Machinery Directive, local authorities, etc.) and drive the use of Safety Risk assessment in evaluating machinery for hazards
• Lead and direct the efforts of other department engineers related to new equipment and machinery lines
• Provide technical project management and leadership from project order entry through field test completion for newly developed machinery:
• In cooperation with the production scheduler, maintain and report weekly project status
• In cooperation with sales and project management, draft and communicate the project plan, automation specifications and change orders to the customer
• Act as the primary interface with the customer on all technical matters regarding automation
• Direct the assembly and validation staff in day-to-day build and test activities
• Coordinate with Sales, Project Management and Service Department to solve technical issues in the field
• At field test completion, transfer the completed prototype documentation package to the commercial products engineering team
• Propose improved work processes with the intent of reducing lead time and costs while improving quality, safety and sharing expertise with co-workers:
• Mentor and educate co-workers in best machinery development practices
• Contribute to the establishment and refinement of the product development process
• Act as a subject matter expert (SME) with the Engineering Department and develop expertise in assigned area of key competency; mentor and educate others in area of expertise
• Report machine performance and safety concerns to the Director of Automation
• Stay abreast of and inform co-workers on technical advances in the field of machinery automation
• Manage Program for Product Line:
  • Be the owner of a commercialized product line
  • Preform regular updates on code base to maintain Delkor’s current standard
  • Look for improvements in code base and share with others to improve all Delkor product lines
• Perform other tasks or duties as assigned

Education and Experience

• Four-year degree in Electrical Engineering or two-year degree in Engineering (or equivalent) and 8 years of related experience specifying, designing and programming PLC, HMI and servo control systems.
• Minimum 6 year of experience with servo-driven high-speed machinery required
• Minimum 4 years of experience with RSLogix5000
• Experience with Rockwell Automation PLCs (ControlLogix, CompactLogix), VFDs (PowerFlex525 and 527), servo drives (Kinetix 5700, 5500 and ArmorKinetix) and HMIs (Optix or PanelView) preferred
• Experience with 3D parametric CAD systems preferred
• Experience with 3D emulation software (Emulate 3D) preferred
• Experience with Product Data Management systems preferred
• Experience with packaging machinery preferred
• Experience with cam-driven machinery preferred
• Experience with Fanuc Robotics preferred
• Experience specifying robotics and pick-&-place solutions preferred
• Experience managing development projects preferred
• Experience working with end-customer preferred

Technical Skills and Abilities

• Able to manage the design of control systems for machinery or integration projects (integrated packaging lines)
• Able to read, understand, analyze and problem solve electrical schematics and engineering related software programs
• Able to use standard computer programs for work processing includ