Automation Engineer / Specialist

JOB SUMMARY:
The Automation Specialist is responsible for assisting project personnel in developing process control strategies and completing distributed control systems (DCS) configuration for project support and providing troubleshooting assistance during operations. The projects are in a chemical research, piloting, and small-scale manufacturing facility, so managing multiple projects, interacting with different project teams, and supporting frequent changes are key aspects of the role.

Project responsibilities include designing controls and emergency shutdown systems, checkout, troubleshooting, and operations support. This requires close cooperation with project personnel and instrument / electrical technicians during design, construction and operations. A key responsibility of this role is to design and implement startup, shutdown and malfunction management structure in the automation systems to assure excellence in HSES performance for AVN Corporation and the protection of our personnel, facilities and neighbors.

The Automation Specialist is also responsible for developing and advancing strategies for DCS hardware, software and manpower support in cooperation with AVN management. Aspects of the automation strategies include staying ahead of hardware and software obsolescence, defining capital plans for improving process automation capabilities, supporting company growth strategies, establishing maintenance plans for both hardware and software, and ensuring AVN has the correct balance of internal and external skills and proper level of cross training necessary to support project needs and maintenance. Once strategies are agreed to and supported by management, the Automation Specialist will be responsible for field execution of changes supporting the strategies.

Although this is a full-time position, the level of automation support required may vary based on project demands. When automation needs are limited or other business priorities arise, the Automation Specialist may be assigned to related project or departmental support responsibilities that align with their skills, experience, and technical capabilities.

The ideal candidate will bring a hands-on, solutions-oriented approach and strong experience in instrumentation, control systems, and industrial automation within a chemical or process development environment.

ESSENTIAL JOB FUNCTIONS:

• Design, program, test, and troubleshoot process control systems, including PLCs, HMIs, DCS, and SCADA systems across laboratories and pilot plant facilities.
• Assist in specifying, configuring, and maintaining field instrumentation including pressure, temperature, flow, and analytical sensors.
• Collaborate with chemical process engineers and chemists to translate experimental and process needs into control system functionality.
• Develop and maintain control logic, alarm strategies, safety interlocks, and operator interfaces.

• Support start-up, commissioning, and troubleshooting of new and existing equipment and systems.
• Lead planning for upkeep and expansion of process control systems and peripheral equipment.
• Evaluate and implement emerging control technologies suitable for the R&D and pilot-scale environment.
• Managing company automation work processes.
• Ensure compliance with safety protocols, engineering standards, and quality systems.
• Maintain documentation including control narratives, P&IDs, instrument loop diagrams, and wiring schematics.
• Provide training and guidance to technical staff on control system operation and best practices.
• Lead or participate in cross-functional teams to improve process reliability, data integrity, and operational efficiency.
• Participate in project reviews, including process safety reviews, and ensure that automated safety interlocks are implemented and functionally checked prior to startup. 

REQUIRED SKILLS:

• Minimum 3 years of experience in process control configuration and automation within the chemical, pharmaceutical, or similar industries.
• Capacity to understand networking and connectivity of the DCS with peripheral hardware such as a data historian.
• Proficiency with other PLC/HMI programming (e.g., Allen-Bradley, DeltaV, or similar platforms).
• Working knowledge of field instruments (pressure, temperature, flow, level, pH, etc.) and industrial communication protocols (Modbus, Profibus, Ethernet/IP, etc.).
• Experience interpreting P&IDs, electrical schematics, and technical documentation.
• Strong troubleshooting, analytical, and documentation skills.
• Excellent communication and collaboration skills.
• Leadership skills to drive consensus on hardware and software planning, maintenance systems, and support functions for the continued viability of the company’s automation platforms as necessary to meet company operational objectives.

PREFERRED EXPERIENCE:

• Proficiency with Siemens DCS configuration is strongly preferred. Proficiency with similar systems and a capability to quickly adapt to a Siemens system may be adequate.
• Experience supporting laboratory or pilot plant scale systems in a research environment.
• Familiarity with third-party data historians and data storage.
• Understanding of batch processing and recipe management.
• Experience with hazardous chemical processes and knowledge of process safety fundamentals.
• Experience integrating automation with data acquisition and reporting tools.

REQUIRED EDUCATION:

• Associate’s or bachelor’s degree in a technical field related to process automation, chemistry, electrical systems, or other physical sciences.