Automation Specialist

At Lhoist North America, our core values of Respect, Courage, and Integrity are more than words. We respect people, encourage courageous innovation, and uphold integrity in everything we do. If these principles resonate with you, you may find your next great opportunity with us.

We believe our people make the difference. That’s why we invest in talent by offering meaningful opportunities to grow your skills, expand your knowledge, and pursue your interests. Our work environment prioritizes safety, fosters collaboration across teams, and embraces inclusion. Here, you’ll be challenged to grow, and you’ll be supported throughout your career journey. Join us and help shape the future of Lhoist North America.

POSITION SUMMARY:

The Automation Specialist is considered the local expert on the equipment within their area of assignment and must either have demonstrated capability unique to the equipment or be capable of quickly assimilating new information to become an expert in a relatively short period of time.  Provides electrical support to the maintenance department by potential training and mentoring hourly personnel on preventative electrical maintenance, completing and programming PLC (G.E., Allen Bradley, etc.) and assist with the configuration, troubleshooting and maintenance of the plant electronic and electrical components, electrical distribution and computer systems driving the electrical and mechanical portion of the operation. Troubleshooting the different process lines and automated systems. Hands-on installing electrical components and modifying existing electrical components to code and working order.  

RESPONSIBILITIES & EXPECTATIONS:

• Must comply with any and all company, state and governmental environmental, health, and safety regulations at all times
• Mentor and lead technical skills development for the hourly craft personnel and subcontractors. Develop system specific training materials and use those materials to conduct formalized training and experiential learning in the field if needed. Manage electrical work orders, electrical maintenance job and contractors. Where applicable, be prepared to extend this training to other areas within the facility or the Company.
• Installs and configures electronic, electrical distribution and computer systems.
• Champion a high-performance maintenance philosophy and implement the maintenance strategic plan to ensure cost effective asset management, long term equipment viability, and ongoing improvement of the maintenance systems and organization.
• Provide highly developed, technical assistance to hourly craftspeople and engineers during both planned and unplanned equipment service interruptions.
• Maintains, supports and documents computer and network hardware and software applications and operating systems.
• Troubleshoots electronics, electronic equipment controls, electrical distribution systems and computer hardware and software.  Repairs/replaces defective computer components and network devices as needed.
• Apply root cause problem solving techniques to find and eliminate sources of recurring equipment failures.
• Maintain a working understanding of current technologies that have potential to improve the equipment or areas supported and provide input to capital project planning targeted at equipment improvement.
• Review the preventative and predictive maintenance systems to ensure that the defined activities are sufficient to identify potential sources of failure before failures occur.
• Develop technical documentation for processes and procedures in the area. (Work Instructions (WIP), Standard Operating Procedures (SOP), and Energy Isolation Checklists (EIC))
• Assist the with the installation, upgrading and general maintenance of production systems hardware and software work on major repair jobs, new installation jobs and modifications to plant machinery and equipment.
• Ability to perform low voltage and high voltage terminations
• Capable of performing maintenance on switchgear up to 4160 volts
• Ability to perform tasks with all electrical test equipment (volt meters, meggers, current generators, loop calibrators, etc)
• Should be able to explain plant process and identify major components
• Ability to fabricate and install conduit
• Ability to perform soldering operations
• Ability to install, calibrate, troubleshoot, align, and maintain electrical motors, belt-weighing devices, AC motor and drives, DC motors and drives, control valves, actuators and positioners, starters.
• Ability to install, troubleshoot, repair, and maintain motor control circuits, air dryers.
• Proficient in the use of precision measuring tools (micrometers, dial indicators, etc)
• Possess a solid understanding of the CMMS System and be willing to correctly complete work orders and checklist including signing and dating
• Familiar with thermography and fully understand the uses
• Ability to maintain, troubleshoot, and repair cameras and monitors, repairs on Gas Analyzers, pneumatics systems, hydraulic systems.
• Ability to troubleshoot, calibrate and maintain control loops, speed drives, pressure sensors, motion-sensors, flow meters, flow control valves, level indicators, and temperature sensor devices
• Must be able to troubleshoot, calibrate and maintain level indicators
• Ensures maintenance tools are kept in good condition, repaired, replaced when necessary
• Capable of operating small mobile equipment
• Performs other duties as assigned

ATTRIBUTES:

• Proven self-direction and leadership abilities.
• The ability and willingness to work on any shift, and be on call, overtime, and weekends as needed.
• Good verbal and written communication skills and the ability to communicate on all levels.
• Proven hands-on and team oriented with the abilities to direct others
• Good analytical and problem-solving skills.
• Good presentation and public speaking skills.
• Ability to prioritize and manage multiple tasks/projects and meeting all required deadlines.
• Strong sense of urgency in meeting customer needs. 
• Good understanding of safety and the desire to following all established procedures are required.
• Must be able to read and interpret electrical diagrams and schematics
• Must be able to read and interpret electrical standards and codes
• Must have strong PLC experience (i.e. G.E. Allen Bradley) software and electrical and electronic control systems programming and installation experience.
• Demonstrated experience with project management of electrical maintenance and capital projects
• Must have strong conveyor belt system and layout experience
• Must have strong working knowledge of Microsoft Office software.
• Previous SAP knowledge is a plus

PHYSICAL DEMANDS INCLUDE, BUT ARE NOT LIMITED TO:

• Must be physically capable of performing all required duties
• Tolerate working outside in severe weather conditions as well as exposure to industrial high temperature, noise and dust.
• Access all areas within a site which could include heights of 120 feet, confined spaces, climbing ladders or stairs, and accessing tunnels.
• Will be working in both an office environment and in a mineral environment.
• The employee will be exposed to the following working conditions:  Extreme Heat and Cold, Noise, Vibration, Oils, and Atmospheric Conditions such as Dust, Fumes, and Metallic Particles.
• 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.
• Able to lift up to 50 pounds.  
• Ability to travel up to 30% as needed and/or directed by leadership

REQUIRED EDUCATION:

• High School Diploma or GED equivalent. Associate’s degree in Electronics, Electrical Engineering or Computer Science or equivalent work experience in the field is desired.

PREFERRED EDUCATION:

•  B.S. degree in Electrical Engineering, Computer Science, or related technical field. 

REQUIRED EXPERIENCE:

• Must have at least 2 – 4 years of industrial electrical/electronic experience in heavy manufacturing, construction, and/or mining environments. Must have strong PLC, software, and electrical and electronic control systems programming and installation experience. Strong understanding of conveyor and automation.  Previous experience directing hourly employees and managing subcontractors.undefined

PREFERRED EXPERIENCE:

• 3-6 years 

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.

Lhoist North America is proud to be an Equal Opportunity Employer.

We are committed to fostering a workplace that values inclusion, respect, and diversity. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, age, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, disability, or protected veteran status. We believe that a diverse and inclusive environment strengthens our teams and drives innovation. That’s why we encourage individuals from all backgrounds to apply and strive to ensure every employee feels respected, supported, and empowered to succeed.

At Lhoist North America, inclusion isn’t just a policy, it’s a core part of who we are.

If you need assistance completing the application process, please contact [email protected]. This contact information is for accommodation requests only and cannot be used to inquire about the status of applications.