Senior Controls and Automation Engineer

At SWISS KRONO, our people are the driving force behind our success. With nearly 5,000 employees worldwide, we are powered by individuals who bring passion, ideas and commitment to work every day. We are proud of our motivated, loyal and high‑performing workforce—and they are proud to be part of a global leader in the wood‑based products industry.

Position Summary:

The Senior Controls and Automation Engineer will work with the electrician team in the design, configuration, integration, and implementation of process control solutions for our wood products manufacturing facilities.  This includes the engineering of electrical systems, PLCs, HMIs, SCADA systems, SQL, Access, and PC networking technologies.

Duties/Responsibilities:

• Gain mastery in the current process, control, and reporting systems and work to continuously improve electrical/process control systems.
• Combine newer technologies and extensions of current architectures. Plan and coordinate technical design and implementation of project work.
• Work as a member of the maintenance team to think strategically about downtime prevention and long-term resolution of issues while maintaining a culture of efficiency and quick reaction to downtime events.
• Respond to equipment downtime emergencies, and plan/execute plans for any recurring situations.
• Provide ongoing informal and formal training for electrical personnel to ensure development of good operating and maintenance practices.
• Work closely with electrical supervisors to maintain all documentation related to the process control system configuration and SOP’s.
• Balance day-to-day needs with long term projects.
• Ensure compliance with all standards and programs (safety, environmental, quality, maintenance, and manufacturing policies and procedures) within area of responsibility.
• Participate in planning and budgeting activities for the business unit.
• Perform additional duties as required by supervisor.
• On-site attendance is essential to effectively perform the listed duties and responsibilities.

Required Skills and Abilities:

• Strong knowledge of engineering concepts including electrical, instrumentation, hydraulic, and mechanical systems.
• Ability to do full controls integration, from electrical/instrumentation design to PLC to HMI.
• Familiar with most common sensors and transmitters, and their suitability to an application.
• Proficient using computers and associated software (MS Suite, Project, Access, SQL, CMMS, AutoCAD, Kronos) and IO Servers.
• Strong communication skills (written and verbal) and strong interpersonal skills.
• Strong leadership skills with the ability to manage and motivate team members.
• High level of personal integrity and ethical and professional standards.
• Excellent time-management and organizational skills.
• Ability to troubleshoot and repair machinery through the use of drawings, schematics, and root-cause/failure analysis.
• Excellent analytical, reasoning, and problem-solving skills; ability to think creatively and find innovative solutions to complex problems.
• Ability to work weekends, holidays and respond to callouts if needed.

Education and Experience:

• Bachelor’s degree in electrical, computer, or mechanical engineering and 5+ years post-degree manufacturing or relevant process control experience.
• Experienced in Ethernet network design and implementation, including fiber and 10/100/1000 Base TX.
• Working knowledge of fluid systems including steam, natural gas, hydraulic, and pneumatic.
• Experience with continuous manufacturing processes, forest products, paper and pulp, food or beverage processing, or chemical industries preferred.
• Working experience with CTI/TI505 and Allen-Bradley PLC’s, Ethernet/IP, Profibus, Allen-Bradley drives, and Wonderware HMI or equivalent.
• Experience in capital project design, installation, and startup.

Environmental Conditions:

May be exposed to dust, noise, trip hazards, and variable weather and temperatures.

Required Personal Protective Equipment:

Positions may require Personal Protective Equipment (PPE) at specific times. Examples of PPE which may be required include high visibility garments, hand protection, eye protection, hearing protection, a hard hat, and foot protection.

EEO: Swiss Krono USA is an equal opportunity employer. All applicants will be considered for employment without attention to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, veteran, or disability status.