Instrumentation and Controls Engineer at LSI Staffing
Sanford, NC
About the Job
Job Overview
The Manufacturing Instrumentation and Control Systems Engineer is responsible for designing, implementing, and maintaining the instrumentation and control systems within a manufacturing environment. This role involves working closely with production teams, ensuring optimal system performance, enhancing automation processes, and ensuring compliance with industry standards. The engineer will focus on the integration of control systems into manufacturing processes, ensuring reliability, efficiency, and safety.
Key Responsibilities
Design & Implementation of Control Systems
- Design, develop, and implement control systems for automated manufacturing processes.
- Create specifications, diagrams, and layouts for control systems and instrumentation.
- Select and configure control equipment such as PLCs, HMIs, sensors, and actuators.
System Integration
- Integrate control systems with manufacturing machinery, robots, and automated systems to optimize production processes.
- Coordinate with software engineers to ensure seamless integration with manufacturing software and data systems (e.g., SCADA, MES).
Maintenance & Troubleshooting
- Perform regular inspections, maintenance, and calibration of instrumentation and control systems.
- Diagnose and troubleshoot system malfunctions and performance issues, implementing corrective actions when necessary.
- Update and maintain documentation related to system changes and troubleshooting procedures.
Automation & Process Optimization
- Implement automation solutions to improve manufacturing efficiency, throughput, and product quality.
- Develop control strategies for complex manufacturing processes, including process control loops and PID tuning.
- Identify opportunities for process improvements using data analysis and process simulations.
Compliance & Safety
- Ensure instrumentation and control systems meet industry standards (e.g., ISO, IEC, NEC) and regulatory requirements.
- Collaborate with safety teams to design systems that enhance operational safety and comply with environmental, health, and safety (EHS) regulations.
- Ensure control systems incorporate fail-safes and redundancy measures for critical processes.
Project Management
- Lead or participate in projects related to the installation, upgrade, or improvement of control systems.
- Coordinate with cross-functional teams (e.g., electrical, mechanical engineers, IT) to ensure timely and successful project delivery.
- Manage project timelines, resources, and budgets as needed.
Documentation & Reporting
- Maintain detailed records of system configurations, testing, troubleshooting, and calibration activities.
- Prepare reports and present findings to senior management on the status of control systems and projects.
- Document control system designs, changes, and maintenance procedures for future reference.
Education
- Bachelor's degree in Electrical Engineering, Control Systems Engineering, Instrumentation Engineering, Computer Science or related field.
Experience
- A minimum 2 years experience in manufacturing systems related programming.
- Experience with programming languages including MSCD certification or equivalent, Visual Basic, C++, RS-232 communications and data collection/barcode applications experience, as well as interfacing with AS400.
- NetSuite experience prefferred.
- Familiarity with digital printing operations is a plus.
Soft Skills
- Strong problem-solving and analytical skills.
- Ability to work independently and in team environments.
- Excellent communication skills, both written and verbal.
- Strong attention to detail and commitment to quality.
- Project management experience and ability to handle multiple tasks simultaneously.
Preferred Qualifications
- Experience with programming languages including MSCD certification or equivalent, Visual Basic, C++, RS-232 communications and data collection/barcode applications experience, as well as interfacing with AS400.
- NetSuite experience preferred.
- Familiarity with digital printing operations is a plus.
Work Environment
- Manufacturing floor with exposure to machinery and equipment.
- Occasional travel.
- The role may require shift work or on-call support during production periods or for system emergencies.
Physical Demands
- Ability to lift and move equipment or tools weighing up to 50 lbs.
- Standing for extended periods and walking around the manufacturing floor.
- Occasional exposure to high noise levels, extreme temperatures, and other manufacturing hazards (appropriate safety measures are provided).