Automation Controls Engineer at Confidential company

Our client has been in business for more than 50 years providing state-of-the-art 
processing equipment for our partners in the food industry. They specialize in providing total line solutions—from consultation through system design, manufacturing, and integration. Their cutting-edge technology focuses on turnkey systems for high-capacity further processing lines. Currently, they have a great opportunity for a talented Automation Controls Engineer to join their team in an open-ended contract role with potential to conversion to a permanent position.

Job Summary:
Develop and maintain controls hardware & software for our client’s product offering.

Duties/Responsibilities:
• Utilize development software packages for various PLCs manufacturers including but not limited to Allen Bradley, Wago, etc. …to efficiently control machines and/or processes.
• Develop, implement and maintain control\automation schemes to control a variety of current and future machines\process. This includes but is not limited to languages defined by IEC 61131-3.
• Develop, implement and maintain Human-Machine-Interface (HMIs) schemes on current and future machines\processes.
• Develop, design and maintain industrial network for control.
• Ensure the company is using the safest and most productive system possible for its needs.
• Create flow diagrams for program design, programming, simulation, testing, and start-up.
• Assist in development of schematics, wiring and panel layout designs.
• Troubleshoot technical issues and identify necessary modifications in existing applications to meet changing user requirements and business needs.
• Write technical procedures and documentation for the applications including operations, user guide, etc. 
• Assist in training technicians, service personnel and customers on new and existing controls.
• Collaborate with Project Managers and Electrical Engineers to implement process optimizations and cost reduction initiatives.
• Extensive knowledge of National Electrical Code (NEC and other pertinent regulatory standards). 
• Performs other related duties/projects as assigned. 

Required Skills/Abilities:
• Project Management -- Initiate, plan, execute, control, and close the work of the team to achieve specific goals and meet specific success criteria.
• Judgment and Decision Making -- Considering the relative costs and benefits of potential actions to choose the most appropriate one.
• Critical Thinking -- Using logic and reasoning to identify the strengths and weaknesses of alternative solutions, conclusions or approaches to problems.
• Leadership/Management -- Motivating, developing, and directing team as they work, identifying the best associates for the job.
• Time Management – Organize and plan time according to timelines of projects. Direct team on timelines and project completion dates.
• Communication -- Express your ideas and views clearly, confidently and concisely. Promote efficient and effective communication within the team.
• Effective Problem Solving -- Analyzing information and evaluating results to choose the 
best solution and solve problems.
• Coordinating the Work and Activities of Others -- Getting members of a group to work together to accomplish tasks.
• Organizing, Planning, and Prioritizing Work -- Developing specific goals and plans to prioritize, organize, and accomplish your work.
• Scheduling Work and Activities -- Scheduling events, programs, and activities, as well as the work of others.
• Identifying Objects, Actions, and Events -- Identifying information by categorizing, estimating, recognizing differences or similarities and detecting changes in circumstances or events.
• Inspecting Equipment, Structures, or Material -- Inspecting equipment, structures, or materials to identify the cause of errors or other problems or defects.
• Monitor Processes, Materials, or Surroundings -- Monitoring and reviewing information from materials, events, or the environment, to detect or assess problems.

Additional Preferred Skills and Abilities:
• Experience with PLC\HMI development.
• Experience with regulatory safety initiatives, standards, and regulations.
• Knowledge of the Electrical & Mechanical aspects of motion control, motors, servo technology and variable frequency drives. 
• Systems Engineering Principles, working as part of a group of engineers, writing and using specifications, automated testing.
• Software architecture.
• Project management skills – able to work on multiple projects at once and see them through to completion. 
• Strong communications and interpersonal skills, able to communicate directly with customers.
• Ability to work independently and interest in taking the initiative.

Required Education and Experience:
• Bachelor’s in Electrical Engineering, Mechanical Engineering, Computer Science or related field.
• Three years programming experience on PLCs preferred but not required.

Benefits (if converted to permanent role):
• 401(k) matching
• Dental insurance
• Health insurance
• Health savings account
• Company-paid life insurance
• Paid time off
• Vision insurance
• Company-paid STD & LTD
• Tuition Reimbursement

Physical Requirements: 
• Prolonged periods of sitting at a desk and working on a computer.
• Must be able to lift up to 15 pounds at times. 

 Other:

• Must be able to reliably commute or relocate to Gainesville, GA 30504