Rolling Mill Automation Engineer

Job purpose:

This position will be responsible for a variety of software engineering and maintenance as well process engineering and maintenance functions including analyzing process performance, evaluating necessary process changes, developing and designing process changes, managing the implementation of process improvements, maintaining all level 1 & level 1.5 hardware platforms.

Duties and responsibilities:

• Develop methods and practices that will improve the quality of products, expand the product mix and reduce manufacturing costs through specialized application and use of Automation technology.
• Design, develop and manage process-related level 1 systems, engineering and research projects with the objective of developing new methods and practices that will ultimately reduce production cost, improve yields and provide better product quality.
• Provide expert advice, system troubleshooting and direct hands-on support to the Maintenance/Operating Groups and Level 1.5 EMO’s in the Rolling Mill while ensuring compliance with established specifications and industrial standards.  Maintain and continuously improve all the Level 1 related electrical systems.
• Provide Process Control Software expert advice, system troubleshooting and direct hands-on support to the Maintenance/Operating Group of the Rolling Mill /Finishing Area of the plant.
• Manage Supervisory Computer Systems (Level 1 & Level 1.5)

• • Hardware Management
    • Perform time-based maintenance
    • Isolate and replace obsolete field components
    • Interface cabling with I/O devices
    • Monitor system performance (error detection and recovery)
  • Software Management
    • Monitor applications for correct processing
    • Back-up computer operating system and its applications on various platforms, (Maintain Asset Centre server).
    • Analyse and troubleshoot operating system and application software
    • Perform maintenance programming
    • Configure system and application software
  • Interface Management
    • Plan, design, develop, implement and maintain HMI applications
  • Document Management
    • Generate historical documentation
    • Author “help” documents
    • Reverse engineer software specifications
  • Support Operations
  • Respond to Operator requests and problems
  • Provide 24/7 response coverage
  • Provide training on new software, system updates and control enhancements to the electrical EMO group.
  • Provide expert advice, system troubleshooting and direct hands-on support to the Maintenance and Operating groups for the following specific functional areas and equipment types while ensuring compliance with established specifications and industrial standards
    • Reheat Furnace, Rolling Mill, and finishing process control systems.
    • Electrical systems, specifically Allen Bradley-brand equipment.
    • Other equipment that provides specialized man-machine interfaces, networking to business systems, connections to supplier networks.

Qualifications: Education and Experience:

Required Education and Experience:

• Bachelor of Science degree in Electrical Engineering, Computer Science or related field or equivalent technical training.
• Minimum five years’ experience working with Control Logix and other Rockwell operating systems.
• Possess the knowledge of process interactions between control layers and physical processes in a steel plate manufacturing facility.
• Exercise sound engineering and economic judgement and discretion regarding process control decision-making.
• Equipment and process knowledge including industrial control computer processors, multi-tasking operating systems, real time communications systems, programmable logic controllers, manufacturing concepts and the ability to integrate them into a working process control system.
• Proficiency in Control Logix and RS View programming languages is required. 
• Mathematical concepts supporting closed-loop real-time manufacturing controls
• Good problem solving, organizational and communication skills, both oral and written.
• Capable of working effectively with minimal direction or supervision
• Regular and reliable attendance

Preferred Experience:

• Previous experience in troubleshooting industrial electrical and electronic systems.
• Formal training in computer hardware/software
• Good computer skills such as database management, networking, dedicated software development languages or software suites.
• Proficient with programming and tuning AC & DC digital drives.
• DC motor theory and operation.
• Mill stand control theory and winder applications.

Working conditions:

The employee will frequently be required to:

• Twist at waist level, reach above shoulder level, reach at and/or below waist level
• Handle, grip, hold, and grasp with both hands together or separately
• Finger and feel with both hands together or separately, sense temperature and textures

The employee will occasionally be required to:

• Drive or travel by airplane
• Balance, stoop, kneel, crouch, crawl, or climb
• Push, pull, lift, and/or carry items weighing less than 50 pounds

The position requires the following vision and hearing capabilities:

• Talking person to person, on the phone, and/or in group settings
• Hearing in person, on the phone, and/or in group settings
• Vision at near, mid, and far range
• Peripheral vision and depth perception

The employee will be required to sit, stand, and/or walk as follows:

• Sitting 0-8 hours at a time; average 5 hours a day
• Standing 0-8 hours at a time; average 2 hours a day
• Walking 0-8 hours at a time; average 1 hour
• Alternate sitting and standing as needed

The employee will be required to use the following machines or tools:

• Desktop computer
• Control software
• Multimeter
• Database

The employee will work in the following conditions:

• Indoors
• In extreme heat and extreme cold
• In wet and humid conditions
• Amid fumes, dust, dirt, and smoke
• In confined areas and high places
• Around equipment in motion
• Amid noise
• Amid mechanical, electrical, and chemical hazards
• Around industrial magnets
• While wearing safety equipment and/or clothing for protection from hazards

Supervisory Responsibilities/Direct Reports:

• This position does not have supervisory responsibilities.

Position Type – Work Hours – Travel Requirements:

• Position is full time, exempt
• Position works an eight (8) hour day shift, Monday through Friday – additional overtime as needed
• Office presence required
• Travel for this position is limited