Senior Automation Engineer

Founded in 1975, Salas O’Brien is an employee-owned engineering and professional services firm focused on achieving impact for our clients, our team, and the world. We know that tomorrow’s requirements are today’s opportunities, and we are here to design lasting solutions for pressing challenges.

We work across a variety of industries providing integrated engineering and consulting services. Salas O'Brien's Process and Manufacturing (P&M) business unit engineers provide transformative solutions for industrial processes from concept to implementation. As part of ‘one’ Salas O'Brien, a multi-disciplinary engineering and architecture firm, the P&M business unit ensures a seamless, comprehensive service experience through a "local everywhere" approach. We integrate specialized expertise across a spectrum of markets, including:

· Agribusiness

· Chemical/Petrochemical

· Consumer Products

· Food and Beverage

· Material Handling & Processing· Pharmaceutical

· Power & Utilities

Job Summary: 

Salas O’Brien’s Process and Manufacturing (P&M) Division is seeking a motivated Automation Engineer to join our multi-disciplined design firm in Decatur, AL. The qualified applicant will have the opportunity to engage in all phases of a project from inception to completion of construction. This involvement is intended to grow individuals and nurture design talents.

As an Automation Engineer, you will be required to demonstrate a high standard of professionalism and client focus/customer service; be resourceful and flexible, effective at handling multiple tasks; have good computer skills; have strong presentation, written, and verbal skills; and be able to effectively delegate or be delegated to while working in a collaborative format with multiple team members.

General Duties: 

• Develop PLC and HMI system programs as well as hardware designs for clients in manufacturing, processing and utilities facilities.
• Serve as project manager to ensure communication and execution of work is within scope, schedule and budget by monitoring project progress, coordinating activities, and resolving issues.
• Develop project proposals for multi-discipline projects.
• Direct designers in the development of automation installation drawings, data sheets and specifications, to meet customer specifications and applicable codes.
• Prepare construction and fabrication contractor bid packages.
• Coordinate the quotation, procurement and delivery of automation system components.
• Write functional descriptions based on the customer controls requirements.
• Initiate, develop and lead factory and/or site acceptance tests.
• Lead a team to perform onsite system commissioning and startup support.
• Develop and perform operator training.
• Maintain schedule for multiple projects, multiple clients, and multiple resources.
• Develop and maintain business relationships by interfacing with existing and potential clients.
• Be a resource and provide mentoring for junior Automation Engineers.

Skills:

• Ability to interpret and design P&IDs including instrumentation and related mechanical elements.
• Detailed understanding of process instrumentation (flow, level, temperature, pressure, etc) and control loop concepts.
• Proficiency in the design/programming of various HMI/SCADA systems including Wonderware InTouch, Rockwell Automation FactoryTalk and Adroit Ignite. Experience with GE iFix, Trihedral VTScada, Siemens WinCC and Inductive Automation Ignition will also be considered, among others.
• Proficiency in the design/programming of various PLC systems including Rockwell Automation ControlLogix/CompactLogix, Siemens SIMATIC and the Omron family of processors. Experience with Mitsubishi MELSEC and Schneider Electric Modicon will also be considered, among others. Skills necessary include ladder logic, function block, batch controls, recipe management and CIP Safety circuits.
• Ability to develop control system programs from scratch or based on customer specific templates and standards.
• Knowledge of safety instrumented systems, ie. SIS.
• Experience designing controls system networks including Ethernet, IO Link, Modbus, and ControlNet.
• Experience designing, programming and configuring VFD and servo systems.

Qualifications: 

• Bachelor's degree in electrical engineering from ABET accredited institution.
• A minimum of 5+ years’ automation engineering experience in process, manufacturing or utility industrial facilities.
• Thorough knowledge of the application of the National Electrical Code.

The Physical and Ergonomic Requirements of this position are as follows:

· Lifting/carrying: Carrying light loads related to field measurement equipment, and equipment cases weighing 15 lbs. or less.

· Dexterity: Ability to type using a keyboard with relative efficiency, ability to make handwritten notes and sketches indoors and outdoors at industrial plants and construction sites at any time of the year.

· Walking/Climbing: Ability to use multi-level stair towers and rung ladders unassisted.

· Visual Acuity: Ability to discern single-line and 3-dimensional computer images representing objects being designed or drafted.

· Hearing: Ability to hear safety alarms and signals while wearing hearing protection.

· Physical exertion: Ability to walk up to one mile on industrial plants and construction sites outdoors at any time of the year. Ability to work in protective clothing which may elevate body temperatures by several degrees Fahrenheit for periods of up to 15 minutes without a break.

· Breathing: Ability to work while wearing a respirator or self-contained breathing apparatus.

Location: Decatur, AL

Travel: Up to 10%

Benefits: 

•  Medical, dental, and vision insurance
•  401(k) with company match
•  Paid time off and company holidays
•  Wellness programs and employee assistance resources
•  Professional development support

For more information, visit our full benefits overview here - Salas O'Brien benefits

About Us:

Founded in 1975, Salas O’Brien is an employee-owned engineering and professional services firm focused on achieving impact for our clients, our team, and the world. We know that tomorrow’s requirements are today’s opportunities, and we are here to design lasting solutions for pressing challenges.

We work across a variety of industries providing integrated engineering and consulting services. Our specialized experience includes design for data centers, healthcare, science and technology, high-rise buildings, clean energy, education, and other building types as well as structural and building sciences, infrastructure asset management, advanced robotics, and more.

Our technical expertise is paired with an exceptional team of business development, human resources, finance and accounting, information technology, and marketing professionals, all of whom play a key role in bringing our commitments to life every day.

Equal Opportunity Employment Statement
Salas O’Brien provides equal employment opportunities to all employees and applicants for employment and prohibits discrimination and harassment of any type without regard to race, color, religion, age, sex, national origin, disability status, genetics, protected veteran status, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, or any other characteristic protected by federal, state/provincial, or local laws. Salas O’Brien will accommodate the disability-related needs of applicants as required by law.

Third-Party Agency Notice
Salas O’Brien does not accept unsolicited resumes from external recruiters or agencies. We only work with approved partners engaged directly by our Talent Acquisition team for specific searches. Unsolicited submissions will not be eligible for placement fees.