Controls Engineer

Koppers - Rock Hill, SC

Full-time - Mid Level

Rock Hill, SC

Chemical Manufacturing

About the position

The position involves providing technical leadership for PLC and control system design, along with remote support for control system installation and daily facility support. The individual will be responsible for designing, implementing, and starting up control systems, specifically PLC and HMI programs, for the facility. This role requires the individual to be a subject matter expert in PLCs, VFDs, instrumentation, and other electrical and electronic devices, systems, and networks. The position also includes optimizing existing control systems to enhance the efficiency and productivity of manufacturing processes and managing capital projects under $100,000 for controls upgrades.

Responsibilities

• Design, implement, and startup control systems (PLC & HMI programs) for facility.
• Act as the subject matter expert in PLCs, VFDs, instrumentation, and other electrical and electronic devices, systems, and networks.
• Specify and configure instrumentation.
• Provide direction to CAD designers to create electrical drawings for quoting and installation of PLCs.
• Work with vendors to quote and track PLC panel fabrication.
• Collaborate with facility management and subcontractors to ensure PLCs are installed according to plans.
• Provide onsite support for control system installation and startup.
• Offer daily remote support to troubleshoot control system problems.
• Optimize existing controls systems to maximize efficiency and productivity of manufacturing processes.
• Communicate with facility management on process control equipment, technical products, and process applications.
• Coordinate with engineering and facility management to clarify and resolve problems and improve designs.
• Manage capital projects under $100,000 for controls upgrades and provide controls system support for larger capital projects.
• Train others (I&E Technicians) to support PLC and HMI programs.
• Perform other duties as assigned.

Requirements

• Bachelor's degree in engineering (Electrical or related field).
• Minimum 5 years PLC, HMI, VFD programming, design, implementation experience.
• Knowledge in the selection and use of flowmeters, control valves, pressure, level, temperature, proximity switches, laser optics, photoelectric sensors, pneumatics, actuators, VFDs, motors, etc.
• Strong understanding of AC/DC circuits, schematics, and proper wiring methods.
• Experience with Programmable Logic Controllers (Allen Bradley, FactoryTalk) including ability to interpret function block, structured text, and ladder logic.
• Understanding of PID control loop dynamics and tuning.
• Experience with various protocols such as Modbus, Profibus, ControlNet, Ethernet/IP, and optical fiber.
• Working knowledge of electrical codes and regulations (OSHA, NEC, NFPA).
• Familiarity with Ethernet networking and architecture.
• AutoCAD Electrical is a plus.
• Self-motivated and able to work independently to provide solutions and ideas to new and existing problems.
• Good computer skills, programming aptitude, and ability to learn new technologies.
• Willingness to travel (up to 10%).

Nice-to-haves

• Experience with AutoCAD Electrical.