Controls Engineer

Broad Function and Purpose of Position: 

The primary function of a Controls Engineer is to help implement and provide continued support to the automated processes within our Marion Operations. The role heavily focuses on maintaining controls and robotic solutions paired with our production equipment. The equipment has a large dependency on programmable logic controls (PLC) and often integrates with other types of equipment that can also involve non-robotic automation. Work is performed under the general supervision of the Maintenance & Engineering Manager.

Specific Responsibilities:

• Actively participate in the Sika SAFE Program.
• Maintain safe and clean work environment in accordance with the Sika Housekeeping policy.
• Manage vendors and contractors to ensure compliance with Sika’s health, safety and behavior standards and to monitor progress toward project completion within agreed upon timeframe budget.
• Design, develop, program, troubleshoot, and maintain PLC-based control systems, HMI applications, robotics, industrial networks, instrumentation, and machine vision systems.
• Develop, modify, and support PLC programs using Allen-Bradley, Siemens, or equivalent platforms.
• Configure and troubleshoot VFDs, servo systems, safety PLCs, distributed I/O, and industrial communication networks.
• Interpret and review electrical drawings, P&IDs, process flow diagrams, and equipment specifications.
• Tune PID loops and optimize process control strategies for manufacturing equipment and processes.
• Manage some projects from start to finish including Capital Appropriation Requests (CARs) with project budgets, savings, timelines, runoff criteria, status reporting, system implementation, and all other project details.
• Implement changes in existing production processes, equipment and facilities; engineer new processes, to increase output capacity and reduce/eliminate bottlenecks.
• Review new and existing layouts of machines and equipment to obtain optimal performance, recommend and implement changes.
• Identify and conceptualize primarily mixing and packaging systems, at times other forms of automated solutions to drive improvements in safety, ergonomics, quality, productivity, and cost reductions throughout the operations.
• Gather lessons learned and best practices to streamline future projects.
• Program, troubleshoot, and provide support to automated systems, including PLC based controllers, networking solutions and camera vision systems.
• Creates procedures, documentation, routings, and other necessary documentation for the processes.
• Collaborates and communicates cross functionally with all levels of the organization including but not limited to operators, R&D, QA, supply management, and executive management.
• Serve as the technical expert in controls equipment and automation while mentoring and train others in the technical aspects of automation systems.
• Assumes additional responsibilities as needed or directed in support of the Company’s automation strategy.
• Perform other work and projects as required by the Maintenance & Engineering Manager.