Control Systems Engineer

Company Description

BlueScope Coated Products is one of the largest coil coating companies in the United States, with facilities across the country. With more than four decades of expertise providing painted metal coils and toll processing services for industries in the construction and consumer product markets, we pride ourselves on delivering premium quality, reliable service, and ongoing innovation to our customers. 

As a member of the Maintenance and Engineering team, the Control Systems Engineer directs the design and installation of new or replacement robotic and automation equipment, develops standards for reliability and guidelines for engineering and maintenance activities on said equipment, ensures engineering drawings and technical information are kept up to date for equipment identified. The incumbent is also responsible for the daily maintenance activities on equipment and systems within the automation engineer’s responsibility. The automation engineer may also be tasked with supporting other maintenance activities during breakdowns, line shuts, annual shutdowns or when the need arises. 

Key Focus Areas

• Act as project leader on new equipment procurement, installation, commissioning, and training.
• Lead or assist in feasibility studies for new robotic or automation equipment.
• Direct the maintenance, reliability, and performance activities to ensure equipment and system’s meet their required targets.
• Train operations and maintenance users in systems operations and maintenance activities.
• Rewrite or modify PLC ladder logic programs to achieve the plant’s Key Performance Indicators. Be the liaison and “change agent” between operators, leaders, and management’s wants and needs with a safety mindset.
• Evaluate machinery’s PLC systems to ensure end-of-life items are prioritized for replacement before extensive downtime or impact on safety, throughput, or quality. These duties require managing capital projects and ROI calculations from statistical data. Act as project leader on new equipment procurement, installation, and commissioning.
• Developing and reviewing Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs). Developing and organizing training material to transfer appropriate process/production and safety knowledge to associates. Train operations and maintenance users in new systems operations and maintenance activities.
• Perform Safeguard techniques and document changes made to programs to prevent inadvertent loading of obsolete programs or complete loss from corrupted memory or files. Ensure all systems have secure protection protocols consistent with BlueScope standards.
• Month-end reporting. Compile data for key maintenance performance indicators. Make recommendations for improvements based on data.
• Assist with all safety issues related to production and ensure that safety goals are achieved. They are engaging associates in all aspects of safety, meetings, conversations, and incident reporting.
• Create, evaluate, and revise preventive maintenance procedures that drive a reduction in unscheduled downtime, and increase reliability/predictability and consistent quality performance.
• Research and investigate new technologies to decrease BCP's costs, increase effectiveness, and maintain business viability.
• Communicates daily with internal personnel from Production and Quality Control to assist in resolving problems and achieving company goals.
• Ensure all systems have secure protection protocols consistent with BlueScope standards.
• Act as PLC/drive expert and train others as needed.
• Assist other maintenance activities across BCP as required.

Foundational Experience

Required Qualifications & Experience: To be considered for this position, you must possess the following qualifications:

• Bachelor of Science in Electrical Engineering
• 3+ years’ automation/robotics/mechatronics project work.
• A record of automation project implementation from feasibility to handover.
• PLC experience, preferably Allen Bradley such as SLC 500, RSlogix 5/500/5000, PLC5, ControlLogix, Micrologix, and Panelview systems
• Must be able to perform mathematical equations to program PLC such as slope, strip weight tension, coil diameter increase, and RPM to Feet per minute and scaling.
• Ability to perform solo programming and commissioning on multiple platforms

Desired Qualifications: To be considered an ideal candidate, you should possess some or all of the following qualifications:

• 5+ years’ experience with automation/robotics/mechatronics project work.
• 5+ years’ of proven automation/robotics/mechatronics project work
• Heavy Manufacturing experience in the implementation of automation projects with successful cost and performance outcomes.
• Metals, coating, roll forming or industrial maintenance experience

Skills and Abilities

• Ability to effectively manage projects from conception to completion. Include budgeting, design, manpower allocation, timeline development, documentation and technical instruction.
• Ability to interpret an extensive variety of technical instructions in mathematical or diagram form and deal with abstract and concrete variables.
• Ability to analyze and solve problems through application of principals of mechanics, electricity, and fluid dynamics to machines and equipment.
• Ability to understand the operation of moderately complex tools, machines and systems
• Ability to operate and understand a variety of computer applications and systems such as AutoCAD, Microsoft Office and SAP.

At BlueScope we believe in investing in our employees through our Leading at BlueScope Attributes.  Below are attributes that will key to your success at BlueScope:

• Driver of Future Readiness – Takes a strategic orientation to shape the direction; ensures impact-driven strategy; Is a thought leader in their own way.
• Creative Problem Solver – Seeks and leverages diverse perspectives; fosters innovation and creative solutions; finds smarter solutions and uncovers value.
• Change Facilitator – Models continual improvement; seizes opportunities to adapt; is optimistic about change and motivates others in the change journey.
• Results Achiever – Delivers against continually higher levels of performance; strives for constant improvement; looks for ways to work smarter; pushes forward despite ambiguity.
• Driver of Commercial Success – Thinks and acts in the commercial interest of BlueScope; makes sound decisions to improve the balance sheet; unlocks efficiencies and opportunities for commercial advantage.
• Builder of Customer Value – Seeks to know customers deeply; walks in the customers shoes; constantly thinks about adding value to customer relationships.
• Collaborative Partner – Seeks to understand; shares knowledge; builds/uses diverse networks for greater impact; uses a range of skills and approaches to influence others.
• Leader of People and Teams – Clarifies purpose; builds team identity and spirit; inspires team members to work together; is fair, transparent, and thoughtful about others.
• Capability Builder – Prioritises learning and development and stretch outside comfort zones; invests in strengthening capability; makes judgements that allow others to achieve their full potential.

Work Environment

The employee may be required to enter areas that are near moving mechanical parts, with occasional exposure to hazardous chemicals, and extreme cold or heat. The noise level in the work environment is considered moderate and may require the use of hearing protection. The employee will be required to utilize Personal Protective Equipment (PPE) when accessing certain manufacturing areas. 

Physical Demands:

While performing the duties of this job, the employee is regularly required to talk or hear. The employee is frequently required to walk. The employee is occasionally required to stand; sit; bend; stoop; use hands to handle or feel objects, tools, or controls; reach with hands and arms; climb or balance. The employee will be required to be capable of lifting a minimum weight of 75 pounds. Specific vision abilities include close-up and distance vision, color vision, peripheral vision, and depth perception.

Must be available to support commissioning, startups, and critical production events, including off-hours when required.

Additional Information
The preceding job responsibilities and tasks were designed to indicate the general nature and level of work performed by associates in this job.  It is not designed to contain or be interpreted as a comprehensive inventory of all job duties and responsibilities required of associates assigned to this job.  Associates may be required to perform other duties as assigned.  Additional job competencies, individual goals, and performance measurements are set at the department level.

The benefits are just as rewarding as the work at BlueScope.  To support our goal, we offer a total compensation plan and an outstanding benefits package that includes health insurance, life insurance, short and long term disability, paid time off, and retirement. 

EEO: Employer/M/F/Disabled/Protected Veteran

BlueScope is an equal opportunity employer.  All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, religion, color, national origin, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, age, status, as a protected veteran, among other things, or status as a qualified individual with disability.