Automation Controls Technician - Tipton, PA

Job Summary: The Automation Controls Technician will work to develop and improve machine and process concepts along with several Manufacturing/Production Engineering peers. He/She will debug and optimize automated processes to maximize cycle time, improve availability and yield to support a 24/7 production facility. Candidate will create and support robust system architecture and optimize layout electrical/pneumatic schematics. Once the electrical panel is built, he/she will program and troubleshoot all controls components such as PLC, safety devices, HMI, servo drives, process hardware and robots from power-on to debug, with ongoing support.

Essential Duties and Responsibilities:

• Participate in initial equipment conceptual development and carefully balance product specifications, process control requirements, layout complexity, cost, quality and lead-time limits.
• Lay out new industrial electrical control panels which are NFPA79/NEC/UL508A compliant, and create electrical, pneumatic and fluid schematics.
• Architect, write, and debug PLC ladder logic with an emphasis on generating code that is organized, structured, documented, maintainable and reusable. PLC code will interact with subsystems such as conveyors, robots, Manufacturing Execution System (MES), LabView, machine vision, and 3rd party equipment.
• Implement (ANSI/RIA15.06/OSHA compliant) control reliable safety systems for safeguarding robots, gantries, conveyors, and other high volume manufacturing equipment.
• Generate aesthetically simple HMI screens for complex machinery while providing sufficient feedback for troubleshooting.
• Select and size electrical and electro-mechanical components such as servos.
• Introduce automated processes into production and train and Maintenance and Production Teams to support after deployment into production.
• Support machine interactions with plant-wide Manufacturing Execution System (MES) to communicate product acceptability, machine status, and process variables.
• Characterize and validate new automated process equipment for deployment into production.
• Debug and optimize automated processes to maximize cycle time, improve availability and yield.
• Create data management and tracking communications network architecture and interface with cross-functional teams for product, processes and quality trace-ability control implementation.

Qualifications and Skills:

• Evidence of Exceptional Abilities.
• In depth knowledge of Electrical Standards and Safety standards.

Advanced proficiency programming automated manufacturing equipment such as Ladder logic PLCs (Allen Bradley ControlLogix, CompactLogix and RSLogix 5000), Safety PLCs (Allen Bradley ControlLogix, SmartGuard), Human Machine Interface (HMI / GUI - AB Panelview, FactoryTalk, LabView,), Field bus Networks (AB DeviceNet, Ethernet IP, Safety rated field bus networks). Serial Communication (RS-232) between PLCs and instruments, Ethernet communications between machine PLCs and database systems.

• Experience with Omron, Allen-Bradley PLC's and Vision Systems is a highly desired but not required.
• Proficiency selecting appropriate circuit protectors, wire and cable, sensors, safety hardware, PLC hardware, remote I/O, VFD and servo systems.
• Proficiency creating detailed electrical and fluid schematics in CAD (AutoCAD Electrical preferred.)
• Experience programming Cartesian, SCARA and Articulated robots (Fanuc, Kuka, Motoman, Epson), Vision systems (Cognex, Fanuc or Omron).
• Knowledge of SAP

Education / Experience:

• A basic understanding of the general principles of automation, automated equipment and robotics plus knowledge of the use of this equipment as it applies to line operation.

• 2 + years of experience in automation controls or similar work with high volume automation and/or electro-mechanical production systems.

• Associate's degree in electrical engineering, Controls and Computer Control Systems, Mechatronics Engineering, Automation Engineering, etc. AND or equivalent experience.

PHYSICAL REQUIREMENTS, SAFETY and WORK ENVIRONMENT:

1. Performs duties within normal manufacturing environmental conditions.
2. Will work in warm conditions.
3. Must be able to lift and carry up to 50 pounds.
4. Must be able to sit or stand for extended periods of time.
5. Associate must follow posted security procedures at all times while in the building.
6. Must follow all PPE requirements.

This job description does not imply that these are the only duties to be performed. Employees occupying this position will be required to follow any other-related instructions and to perform any other job-related duties requested by their supervisor or management. Furthermore, this does not establish a contract for employment and is subject to change at the discretion of the employer.