Automation Engineer

Westlake Pipe & Fittings, a Westlake division (NYSE:WLK), is one of the largest polyvinyl chloride pipe and fittings manufacturer in North America. With 23 manufacturing and distribution locations, the company supplies gasketed, solvent weld and restrained joint pipes and a wide range of fittings for a diverse list of markets including municipal water and sewer, plumbing, water well, pool and spa, and agricultural and turf irrigation. Westlake Pipe & Fittings is an industry leader in product development with Certa-Lok® spline-lock technology and product systems that are focused on building A Better Foundation. To learn more, visit the website at WestlakePipe.com and follow us on LinkedIn and Facebook. 

SUMMARY

The Automation Engineer, in collaboration with specialized third-party automation firms, is responsible for specifying, installing, documenting, and troubleshooting automation equipment for new and existing products and processes, translating conceptual designs into functional equipment and products.  The engineer will improve plant and equipment operating efficiency by providing automation and engineering support to the plant operations.

DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES

May include, but are not limited to, the following:

Automation Development

• Managing automation projects built by outside custom automation vendors including concept work, equipment specification, project management, factory acceptance testing, installation, and commissioning/debug.
• Provide automation and process control leadership, configuration, and ongoing support for operations at 24/7 production plants.
• Responsible for identifying and leading automated equipment projects to increase production capacity and improve product quality.
• Identify potential process improvement projects, design and develop SCADA & PLC programs to address them properly.
• Mechanical design of automated fixtures and equipment. Create part, detail, and layout drawings using 3-D modeling software (SolidWorks).
• Develops/reviews/maintains/update related documentation, files, procedures, databases, drawings and schematics in order to ensure integrity of unit instrument and process control technologies.
• Build prototypes to prove complex/high-risk processes prior to final design.
• Work with Product Designers, Project Managers, and Manufacturing personnel to refine product and equipment designs.
• Complete assigned work within agreed upon schedule and budget while maintaining a high level of quality.
• Determine where opportunities exist to implement automation by working closely with Product Designers, Project Managers, and Manufacturing personnel.
• Provide direction to engineers and technicians assisting in the construction, troubleshooting, and documentation of equipment.
• Work closely with plant management to create Scope of Work for identified projects.

Manufacturing Operations Support

• Develop and implement long range plans for process control improvements.
• Guide and train area personnel on process control methodology in order to assist process control improvement efforts.
• Develop/modify procedures & training guidelines as needed for automation processes, including training of setup and maintenance personnel.
• Assist in achieving manufacturing objectives.

Project Management

• Provide leadership and communication to all project team members and functional managers such that the project objectives are clear, responsibilities are understood and progress is tracked and reported.
• Prioritize and balance workload of multiple project assignments based on business and functional objectives.

Technical

• Knowledge of extrusion and packaging automation.  
• Solid knowledge in the Automation/Electrical Engineering Design field, with extensive technical experience in the design, optimization, and build of automation equipment.
• Interface with mechanical team to control the architecture design and implementation, ensuring the correct support of motion controller configuration, setup, fine tuning, data collection, data analysis and reporting, and equipment safety requirements.
• Specific engineering experience required includes electrical hardware design, automation software programming, HMI design, and machine safety design. 

Quality

• Maintain current and ensure appropriate SOP’s are followed on all projects, including: equipment development process, product development process and process controls.

• Performs other related duties and tasks as required.

EDUCATION / EXPERIENCE

• Bachelor's of Science degree in Automation, Electrical or other related engineering discipline.
• 0 - 2 years in a manufacturing environment with demonstrated ability developing and implementing automation processes and equipment.
• Possess plant maintenance and operation knowledge along with technical skills to perform assigned duties. Knowledge of extrusion or injection molding is a plus.
• Demonstrated knowledge and understanding of Instrumentation & Process Control engineering concepts and design including circuits, control systems, as well as a general knowledge of mechanical equipment and systems.
• Demonstrated knowledge in the principles of operation, reliability and performance characteristics of process measurement instrumentation, analyzers, control valves, and VFDs.
• Must have a very broad electrical background, including hands on experience with PLC’s/HMI, robots, motion controls and associated programming software.
• Familiar with PC-based controller/interface from windows to real time multi-tasking operating system/embedded and PLC, HMI, PID servo control, linear motor, robot controller, stepper motor controller, data acquisition, vision system, power distribution, low/high voltage system wiring to board level design.
• Must be proficient using AutoCAD, Inventor, Solid Works.
• Demonstrated ability to meet demanding deadlines. Demonstrated ability to work both independently and as a team member to accomplish objectives. Demonstrated ability to manage multiple tasks and changing priorities. Demonstrated success in managing and leading both long-term programs/projects, as well as address shot-term operational issues.