Automation Engineer

at  Johnson Matthey

Together for a cleaner, healthier world.
Johnson Matthey, a FTSE 250 company, is a global leader in sustainable technologies specialising in catalysis, precious metal products, chemicals and process technology. With operations in over 30 countries, we employ more than 14,000 people. Johnson Matthey uses science to make the world cleaner and healthier. Over the past two centuries we have built our reputation and place as a global leader through quality, integrity, and innovation. Today, more than 93% of the group’s sales come from products and services which provide sustainability benefits through the positive impact they have on the environment, resource efficiency and human health, but that’s not enough. We have ambitious plans for growth and need talented individuals to help shape and lead us into our next century.
Catalyst Technologies (CT) is a market leader in the syngas value chain. It develops and supplies high-value, specialty process technology and catalysts for chemicals and fuels processing to enable our customers to operate efficiently, profitably and sustainably. With CT at the forefront of the transition to sustainable chemicals and fuels, the transition to net zero is creating exciting new opportunities in this sector.
CATACEL SSR™ is a structured reforming catalyst that enables increased throughput and process intensification of conventional Steam Methane Reformers, demonstrated in Refineries Hydrogen, Methanol and Ammonia businesses. SSR has proven life cycle performance in large industrial applications. The technology has been in use globally since 2008. Equipment to manufacture the product has been commissioned, however the Operations Team, Site level procedures and systems (Finance/ERP/Logistics) have not yet been fully set up. A significant part of the role is therefore to establish a permanent manufacturing team and processes.
This position is accountable for monitoring the daily functions of the production lines and supporting systems with specific regard given to the maintenance and modification of the PLC, robotic, and HMI controls. The position will also be responsible to provide daily guidance & assistance to the CATACEL SSR Operations team for the troubleshooting of equipment issues. In addition, this position is responsible for assisting production with equipment related functions during changeovers.

Your Responsibilities:

• Support the production lines and assist during any equipment related downtime
• Completing individual projects that have been assigned by the manager. When the production lines do not require assistance from the Automation Engineer, it is expected that individual project work is being completed
• Expected to be proactive and seek out work from the manager during periods of inactivity or when projects have been completed.
• Troubleshoot automation related issues with production line equipment via the use of PLC interface software.
• Work closely with the Production and Maintenance staff to ensure production and equipment effectiveness targets are met
• Complete individual assignments relating to optimization/improvements of existing equipment and implementation of new equipment
• Develop and execute Automation strategy for manual operations; justify likely benefits from automation
• Work with Ops Project Manager to develop a priority list of projects and develop the CAPEX documentation necessary for project approval
• Supervise and direct design, installation, start-up, testing and debug of automated systems
• Implement continuous improvement projects on automated systems to improve plant safety, quality, and efficiency
• Carry out any other duties which are within the employee’s skills and abilities where reasonably instructed

Requirements for the role:

• Associate or Technical degree with a minimum five (5) years’ experience in a manufacturing environment OR Bachelor’s degree in Electrical, Mechanical, or Chemical Engineering with a minimum two (2) years’ experience in a manufacturing environment OR any equivalent relevant combination of experience and training which provides the knowledge and abilities necessary to perform the work.
• Electrical and mechanical troubleshooting skills as it relates to automated production machinery.
• Ability to interpret electrical schematics and mechanical drawings
• Experience with robotics, conveyor systems, servo systems, instrumentation, and sensors
• Experience with vision systems, barcode etching, and barcode reading
• Experience with Allen-Bradley PLC’s and Wonderware InTouch
• Basic knowledge of PLC programming and Graphic Interface Software
• Experience with data collection and data reporting systems
• Proficiency with Microsoft Office Programs (Word, Excel, and Outlook)

How you will be rewarded:
We offer a competitive compensation and JM Elements benefits package including bonus, excellent pension contributions and 20 days annual leave (varies for shift- based roles). Our JM Elements Benefits programme helps our employees understand and manage the JM benefits, as well as helping you focus on your overall wellbeing – for you and your family.
We use our inspiring science and technology to enhance lives. For those who are passionate about sustainable solutions and shaping our markets, we offer stretch and a wealth of diverse opportunities.
We’ll give you freedom to bring your whole self to work and be part of a team where difference matters and all voices are heard, that genuinely cares for you and where your contribution is appreciated. We’ll empower you to lean in and make things happen, to create solutions and value for our customers. United by our values and vision, we’re self-starters sharing the same values and accountability and always with a shared commitment to doing the right thing. We’re passionate about making a difference and delivering a better tomorrow for us and for you – a cleaner and healthier world, today and for future generations.
Johnson Matthey is open for discussion on job share and flexible working patterns.

Your Responsibilities:

• Support the production lines and assist during any equipment related downtime
• Completing individual projects that have been assigned by the manager. When the production lines do not require assistance from the Automation Engineer, it is expected that individual project work is being completed
• Expected to be proactive and seek out work from the manager during periods of inactivity or when projects have been completed.
• Troubleshoot automation related issues with production line equipment via the use of PLC interface software.
• Work closely with the Production and Maintenance staff to ensure production and equipment effectiveness targets are met
• Complete individual assignments relating to optimization/improvements of existing equipment and implementation of new equipment
• Develop and execute Automation strategy for manual operations; justify likely benefits from automation
• Work with Ops Project Manager to develop a priority list of projects and develop the CAPEX documentation necessary for project approval
• Supervise and direct design, installation, start-up, testing and debug of automated systems
• Implement continuous improvement projects on automated systems to improve plant safety, quality, and efficiency
• Carry out any other duties which are within the employee’s skills and abilities where reasonably instructe

Requirements for the role:

• Associate or Technical degree with a minimum five (5) years’ experience in a manufacturing environment OR Bachelor’s degree in Electrical, Mechanical, or Chemical Engineering with a minimum two (2) years’ experience in a manufacturing environment OR any equivalent relevant combination of experience and training which provides the knowledge and abilities necessary to perform the work.
• Electrical and mechanical troubleshooting skills as it relates to automated production machinery.
• Ability to interpret electrical schematics and mechanical drawings
• Experience with robotics, conveyor systems, servo systems, instrumentation, and sensors
• Experience with vision systems, barcode etching, and barcode reading
• Experience with Allen-Bradley PLC’s and Wonderware InTouch
• Basic knowledge of PLC programming and Graphic Interface Software
• Experience with data collection and data reporting systems
• Proficiency with Microsoft Office Programs (Word, Excel, and Outlook