Manufacturing Process Automation Engineer

at  Air Liquide

The Innovation and Development Division (IDD) drives the innovation strategy for the Hubs and Operations, and contributes to the Group’s transformation. It is responsible for imagining, developing and incubating new solutions until they are brought to market, particularly when it comes to offers with a high technological content (including digital and IT). IDD gathers more than 3,000 employees from 70 nationalities at 60 sites.
The Global Markets & Technologies (GM&T) World Business Unit delivers technological solutions (molecules, equipment and services) to support the new markets of energy transition, maritime logistics and scientific exploration, in order to accelerate Air Liquide sustainable growth. To support the energy transition, GM&T brings environmentally friendly solutions to the clean energy market with hydrogen energy and Bio-Natural Gas for vehicles, refrigerated transport using nitrogen, but also the treatment and injection of Biogas into the energy grid as a local power source.
The Manufacturing Process Automation Engineer provides technical leadership and support for the operation, maintenance and continuous improvement of the site’s automation and process control infrastructure. This position is responsible for championing and implementing improvements in systems capabilities that will increase the ability to meet customer needs and improve business competitiveness. The Process Automation Engineer will work closely with the Manufacturing / Technical resources, operators, and mechanics to understand the business, site and user needs and priorities. They will provide process control assistance for the manufacturing area in various technologies ranging from Programmable Logic Controllers (PLC), Process Data Historians, and other interfaces with various IT technologies and systems. This position reports to the Project Execution Manager at the Membrane Manufacturing site in Newport, DE.
Responsibilities

Manufacturing Process Automation Engineering

• Perform electrical and controls engineering work for capital projects
• Stay abreast of the best available relevant technology
• Work as part of a team to maintain, upgrade and troubleshoot existing automation systems including PLC’s, data acquisition systems, and communications network.
• Participate in the design and implementation of continuous improvement projects related to instrumentation, automation, controls and monitoring systems.
• Interface with IT for local support issues
• Design and commission control systems by configuring / developing PLC software
• Develop HMI graphics that enable efficient control room operator response and knowledge of the process
• Provide control systems input into project development and design schedules
• Ensure that the PLC and safety interlock software management is adequate and applied to achieve the area’s goals
• Identify, develop the scope, and lead minor and medium capital improvement automation projects
• Capable of assisting with loop tests, and interlock tests performed for new processes and for yearly ISO testing for calibration and interlock checks
• Participate and lead PLC and EIS (elements important to safety) related reviews and projects as required
• Conduct and document or participate in investigations of PLC and EIS incidents and ensures follow-up actions are completed to prevent recurrences
• Demonstrated ability to conduct hands on work on the systems to reduce 3rd party costs for the business

Leadership and Engineering Support

• Participate in the design and implementation of continuous improvement projects related to Automation platform infrastructure
• Work with manufacturing personnel to ensure reliable operation of equipment and control systems for polymer solution preparation, fiber spinning, washing, dehydration, and coating, bundle/cartridge forming, winding, and casting, bundle/cartridge post-treatment, bundle/cartridge testing
• Responsible for establishing engineering design basis, and assisting with design documentation (e.g. PFDs, P&IDs, equipment and instrument specification sheet, process package, MOC, interlock matrix, functional design specification) for both new and existing facilities while following department standards
• Work with manufacturing personnel in providing detailed technical instructions and guidance for operators in running of systems
• Part of a team that provides support, as needed, to control systems across the site for 24 hours a day/7 days a week operations

Requirements

• BS in Electrical Engineering or related degree from an ABET accredited institution
• 3+ years of relevant experience, including programming PLC/DCS for chemical plant design and operation as well as process data collection and distribution for wider corporate use
• Knowledge and experience of instrument engineering
• Candidate should have knowledge of applicable codes and standards for process control hardware and software (e.g. UL listing, NEC, etc.) as applied to hazardous materials handling and manufacture
• Familiar with procurement, installation and testing of Communication Devices for Internet and Intranet Connectivity
• Ability to develop and interpret electrical schematics, and experience in developing and deploying ethernet based industrial networks
• Demonstrated ability to plan, prioritize and manage multiple, complex, time-sensitive projects
• Excellent analytical, problem solving, interpersonal, and communication skills with ability to work in both self-managed and team environments
• Candidates must have valid unrestricted employment authorization in the U.S. and must not require visa sponsorship now or in the future. This position is not open for non-immigrant visa sponsorship.
• Note: This position is identified by Air Liquide as “safety-sensitive” and as such is subject to random drug testing in accordance with our Drug and Alcohol policy
• Experience with FT View, Logix 5000, PlantPax
• Allen Bradley PLC’s
• US Citizen or Green Card Holder - The candidate must have valid unrestricted employment authorization in the U.S. and must not require any type of visa sponsorship now or in the future.

Preferred

• Experience with FT Historian, FT Asset Center
• Experience in a rapid-growth environment
• Trained in standard procedures for safe gas and chemical handling
• Chemical plant operation experience strongly preferred
• Team player with leadership abilities
• Excellent verbal and written communication skills
• Understanding of electrical distribution and power loading in industrial control systems

Salary range for this position in Newport DE is $100k - $110k with an additional annual target incentive of 9% based on performance.

Benefits offerrings

• Medical, Dental, Vision, Life Insurance, Short-Term Disability, Long-Term Disability, 401(k) match, Flexible Spending Accounts, EAP, Education Assistance, Parental Leave, Paid time off, and Holidays.
• For more information you can go to Air Liquide Benefit Offerings

Our Differences make our Performance
At Air Liquide, we are committed to build a diverse and inclusive workplace that embraces the diversity of our employees, our customers, patients, community stakeholders and cultures across the world.
We welcome and consider applications from all qualified applicants, regardless of their background. We strongly believe a diverse organization opens up opportunities for people to express their talent, both individually and collectively and it helps foster our ability to innovate by living our fundamentals, acting for our success and creating an engaging environment in a changing world

Please refer the Job description for details