Associate Automation Engineer
1. Backgound
ABB Operations in Warminster, PA and Columbus, OH supplies integrated control/automation solutions to a variety of industries using ABB and 3rd party products. These solutions include electrical controls, power distribution components, Distributed Control Systems (DCS)/Programmable Logic Controllers (PLC)/ Human Machine Interfaces (HMI)/ Variable Frequency Drive and Electric Motor Components and all their associated control software, hardware, and application.
The ABB Hybrid IA-PI Systems Engineering group provides services including front end design studies, design and implementation of control solutions including DCS/PLC applications programming and control panel design, and site start-up services. The successful candidate will have hands-on opportunities, under the direction of a lead engineer, to learn and execute standard engineering principles and practices on all phases of control/automation project execution.
2. Reports to: Engineering Manager
3. Typical Duties / Responsibilities
Hands-on engineer for assigned control/automation design and development tasks from project kick-off through project start up. Perform challenging engineering assignments and activities on select automation projects. Will monitor progress, comply with quality and schedule requirements. Help in process improvement efforts.
The successful candidate will be professional, responsible, curious, desiring to learn and as such support the design and engineering activities needed to develop an integrated control/automation solution to meet customer requirements.
The successful candidate will support programming controller applications using various ABB DCS/PLC systems with IEC 61131 programming languages; configuring HMI terminals; designing field communications with a variety of industry standard protocols; applying an understanding of Ethernet networked devices to design control related networks.
The successful candidate will support documentation efforts by working with designers to develop submittal documentation (including: BOMs, device lists, schematics, layouts, specifications and procedures) and “as-built” packages for each project as well as support development of other written documentation including manuals.
The successful candidate will also support factory and field system test, field installation, commissioning, and startup of the integrated systems.
Travel between 25% – 35% is required.
4. Complexity of Tasks
Assignments require application of engineering concepts, engineering problem solving, familiarization and comfort with applying computer programs to solve problems or provide solutions, and general understanding of the group's operations in order to provide effective engineering support. Requires ability to communicate effectively and resolve problems of varying complexity.
The successful candidate will need to demonstrate a penchant for self-directed and self-motivated research and learning in order to develop an in-depth understanding of ABB’s products and tools.
The successful candidate will need to demonstrate good communications abilities.
5. Skills and Abilities:
· Work in an industrial environment.
· Climb ladder and stairs.
· Use electronic test equipment and hand tools.
· Excellent communication skills, able to take technical concepts and communicate a concise description at any level of understanding.
· Ability to interact with customers and vendors.
· Detail-oriented and well organized.
6. Qualifications
Bachelor's degree in engineering or physical sciences from an accredited university.
0 - 2 years experience and/or interest in:
o Data center and/or Food & Beverage industries
o Building Management Systems and/or Power Monitoring Systems.
o Fieldbus and other industrial communications protocols and techniques for exchanging data among control/monitoring devices.
o PLC/DCS programming.
o Robotics Systems
o Control panel design and low voltage power distribution.
o System integration/electrical controls design and engineering including integration of VFDs into control solutions.
o Integrated system site start-up and troubleshooting.
· Strong computer skills including OS setup in addition to application usage.
· Strong IP network skills
· Strong organization and planning skills
· Strong analytical and excellent communication skills
· Strong troubleshooting aptitude.