Controls Engineer

Talascend is seeking an experienced Controls Engineer for a permanent role based in Picayune, MS.

Overview: 

The Controls Engineer is responsible for overseeing, maintaining, improving, and troubleshooting plant control systems to ensure manufacturing processes and equipment operate safely, efficiently, and reliably in support of a 24/7 operation. This position provides technical leadership for process control systems, electrical controls, automation projects, and system documentation. The Controls Engineer also supports maintenance and production teams by identifying opportunities for process improvement, equipment reliability, and operational efficiency.

Responsibilities:

To perform this job successfully, an individual must be able to perform each essential duty satisfactorily. Other duties may be assigned.

• Design, install, program, maintain, and improve plant control systems in accordance with manufacturer specifications, engineering standards, and operational requirements.
• Troubleshoot and resolve electrical, instrumentation, PLC, HMI, and automated control system issues to minimize downtime and support continuous operations.
• Monitor plant process systems to ensure they provide the capabilities required to meet production demands, efficiency goals, and quality standards.
• Maintain and update control system programming, software backups, and technical documentation for plant automation systems.
• Develop, revise, and maintain electrical drawings, wiring schematics, panel layouts, and control system documentation.
• Provide technical support and guidance to maintenance personnel and operations teams on control systems, electrical troubleshooting, and process automation issues.
• Assist in training maintenance technicians and other employees on plant control equipment, system functionality, and troubleshooting techniques.
• Serve as a liaison with outside equipment manufacturers, integrators, contractors, and vendors regarding control systems, upgrades, repairs, and technical support.
• Recommend and implement process and equipment improvements based on internal assessments, plant needs, and information gathered from outside sources to improve safety, reliability, efficiency, and utilization.
• Support capital projects, process improvement initiatives, equipment upgrades, installations, and special assignments related to plant automation and control systems.
• Assist with management of electrical and controls spare parts inventory, including identifying required parts, supporting requisitions, and maintaining related records.
• Support the plant’s quality and compliance systems, including applicable ISO procedures, control system documentation, record retention, and related process standards.
• Work closely with production, maintenance, engineering, and leadership teams to support safe and effective operation of the facility.
• Provide support for plant power distribution systems and assist with the design, troubleshooting, and maintenance of electrical systems within the facility.
• Respond to after-hours issues, emergency breakdowns, and project demands as needed to support a 24/7 manufacturing environment.
• Perform all other duties as assigned by management.

Education and Training:

• Bachelor of Science in Electrical Engineering or Automation and Manufacturing degree.OR experience in lieu of degree
• Additional training or coursework in automation, controls, instrumentation, or industrial systems is preferred.
• Ongoing technical training in PLCs, HMIs, drives, industrial networking, and related controls technologies is strongly preferred.

Professional Experience:

• Minimum of 5 years of controls engineering or 10 years of Automation and Manufacturing  in a manufacturing environment preferred.
• Experience supporting automated production equipment, electrical controls, process systems, and plant troubleshooting required.
• Experience in a 24/7 manufacturing operation is strongly preferred.
• Experience working with maintenance, production, contractors, and equipment manufacturers in an industrial setting preferred.

Technical Proficiency:

• Strong knowledge of PLC programming, troubleshooting, and modification.
• Experience with HMI systems, process controls, instrumentation, and industrial automation systems.
• Proficiency with electrical drawings, wiring schematics, and control panel documentation.
• Working knowledge of power distribution systems in a manufacturing environment.
• Ability to maintain software backups, revision control, and documentation for automation systems.
• Proficient computer skills, including Microsoft Office and engineering/documentation software.
• Experience with AutoCAD or similar drafting software preferred.
• Experience with Allen-Bradley/Rockwell platforms such as PLC5, SLC500, ControlLogix, MicroLogix, and PanelView is strongly preferred.
• Knowledge of industrial communication networks, VFDs, sensors, and related control components preferred.

Project Experience:

• Experience leading or supporting capital projects, equipment installations, automation upgrades, and process improvement projects.
• Ability to manage multiple projects and priorities while meeting deadlines and operational needs.
• Experience coordinating with vendors, contractors, and internal stakeholders from project planning through implementation.
• Ability to identify and execute improvements that increase reliability, reduce downtime, and support production efficiency.

Qualifications:

• Strong analytical and problem-solving skills with the ability to define problems, collect data, establish facts, and draw valid conclusions.
• Ability to read, analyze, and interpret technical information including manuals, schematics, journals, specifications, and engineering documents.
• Ability to communicate effectively with employees at all levels of the organization, as well as outside vendors and contractors.
• Ability to present technical information clearly and professionally.
• Strong organizational skills and attention to detail.
• Ability to work independently and take ownership of projects and plant support responsibilities.
• Sense of urgency and responsiveness in addressing production and maintenance issues.

Physical Demands:

• The physical demands described here are representative of those that must be met by an employee to successfully perform the essential functions.

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