Automation Specialist

Job purpose:

This position is responsible for a variety of software engineering and maintenance as well process engineering and maintenance functions including: analyzing process performance, evaluating necessary process changes, developing and designing process changes, managing the implementation of process improvements, maintaining all level 1 & level 1.5 hardware platforms

Duties and responsibilities:

• Follow all SSAB safety regulations. Adhere to all company safety practices and procedures and perform the various job assignments in a safe and efficient manner
• Develop and enforce safety procedures and safe work practices to ensure the safety of employees and contractors in the performance of assigned work.
• Contribute to the departments safety objectives, including JSA/SOPs, safety meetings, required monthly inspections, housekeeping and other safety deliverables to continually drive safety improvements
• Lead by example in following the company’s goals and values, policies and procedures, and assist with training
• Design, develop and manage process-related level 1 systems, engineering and research projects with the objective of developing new methods and practices that will ultimately reduce production cost, improve yields and provide better product quality.
• Provide advice, system troubleshooting and direct hands-on support to the Maintenance/Operating Groups in the Aux Services Department while ensuring compliance with established specifications and industrial standards.  Maintain and continuously improve all of the Level 1 related electrical systems.
• Provide Process Control advice, system troubleshooting and direct hands-on support to the Maintenance/Operating Group of the Aux Services department including Water treatment Plants, Baghouse facilities and Main Power Substation.
• Manage Supervisory Computer Systems (Level 1 & Level 1.5)

• Hardware Management
• Perform time-based maintenance
• Isolate and replace obsolete field components
• Interface cabling with I/O devices
• Monitor system performance (error detection and recovery)
• Software Management
• Monitor applications for correct processing
• Back-up computer operating system and it’s applications on various platforms, (Maintain Asset Centre server).
• Analyze and troubleshoot operating system and application software
• Perform maintenance programming
• Configure system and application software
• Plan, design, develop, implement and maintain HMI applications

• Develop and manage various capital projects from conception to completion.
• Provide 24/7 maintenance response coverage for any Automation issues related to the operation of the SSAB Facility
• Onsite presence required
• Regular and reliable attendance

Qualifications: Education and Experience:

Required Education:

• Associates Degree in electrical or electronic engineering or a minimum of 2 years industry experience in electrical engineering and/or maintenance
• Good problem solving, organizational and communication skills, both oral and written

Preferred Education:

• Bachelor of Science in electrical or electronic engineering
• Extensive knowledge in industrial schematics

Required Experience:

• Minimum of 2 years working with maintenance or design and engineering in industrial manufacturing environment.
• Experience working with multiple contractors on medium to large sized projects
• Good verbal and written communication skills with the ability to effectively communicate with employees, management and contractors
• Good computer skills; to include proficiency in Microsoft Office and MS Project, database management, networking, dedicated Software Development languages or software suites
• Ability to work under pressure and meet deadlines, while maintaining composure and professionalism
• Strong organizational and multi-tasking skills
• Capable of working effectively with minimal direction or supervision

Preferred Experience:

• 3+ years with production and maintenance processes within the steel industry
• Proficiency in Control Logix and RS View programming languages
• Proficient with programming and tuning AC Variable Frequency drives

Working conditions:

This position operates in both the office and industrial environment.  The role routinely uses standard office equipment. This role is partially sedentary (average of 4 hours per day).

This position will often require work in the industrial environment with exposure to heat/cold, walking, climbing stairs/ladders, noise and wearing safety equipment/clothing for protection from hazards.

The position requires the following vision and hearing capabilities:

• Talking person to person, on the phone, and/or in group settings
• Hearing in person, on the phone, and/or in group settings
• Vision at near, mid, and far range
• Peripheral vision and depth perception

The employee will occasionally be required to:

• Balance, stoop, kneel, crouch, crawl, or climb
• Push, pull, lift, and/or carry items weighing less than 50 pounds
• Twist at waist level, reach above shoulder level, reach at and/or below waist level
• Handle, grip, hold, and grasp with both hands together or separately
• Finger and feel with both hands together or separately; sense temperature and textures

The employee will be required to sit, stand, and/or walk as follows:

• Sitting 0-8 hours at a time; average 5 hours a day
• Standing 0-8 hours at a time; average 2 hours a day
• Walking 0-8 hours at a time; average 1 hours a day
• Alternate sitting and standing as needed

The employee will be required to use the following machines or tools:

• Desktop computer, database and control software

The employee will work in the following conditions:

• Indoors
• In extreme heat and extreme cold
• In wet and humid conditions
• Amid fumes, dust, dirt, and smoke
• In confined areas and high places
• Around equipment in motion
• Amid noise
• Amid mechanical, electrical, and chemical hazards
• Around industrial magnets
• While wearing safety equipment and/or clothing for protection from hazards
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Position Type – Work Hours – Travel Requirements:

• Position is full time, exempt
• Position works eight (8) hour day shift, Monday through Friday – additional overtime as needed to manage breakdowns and other project work
• Travel less than 10% of time (driving or by airplane) in the field or at other SSAB locations