Automation Engineer

Company Description

With stewardship in the hands of the fourth generation of the Riddle Family, Asbury Carbons is a strong and growing family of companies and a major supplier of natural and synthetic graphite, cokes, coals, and all carbon products, as well as a variety of raw materials used around the world. It continues to earn its position as the world’s largest independent processor and merchant of graphite for more than a century and remains committed to the thoughtful expansion of product lines to ensure that high-quality raw materials are seamlessly delivered to the world’s cast metals and industrial markets, ensuring customer needs will always be met.

Job Description

The Automation Engineer will provide process controls engineering, automation, and instrumentation support for Asbury globally.   The principal accountabilities range from global governance functions and standards development related to automation to designing, building, commissioning, and maintaining systems in close collaboration with process/project engineers and plant management.   Works as part of a team and additionally be able to work independently to perform all plant engineering support. Travel to other Asbury plant locations will be required.  The ideal candidate will be able to grasp complex technical issues and translate customer (plant) requirements into innovative and robust technical solutions.   Additional hours may be required to support the Engineering and Production departments and completion of assigned projects.

Roles & Responsibilities:                                           

• Focus on production process by identifying automation based solutions to help improve efficiency, reduce operating costs, and improve safety.
• Support new business opportunities through the development of front end process designs for novel processes starting with detailed process descriptions as the basis for deriving process flow diagrams, etc.   Interface with engineering team and/or contractors to execute projects and with the plant operations team to commission and startup new processes.
• Implement new technology for process improvements– projects such as in line measuring system, PLC control monitoring, automation, and robotics.
• Participate on Maintenance Improvement Committee with the focus developing effective instrumentation and electrical procedures for sustainability of operations.
• Support existing PLC and other controllers – support plant troubleshooting and improvement initiatives.
• Identify and implement solutions to EHS issues with instrumentation and automation, as possible.
• Lead process hazards analysis for existing and new processes as needed.  
• Train, educate and support plant personnel in process control and improvement methods, new equipment operation, process changes, Root Cause Analysis & trouble shooting.
• Support EHS efforts company wide by conducting PHA’s and pre-startup safety reviews.

Qualifications

Education Requirements:

• 3 years in an industrial engineering work experience
• Bachelor’s Degree in Electrical or Automation Engineering or related field

Required Experience:

• Strong skills with Microsoft Word, Excel, and Access
• Experience in plant automation programming (PLC/DCS/SCADA) and using relevant tools and technologies.
• Knowledge of software engineering and automation standards
• Knowledge in process control technologies and experience in applications in process industries (specialty chemicals/materials).
• Problem solving abilities.
• Familiarity with Lean tools: 5S, Kaizen, PDCA, Value Stream Mapping

10 Key Core Competencies:

• Analytical Thinking. Has the ability to apply logic to solve problems and to get the job done.
• Computer Competency. As the name suggests, computer competency refers to your skills in operating a computer and the applications needed in your work.
• Conflict Resolution. Works to resolve all sorts of differences, especially among employees in order to maintain a good working relationship.
• Evaluation. This shows your ability to evaluate according to standard methodologies and policies.
• Flexibility. This shows your ability to adapt to whatever changes that happen in a company without losing focus on your goals. This also includes your ability to apply your knowledge to your new circumstances.
• Ethics. Has personal and professional ethics and fosters a diverse and respectful workplace.
• Interpersonal Awareness. The ability to have and show empathy to others. Listens well and responds in a non-threatening way.
• Personal Credibility. Takes responsibility for actions and shows that one is reliable and trustworthy. Is honest and does his or her fair share.
• Problem Solving. Solves problems while ensuring rules and directives are followed.
• Thoroughness. Sees to it that one's own and others' work is accurate and complete. Works with diligence and care and ensures all commitments are fulfilled.

Additional Information

This job description is not designed to cover or contain a complete listing of activities, duties or responsibilities that are required of the employee for this job. Nothing in this job description restricts management’s right to assign or reassign duties and responsibilities to this job at any time with or without notice.

Benefits include health insurance, dental insurance, vision insurance, life insurance, 401K, profit sharing, ESOP, pension plan & holiday bonus.

All your information will be kept confidential according to EEO guidelines.