Automation Engineer

SUMMARY

The Automation Engineer (Controls Developer) uses existing designs to develop control systems for TGW’s automated material-handling equipment, ensuring these systems' performance, reliability, and safety. This role involves programming, testing, and continuous improvement of control software, with a strong emphasis on creating a library of standardized Allen-Bradley code in TGW fashion. The Automation Engineer (Controls Developer) works closely with cross-functional teams and customers to integrate control systems that meet operational needs and enhance TGW’s automation solutions.

DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES

• Learns existing TGW Controls software standards that are written in Siemens code language
• Develops and implements control software for automated equipment to optimize material handling processes.
• Collaborates with internal teams and customer representatives to gather specifications and deliver custom control solutions.
• Develops and maintains a reusable Allen-Bradley code library for streamlined deployment of standard resources across projects.
• Executes rigorous testing and validation plans, including system debugging, to ensure the reliability and performance of control systems.
• Creates comprehensive documentation for control systems, including schematics, design specifications, user manuals, and maintenance guidelines.
• Provides ongoing technical support and training to support the installation, commissioning, and troubleshooting of systems in the field
• Performs other duties as assigned.

REQUIREMENTS

Education:

Bachelor’s degree in Electrical Engineering, Controls Engineering, Automation Engineering, or related field, or equivalent experience.

Experience:

Five (5) to seven (7) years of experience in controls engineering, with a focus on automated systems for material-handling.  

Skills & Abilities

• Advanced proficiency in Human Machine Interface (HMI) development (Ignition) and PLC programming (Allen-Bradley and Siemens TIA Portal).
• Solid understanding of control systems, industrial automation technologies, and control theory.
• Knowledge of industry safety standards and ability to integrate them into system design.
• Strong analytical and problem-solving skills with the ability to troubleshoot complex control systems.
• Ability to travel up to 30%, based on project needs.
• Preferred: Familiarity with robotics, vision systems, and motion control, experience with Agile or Scrum methodologies, proficiency in data analysis and process optimization, including experience with SCADA systems or similar platforms, and further certification(s) in controls engineering or systems integration that demonstrate advanced technical knowledge.

Physical Requirements

• Requires ability to walk, climb, stand, carry materials, stoop, kneel, bend, stretch, push and pull
• Must be able to coordinate movement of several parts of the body, such as arms and legs, while the body is moving
• Must be able to keep or regain the body’s balance or stay upright when in an unstable position
• Must be able to use hands to handle, control, feel, grasp, move and/or assemble objects, tools or controls
• Must be able to be physically active and use muscles for extended periods without getting tired or out of breath
• Requires prolonged period of standing and walking
• Must be able to climb a 70 foot fixed ladder (ladder has rest points every10ft)
• Must be able to lift and carry up to 50 pounds; maximum unassisted lift = 50 lbs; average lift less than 20 lbs
• Must be able to adjust body movements or equipment controls to keep pace with speed changes of moving objects
• While looking forward, must be able to see objects or movements that are off to the side
• Must be able to visually inspect machines
• Must be able to see differences between colors, shades and brightness
• Exposed to moving and/or motorized equipment, machinery, parts and electricity that require safety protocols
• Must be able to speak clearly so others can understand
• Must be able to understand the speech of others
• Must be able to hear sounds and recognize the difference between them
• Must be able to focus on one source of sound and ignore others
• Must be able to determine from which direction a sound came
• Must be able to use critical PPE correctly
• Exposed to job site temperature fluctuations due to seasonal weather based on geographic region

The physical demands described above are representative of those that must be met by an employee to successfully perform the essential functions of this job.  Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.