The Control Systems Engineer performs a variety of professional, technical, and administrative work tosupport the design, implementation, testing, and operation of process control systems.
Essential Functions
- Programs and debugs process control systems including but not limited to field elements and devices, PLCs, HMIs, and reporting software
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Performs problem definition and requirements analysis, produces justification reports, and develops designs for implementing new process control loops, or new control system to optimize performance of computer-controlled processes
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Troubleshoots difficult control/data systems
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Analyzes and tunes difficult process control loops to optimum response and cost-effective control
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Recommends changes to control strategies or operational modes based on observation of control loops
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Represents the Division in design teams for facility construction projects
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Participates in testing, debugging, and start-up of new processes and equipment
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Recommends hardware and software changes and upgrades to existing systems
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Reviews plans of projects for functional design and conformance to Commission standards, specifications, and contractual requirements
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Works extensively with computer based scientific and process control programming
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Reviews plans for plant alterations or new plant construction
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Responds to calls to emergency situations outside of normal work hours to support WSSC Water business
Other Functions
- Deploys and commissions PLC based RTU’s in the WSSC Water’s SCADA system
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May be required to participate in the group’s emergency duty program
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Develops cost estimated of water, sewer and related projects
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Performs other duties as required
Work Environment And Physical Demands
- Ability to climb ladders, walk up and down two flights of steps without assistance, walk 100 yards without assistance, work in confined spaces and elevated locations.
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Used hand tools and use a multi-meter in an electrical panel.
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Ability to lift minimum of 50 pounds, and to utilize appropriate safety equipment and procedures appropriately.
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Ability to hear audible alarms and abnormal equipment noises.
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Ability to visually inspect equipment and processes any time of day or night. Good physical condition, particularly the absence of respiratory and back problems
Required Knowledge, Skills, And Abilities
- Working knowledge and ability to install, program, test, tune, troubleshoot, and optimize all process control components including field sensors, PLCs, cabling, networks, operator stations, historical databases, etc.
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Working knowledge and training in the theory and operation of all components of process control systems
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Ability and skill in researching what changes in process control are cost justified
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Ability to effectively interface with operational and technical disciplines (electrical, mechanical, process) engineers to develop changes in ancillary equipment
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Ability and skill to write and present clear and concise cost justification reports
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Ability to work with contractors, developers, consultants and the general public and to maintain satisfactory working relationships with subordinates, peers, and supervisors and to work in a team environment
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Ability to keep abreast of and adapt to changes in the process control technology
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Ability to lead and provide training for lower level Process Control Technicians
Minimum Education, Experience Requirements
- Bachelor’s degree with a major in Electrical Engineering, Civil Engineering (environmental option), Chemical Engineering, Mechanical Engineering, Computer Science, Information Systems Management or a related degree to industrial process control
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3+ years of direct control experience in the design, programming, systems start-up as it is related to new construction and/or control equipment installation, engineering and operations of PLC based distributed process control and/or communication systems, or relevant and similar experience to manufacturing industries or control system vendors.
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- High School diploma or equivalent
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7+ years experience in an engineering, instrumentation/communications, electrical or operational environment, including 3 years of direct control experience in the design, programming, systems start-up as it is related to new construction and/or control equipment installation, engineering and operations of PLC based distributed process control and/or communication systems, or relevant and similar experience to manufacturing industries or control system vendors.