Automation Design Engineer - Electrical

ROLE, FUNCTION & ORGANIZATION

The Engineer II, Automation Design is responsible for aspects of designing automated control systems. This includes specifying parts, drawing schematics and panel layouts, and creating installation packages for projects. This position applies engineering design principles, knowledge of control systems hardware, and installation practices to develop the required documentation necessary to deliver successful automation projects to internal and external customers. This position collaborates with Project Managers, Application Engineers, Automation Engineers, Panel shop and Field installation teams to ensure seamless project implementation, strict compliance with industry standards, and a strong focus on quality and customer satisfaction.

An experienced automation design engineer with solid expertise in key automation design tasks, and actively pursues opportunities to expand technical abilities. Demonstrates command of design software tools, and the ability to work independently. Can efficiently complete assigned design tasks with less guidance, while ensuring customer satisfaction. Hones development plan to better define technical, personal, and career goals. Understands and implements assigned projects the Pieper Automation Way, following the standards and practices that define the company's approach to automation design.

At PPC Partners we believe in the Power to Serve along with the Pursuit of Excellence. As such the following values guide our behaviors: Safety -- Always, Servant's Heart -- Focus on Others, Wisdom -- Insightful, Integrity -- Honesty and Trustworthy, Courage -- Decisive and Confident, Humility -- Modest and Respectful, Passion -- Unfailing Dedication

ESSENTIAL DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES

Responsibility 1: Use Technical Expertise for Project Execution -- "Working In the Business"

• Provide design engineering for projects, collaborating with the Pieper team and customers. This includes specifying parts, drawing schematics and panel layouts, and creating installation packages for projects, and supporting installations.
• Follow best practices and the Pieper Automation Way to ensure quality design and project documentation.
• Demonstrate a pattern of success on projects with positive customer feedback leading to additional work opportunities.
• Work with Project Managers to track and manage project cost/performance, execute projects on time and within budget.
• Assist with reviewing project scopes, recommending technical solutions, and generating estimates.
• Provide design engineering support for all aspects of design and installation packages for projects.
• Troubleshoot and solve technical problems within areas of experience.
• Follow internal processes for time and cost management: forecasting, time entry, expense reports, maximizing billable work.

Responsibility 2: Use Technical Expertise for Branch initiatives -- "Working On the Business"

• Support EOS program by actively participating in L10s and completing meaningful quarterly rocks.
• Perform internal projects, focusing on Operational Excellence and continuous improvement.
• Develop and maintain standards and processes to streamline design practices -- the "Pieper Automation Way".
• Assist with Team development by mentoring, training others, creating training plans, vendor interface, etc.

Responsibility 3: Personal Development Activities

• Create an Employee Development Plan and meet with supervisor quarterly to review progress.
• Create and track progress of SMART goals focused on technical, personal and/or professional development.
• Plan and achieve target hours for Continuing Education.

Safety/Hazard Recognition & Elimination

• Pre-plan and identify the methods to eliminate hazards daily by work task.
• Execute skill in observing habits and hazards of others and bringing it to their attention.
• Uphold safety as the most important goal of our company. Support goal of achieving zero accidents.
• Promote and encourage open communication regarding all safety concerns, suggestions, improvements, and PPE needed.
• Obtain safety training as expected by all company personnel.

QUALIFICATIONS AND REQUIREMENTS

• Uses general understanding of automation equipment including PLCs, Operator Interface Systems, or Instrumentation. Applies knowledge of AC/DC fundamentals to produce electrical circuit design in accordance with NEC and UL508A when applicable.
• Typically Two to Five years of experience in industrial automation, a Bachelor's degree in Engineering or related field, or equivalent combination of experience and education.
• This position requires a decisive leader able to lead a project team, work independently and collaboratively with a passion for hands-on work, and mentorship of less experienced engineers. Must have a desire to work in a team-based environment and contribute immediately.

KNOWLEDGE, SKILL AND ABILITIES

Demonstrate knowledge of the following:

• Positive safety attitude and personal integrity -- both are non-negotiable.
• Communication skills and technical writing skills.
• Friendly, professional demeanor, ability to follow through on tasks and work independently.
• Work independently to meet deadlines and budgets, work on multiple jobs simultaneously, and fulfill all job requirements in a timely fashion.
• Understand Automation Design documents - Ability to read and comprehend automation equipment manuals and electrical schematics.
• Effectively utilize Engineering Design tools -- AutoCAD, ePlan, etc.
• Attention to detail in all aspects of design documentation.
• Perform field verification, construction support and project reviews.
• Understand wiring practices and electrical fieldwork.
• General automation product & terminology knowledge. (PLC, HMI, SCADA)
• Effectively utilize Microsoft products such as Word, Excel, Outlook, Teams, SharePoint, CoPilot, etc.
• Interacting with customers and a drive for customer satisfaction.
• Be willing and capable of completing personal development plans for self. Demonstrate desire to learn and grow personally and professionally.

Demonstrate extensive knowledge of one or more of the following and general knowledge of the others:

• Effectively perform Engineering Design tasks -- circuit protection, conductor sizing, panel heat calculations, etc.
• Ability to read and comprehend product manuals.
• Ability to generate electrical schematics from project specification information.
• Ability to read process & instrument diagrams.
• Trained and certified in UL design standards.
• Familiarity with Motor Control Centers and motor controls knowledge.
• Familiarity with Machine Safety standards and safety controls hardware.
• Familiarity with Robotics systems.
• Familiarity with Machine Vision inspection systems.
• Ability to define problems, collect data, establish facts, and draw valid conclusions.
• Use of Artificial Intelligence tools