Plant Controls Engineer, Chemical Division

Milliken & Company is a global manufacturing leader whose focus on materials science delivers tomorrow’s breakthroughs today. From industry-leading molecules to sustainable innovations, Milliken creates products that enhance people’s lives and deliver solutions for its customers and communities. Drawing on thousands of patents and a portfolio with applications across the textile, flooring, chemical and healthcare businesses, the company harnesses a shared sense of integrity and excellence to positively impact the world for generations. Discover more about Milliken’s curious minds and inspired solutions at Milliken.com and on Facebook, Instagram, LinkedIn and Twitter.

POSITION TITLE

Plant Controls Engineer, Chemical Division

POSITION OVERVIEW

The Plant Controls Engineer is the primary resource for maintenance and reliability of Encapsys Programmable Logic Controllers (PLCs), HMI consoles, and power distribution systems, both for daily operations and with assigned projects.   Problems that occur in these areas must be solved timely by the position, or production and shipment of quality product to customers will be compromised.  The role works closely with maintenance, production and other staff to improve control systems and troubleshoot issues that occur. This position is located in Portage, Wisconsin at Encapsys, a wholly owned subsidiary of Milliken. This person will be on call 24/7 except for vacation. Work hours are typically M-Fri. with flex between work from home opportunities.

JOB RESPONSIBILITIES

• Maximized uptime and reduced interruptions of control systems and equipment
• Improved reliability and performance of plant PLC and communications systems
• On time and within budget completion of electrical aspects of projects
• Travel between three Encapsys sites to support all PLC systems.
• Identification of areas for improvement of controls and communications systems and power distribution systems, and implementation of these
• Design and manage plant electrical power distribution systems, PLC control systems and HMI applications
• Provide recommendations on electrical specifications to meet industry standards
• Preview, approve, and release all detailed electrical drawings for production and installation
• Assign project work to internal and external engineers, programmers and CAD designers, and direct their activities as needed
• Participate in capital projects delivering breakthrough results, developing and implementing electrical plans to include technical requirements, tasks, schedules, resources and milestones
• Communicate project status, risks, countermeasures and opportunities through written reports, presentations or conference calls
• Manage project execution through regular status reviews and eliminate barriers preventing progress
• Create written capital project requests with clear scope, schedule, resources and justification
• Track project costs against budget and report to both team and management on a consistent basis
• Using a Lean/Continuous Improvement mindset, identify and implement changes that improve control systems and communications within the plant, and lead to shortened cycle times, improved quality, etc.
• Evaluate and make recommendations on equipment maintenance requirements and spare parts requirements
• Ability to wear a respirator as required by the task being performed or chemical safety data sheets
• Work safely around and appropriately handle hazardous chemicals around plant
• Participate in quarterly capital planning meetings

QUALIFICATIONS - REQUIRED

• Bachelor of Science degree in Electrical Engineering or related technical field
• Minimum of 5+ years of relevant experience
• Ability to travel to multiple Encapsys sites (up to 30%)
• Substantial hands-on electrical engineering experience in areas of Allen Bradley PLC controls, HMI development, plant level power distribution, process integration and optimization 
• Understanding of and ability to specify instrumentation requirements on capital projects
• Excellent project management skills (prioritization, organization, resource allocation, multi-tasking and business analytics)
• Proficient with Rockwell Studio 5000 and FactoryTalk software applications
• Proficiency in AutoCAD, AutoCAD Electrical, MS Word, Excel, PowerPoint and Microsoft Project
• Superior interpersonal, oral and written communications, including strong presentation skills
• Strong team orientation and collaborative skills with plant operators and outside contractors; ability to surface and handle conflictual issues that impede progress
• Kaizen focused with demonstrated ability to energize and empower others toward continuous improvement
• Experience in interfacing with customers, upper management, process, and research engineers

QUALIFICATIONS - PREFERRED

• 7+ years of experience in electrical engineering and industrial control systems, with application in a manufacturing environment 
• Experience in chemical, pharma, and/or liquid food processing facilities a plus
• Familiarity with OSI PI products desired

Milliken is an equal opportunity employer and all qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to actual or perceived race, color, creed, religion, sex or gender (including pregnancy, childbirth or related medical condition, including but not limited to lactation), sexual orientation, gender identity or gender expression (including transgender status), ancestry, national origin, citizenship, age physical or mental disability, genetic information, marital status, veteran or military status or any other characteristic protected by applicable law.