PLC Engineer

PPS is seeking a qualified Electrical/Controls Engineer for our aluminum extrusion facility in Phoenix, AZ. The Engineer will be tasked with designing, programming, and troubleshooting control systems for industrial equipment and other automation projects- particularly PLCs, HMIs, and servo systems.

This is a full-time, permanent Direct Hire position with an excellent starting pay rate, second-to-none benefits, and a high ceiling for growth!

Responsibilities:

• Day-to-day technical advice, problem solving and support to operations and maintenance by applying engineering principles, tools, and skills to solve problems to root cause.
• Knowledge of applicable electrical safety codes.
• Write, test, and debug PLC programs
• Ensuring immediate equipment functionality and supporting the implementation of long-term improvement strategies.
• Develop HMI/SCADA screens for operators.
• Implement safety logic and logic interlocks.
• Support installation of control panels.
• Diagnose and fix faults in PLC programs, hardware and wiring.
• Optomize existing programs for improved performance and reliability.
• Prepare electrical drawings, I/O lists, and control narratives.
• Document PLC programs, changes and automation technologies.
• Improve automation efficiency and reduce downtime.
• Stay updated on new PLC platforms and automation technologies.
• Reviewing or participating in existing equipment modifications or new equipment installations (capex) and ensuring compliance with appropriate engineering standards.
• Developing and implementing engineering solutions to eliminate repetitive equipment failures.
• Facilitating the improvement of equipment reliability through reducing failures and turnaround times for planned and unplanned events.
• Leading/Facilitating risk assessment and value analysis to make accurate engineering decisions for repair/replace/redesign.
• Identifying and/or implementing new ideas and cost reduction opportunities.
• Managing contractor activities to support the implementation of critical equipment repairs or modifications.
• Conveying technical ideas and concepts to support plant objectives and goals.
• Designing, troubleshooting, and understanding various PLC systems and other low voltage power distribution systems.
• Creating, maintaining, and updating equipment files, programs, and drawings.
• Other duties as assigned.
• Interact with other engineers, shop floor fabricators, management, and customers.
• Create electrical schematics, panel layouts, and bills of materials for machine control systems.
• Responsible for facility of electrical systems and ensuring all systems meet regulatory requirements.
• Provide directions to Skilled Electrical Trades Personnel on multiple shifts and will provide electrical/controls leadership and technical troubleshooting skills for critical manufacturing equipment in the manufacturing of extruded aluminum products.

• Applying sound principles and techniques in the design, development, or testing of electronic systems, equipment, products, and facilities.
• Plan and support installation of process equipment modifications including the management of schedules and costs.
• Track equipment downtime, occurrence frequency and develop preventative/predictive programs to improve performance.
• Control and maintain equipment drawings, program security and equipment specs/spare parts.

Qualifications:

• Skills and training normally obtained from undergraduate or graduate engineering programs with emphasis on Electrical Engineering and PLC controls. Progress toward professional registration is a plus if demonstrated.
• Excellent communication skills both verbal and written.
• Skills in project planning.
• Technical understanding of basic hydraulics, electrical and mechanical systems.
• Relentless focus on driving process stability.
• Ability to lead, to collaborate and to execute.
• A hands-on engineer with knowledge of automated systems.
• Proven ability to exercise independent judgement and action.
• People oriented with an innate ability to establish a high degree of credibility.
• Analytical thinking, problem solving and cross functional collaboration.
• Experienced in Lean and Six Sigma concepts.
• Trained in various manufacturing concepts and technologies.

• Bachelor’s degree in electrical engineering, or a licensed journeyman with Electrician/Control certification.
• Minimum of 5 years managerial experience in a manufacturing / plant environment.
• Employees must be legally authorized to work in the United States.
• Must pass drug test and criminal background check.