Process Engineer - Controls

Job Title: Process Engineer – Controls
 

Location: Decatur, AL
 

Work Arrangement: On-site: Flex hours as necessary to meet operational needs, including nights and weekends.

Reports To: Controls Engineering Manager

Key Responsibilities

• Support the administration and day-to-day operation of MES systems (Proficy), including basic application support, screen updates, and data integrity checks.
• Assist with configuration and support of plant control and automation systems such as GE Proficy, Thin Manager, virtual servers, and Microsoft SQL Server.
• Learn and apply established control standards across projects, system upgrades, and routine changes to ensure consistency and reliability.
• Support installation, configuration, and validation of MES and control hardware/software; collaborate with plant personnel on control and automation solutions.
• Manage control system projects, including capital initiatives and E&I projects, providing technical leadership.
• Support plant process engineers by conditioning PLC data for analysis and developing automation applications, control strategies, and KPIs.
• Identify losses related to safety, quality, reliability, and cost; develop strategies for improvement.
• Ensure electrical safety compliance (LOTO, PPE, energized work permits, low voltage qualification) and quality/CCP standards (checkweighers, metal detectors, vision systems).
• Collaborate with leadership on new equipment selection, installation, and becoming the technical expert for new systems.
• Manage the electrical drawings SharePoint and PLC code updates through Asset Centre, taking full ownership of the processes.
• Apply control, simulation, and process modeling technologies to optimize operations.
• Support adherence to standards in business processes, project management, and change management.
• Provide ongoing maintenance and support for plant electrical and control systems, including troubleshooting and repair.
• Collaborate with the IS team to manage and lead efforts in overseeing Tenable OT security access and development.
• Dedicated 60% of the role time to Proficy management activities, including system setup, user management, and performance tuning, while allocating 40% to control system development, commissioning, and troubleshooting to enhance operational efficiency.
• Manage, configure, and support the upgrade of all RTIP screens to the Ignition platform, ensuring seamless transition and optimal system performance.

Qualifications

Minimum Requirements

• Bachelor’s degree in electrical engineering or related field.
• Experience in troubleshooting and problem solving within control systems.
• Strong communication and interpersonal skills.
• A continuous learning mindset.

Preferred Skills & Experience

• Prior controls or electrical engineering experience in manufacturing.
• Knowledge of machine/process control hardware (e.g., Allen Bradley PLC, ControlLogix, FT SE HMI, Rockwell FactoryTalk Batch).
• Understanding of instrumentation and automation software.
• Familiarity with NFPA and OSHA electrical safety standards.
• Manufacturing experience with a focus on electrical or mechanical systems.

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