Controls Engineer II

SP Industries, Inc., an ATS company, has an opening for a Controls Engineer II to join the team!

The Controls Engineer II plays a key role in the design, development, and implementation of automation technologies used in lyophilization systems for pharmaceutical, medical, research, and industrial applications. This position is responsible for developing and supporting PLC, HMI, and SCADA-based control systems that ensure reliable equipment performance and regulatory compliance.

The ideal candidate will have experience with industrial automation, controls engineering, or system integration, along with strong troubleshooting and communication skills.

Why join US?

Join a team that develops industry-leading lyophilization and process automation solutions used by pharmaceutical, biotechnology, and research organizations worldwide. You'll have the opportunity to work on challenging automation projects, collaborate with cross-functional teams, and contribute to innovative technologies that support critical healthcare and scientific advancements

Responsibilities: include but not limited to the following:

• Develop, test, troubleshoot, modify, and commission Allen-Bradley PLC applications using Studio 5000 and CompactLogix platforms.
• Develop, test, troubleshoot, modify, and commission SCADA and HMI applications using GE Proficy iFIX and related software platforms.
• Specify, procure, and support control system hardware, instrumentation, and related components.
• Interpret, develop, and modify engineering documentation, including:
  
  
  
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    • P&IDs
    • Electrical and control schematics
    • Wiring diagrams
    • I/O lists
    • Pneumatic and hydraulic drawings
    • Functional specifications
    • User manuals
    • Sequence of operations documentation
    
    
    
    
  
  
  
  
• Create and maintain GAMP-compliant documentation, including Functional Specifications (FS), Hardware Design Specifications (HDS), and Software Design Specifications (SDS).
• Develop, configure, and maintain PC-based relational databases.
• Design and implement control systems that meet project schedules, budgets, customer requirements, and equipment specifications.
• Support value engineering initiatives, product improvements, and sustaining engineering projects focused on enhancing reliability, safety, quality, manufacturability, and cost effectiveness.
• Assist Technical Support and Field Service teams with troubleshooting and customer support activities.
• Travel as required to company facilities, vendor locations, and customer sites, including occasional international travel.

Required Qualifications

• Minimum of 1-5 years of engineering experience in industrial controls, automation, or a related field.
• Experience developing and supporting SCADA systems; GE Proficy iFIX experience preferred. Experience with Zenon is a plus.
• Experience developing and supporting HMI applications; Allen-Bradley and Siemens platforms preferred.
• Understanding of ANSI/ISA-5.1 standards and industrial instrumentation practices.
• Experience using CAD software such as AutoCAD or SolidWorks.
• Strong knowledge of industrial networking and IP-based communications.
• Experience configuring and supporting PCs, servers, and thin clients in Microsoft Windows environments.
• Strong troubleshooting, analytical, and problem-solving skills.
• Excellent organizational skills and attention to detail.
• Strong verbal and written communication skills.

Preferred Qualifications

Experience in any of the following areas is highly desirable:

• Validation and change-control procedures for control systems.
• FDA-regulated manufacturing environments.
• Controls validation and commissioning activities.
• Manufacturing resource planning (MRP), inventory control, and bill-of-material management systems.
• ISO 9001 quality management systems.
• Multi-vendor systems integration projects.
• Refrigeration system controls.
• Pharmaceutical or biotechnology equipment automation.
• Knowledge of GAMP 5 software development and documentation practices.
• Familiarity with 21 CFR Part 11 requirements for electronic records and electronic signatures.

Education

• Bachelor's degree in Electrical Engineering, Computer Engineering, Computer Science, or a related technical discipline preferred.
• Candidates with an Associate's degree and 5+ years of relevant experience will be considered.
• Candidates without a degree who possess 10+ years of directly related controls engineering experience may also be considered.

Physical Demands:

Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions of the position.

• Regularly required to communicate verbally and work collaboratively with others.
• Regularly required to work with computerized systems and utilize color vision when troubleshooting or reviewing technical information.
• Regularly required to sit, stand, and walk throughout the workday.
• Occasionally required to lift and carry up to 50 pounds.
• Regular use of standard office equipment, computers, and engineering tools.

Work Environment:

The work environment characteristics described here are typical of those an employee might encoutner while performing the essential functions of this job.

• Work is normally performed in both the office and the shop.
• The office environment is an interior office with air conditioning.
• The shop contains mobile equipment, machinery, and high voltages.
• The shop noise level is variable and may require hearing protection in some areas.
• The shop is heated when required but many areas are not air conditioned.
• Some shop processes use high voltage arcs or concentrated magnetic fields.
• The shop contains open flames and caustic chemicals.
• Some areas of the shop may be designated as hard hat zones.

HSE:

All employees have the responsibility to work in a safe manner and report any health, safety or environmental concern to their manager or supervisor in a timely manner.
Employee responsibilities for Health, Safety and Environment include:

• Work in compliance with divisional health, safety and environmental procedures
• Refrain from removing or altering safety devices or guarding unless hazardous energies are controlled through lockout-tagout methods
• Report any unsafe conditions or unsafe acts
• Report defect in any equipment or protective device
• Ensure that the required protective equipment is used for the assigned tasks
• Attend all required health, safety and environmental training
• Report any accidents/incidents to supervisor
• Assist in investigating accidents/incidents
• Refrain from engaging in any prank, contest, feat of strength, unnecessary running or rough and boisterous conduct