Automation Engineer

Job Summary: The Automation Engineer will be responsible for supporting, maintaining and developing automation control systems used throughout the rolling process. This role requires strong knowledge and experience in electrical and automation control systems such as PLC’s, HMI’s, drives, and VME controllers.  The Automation Engineer will also participate in projects that require development, design and documentation of new or improved systems. The Automation Engineer must be highly motivated with excellent communication skills and be willing to provide technical assistance within a team environment.

Responsibilities

• Troubleshoot, design and improve automation control systems in aluminum manufacturing facility.
• Troubleshoot, maintain, and develop control system code relating to IEC 61131-3 (Ladder, Function Block, Structured Text, Instruction List, Sequential Function Charts)
• Setup, commission and debug hardware and field instrumentation relating to the control systems.
• Troubleshoot and support small to medium sized AC and DC drives.
• Create or maintain intuitive and user-friendly HMI screens to interface with automation control systems.
• Customize HMI applications to meet specific project requirements.
• Interface and collaborate with area engineers from same or different disciplines to help resolve any process issues.
• Setup, configure and maintain industrial communication networks (Profinet, Profibus, Modbus, OPC, Ethernet)
• Participate in team-oriented projects while providing expertise in automation, leading to successful on-time project completion.
• Participate in FAT (Factory Acceptance Testing) and SAT (Site Acceptance Testing) for new developments and projects.
• Electronically document thorough detail on control system troubleshooting using change logs.
• Perform routine backups of PLC and drive projects.
• Interface 3rd party products to PLC’s and other control system hardware.
• Effectively communicate with other team members on technical issues needing resolved to maintain a fluent manufacturing process.
• Ensure any new automation control systems are designed to current industry and plant standards.
• Provide troubleshooting assistance and leadership to area electricians or other maintenance personnel.
• Demonstrate safe working practices.

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in Engineering, Automation or a related field.

• Minimum of three (3) years of experience supporting Level 1 control systems in a manufacturing environment.
• Experience programming, troubleshooting, and supporting PLC-based control systems utilizing IEC 61131-3 programming standards.

• Understanding of industrial control systems, PLC hardware, and automation principles; exposure to Allen-Bradley, Siemens, and/or Modicon platforms preferred.
• Working knowledge of electrical components and circuits, including relays, transformers, circuit breakers, contactors, and motor starters.
• Experience working with industrial communication networks and protocols such as Profinet, Profibus, Modbus, TCP/UDP.
• Strong analytical, troubleshooting, and problem-solving skills with the ability to diagnose and resolve complex control system issues.
• Demonstrated ability to learn new technologies and apply engineering principles in a manufacturing environment.

Preferred Qualifications

• Five (5) or more years of experience supporting industrial automation and control systems in a manufacturing environment.
• Experience designing, programming, and troubleshooting PLCs, HMIs, and SCADA systems.
• Experience with machine safety systems, safety-rated controls, and Safety Integrity Level (SIL) standards.
• Experience with industrial networking and communications architecture.
• Experience leading or supporting automation improvement projects.
• Ability to read and interpret electrical schematics, wiring diagrams, and technical drawings.

Key Competencies

• Ability to read, interpret, and troubleshoot electrical schematics, wiring diagrams, and technical drawings.

• Strong verbal and written communication skills with the ability to collaborate effectively across operations, maintenance, engineering, and IT teams.
• Demonstrated commitment to workplace safety and safe work practices.
• Ability to manage multiple priorities and respond effectively in a fast-paced manufacturing environment.
• Strong organizational skills and attention to detail.
• Willingness to provide occasional off-hours support through phone, VPN, and on-site troubleshooting as needed.

About Constellium

With over 1,200 employees, Constellium’s plant in Ravenswood, West Virginia, is one of the

world’s largest rolled products facilities, offering customers the most powerful plate stretchers in

the world, as well as one of the largest cold rolling mills. Built in 1957, the plant houses 62 acres

(about 250,900 m²) of production facilities and is one of the top 50 businesses in West Virginia. 

We produce plate, sheet, and coil products for aerospace, defense, transportation, marine, and

industrial uses. As the global leader in aluminum aerospace technology, we specialize in high

performance plates, sheets, extrusions, and precision castings that bring cost benefits to space

programs and military and commercial aircraft. Our pre-machining and custom designed

components can be found in products for Airbus, Boeing, Bombardier, Lockheed Martin, NASA,

and others. 

The Ravenswood facility is nestled in the foothills of the Appalachian Mountains, along the

Ohio River. It is the largest employer in Jackson County, and one of the top 50 businesses in

West Virginia.

A culture of family, community, and hard work runs deep in Jackson County. Located in the

western region of West Virginia is one of the most productive regions in the state, with Ripley

as its county seat and Ravenswood serving as its largest municipality. Ripley sits between the

Parkersburg and Charleston metropolitan areas.

The region offers plenty of activities, both open-air and indoors, for a wide range of interests.

These include parks, lakes, forests, Civil War trails, golf courses, historical landmarks (covered

bridges, a heritage house, a castle), museums and galleries, conference centers, the Clay

Center for the Arts and Sciences, the Charleston Light Opera Guild, and much more.

Constellium is an Equal Opportunity Employer:

Employment decisions are made without regard to race, color, religion, national or ethnic origin, sex, sexual orientation, gender, gender identity or expression, age, disability, protected veteran status or other characteristics protected by law.