Automation & Electrical Systems Specialist

The Automation & Electrical Systems Specialist is responsible for supporting the reliability, maintenance, troubleshooting, and continuous improvement of the facility's instrumentation, electrical systems, process control infrastructure, analyzer systems, and Operational Technology (OT) environment. This position serves as a hands-on technical resource with expertise in Distributed Control Systems (DCS), Programmable Logic Controllers (PLC), industrial networking, process instrumentation, and electrical equipment.

Working closely with the Controls Systems Specialist and Analyzer Specialist, this role provides technical support for automation systems, process analyzers, field instrumentation, and electrical assets to ensure safe, reliable, and efficient plant operations. The Automation & Electrical Systems Specialist contributes to operational excellence through effective troubleshooting, project execution, system optimization, and implementation of technology solutions while upholding Pinnacle Polymers' Core Values: Safety First, Always; People; Quality; Continuous Improvement; Teamwork; and Sustainability.

RESPONSIBILITIES:

Automation & Process Control Support

• Support the maintenance, troubleshooting, and continuous improvement of Distributed Control Systems (Honeywell DCS), Programmable Logic Controllers (Allen Bradley PLC), SIS Systems (Triconex) and related automation systems.
• Assist in diagnosing process control issues impacting safety, production, quality, and reliability.
• Support implementation of control strategy modifications, software upgrades, and system enhancements.
• Participate in startup, commissioning, and testing activities for new installations and capital projects.
• Assist with development and maintenance of control system documentation, operator graphics, alarm systems, and control narratives.
• Provide technical support to operations and maintenance personnel regarding automation and control system issues

Instrumentation & Analyzer Systems Support

• Support the maintenance, calibration, troubleshooting, and repair of instrumentation and analyzer systems (Siemens Maxum II) throughout the facility.
• Assist the Analyzer Specialist with reliability improvements, troubleshooting efforts, and maintenance planning for process and environmental analyzers.
• Troubleshoot and repair field instruments including pressure, temperature, flow, level, analytical, and control valve systems.
• Support commissioning and performance verification of instrumentation and analyzer installations.
• Assist in developing and improving preventive and predictive maintenance strategies for instrumentation assets.
• Support electrical system reliability initiatives and corrective maintenance activities.
• Perform diagnostics and root cause investigations on electrical equipment failures.
• Review and interpret electrical schematics, loop diagrams, single-line drawings, and P&IDs.
• Ensure all work complies with applicable codes, standards, and safe work practices.

OT Infrastructure & Cybersecurity

• Support Operational Technology (OT) cybersecurity initiatives and best practices for industrial control systems.
• Assist in maintaining industrial communication networks, fiber optic infrastructure, switches, firewalls, and control system hardware.
• Support system backups, patch management, disaster recovery planning, and cybersecurity compliance activities.
• Work collaboratively with Information Technology (IT), engineering, and operations personnel to maintain secure and reliable system performance.
• Assist in evaluating emerging technologies and cybersecurity improvements that enhance system reliability and security.

Reliability & Continuous Improvement

• Participate in root cause failure analyses and implementation of corrective actions.
• Identify opportunities to improve equipment reliability, safety, and overall plant performance.
• Support Management of Change (MOC) activities related to instrumentation, controls, analyzer systems, and electrical equipment.
• Assist with development and maintenance of technical documentation, standards, drawings, and procedures.
• Support capital project execution including planning, design review, startup, and commissioning activities.
• Have a strong drive for self-development and continuous improvement
• Provide technical training and knowledge sharing to operations and maintenance personnel as needed.

Additional tasks as assigned, in addition to serving as backup support for the Controls Systems Specialist and Analyzer Specialist during absences, outages, and major maintenance events.

REQUIREMENTS:

• Associate's Degree or Bachelor's Degree in Electrical Engineering, Electrical Engineering Technology, Instrumentation Concentration, Industrial Instrumentation and Electrical Technology, Automation Technology, or related technical field preferred.
• Minimum 5 years of industrial experience in automation, instrumentation, process controls, electrical maintenance, or related disciplines in a manufacturing, chemical, refining, or petrochemical environment.
• Strong understanding of Distributed Control Systems (DCS), Programmable Logic Controllers (PLC), industrial automation systems, and industrial communication networks.
• Hands-on experience troubleshooting instrumentation, electrical systems, automation equipment, and industrial control systems.
• Working knowledge of industrial network architecture, fiber optic systems, and OT cybersecurity principles.
• Experience supporting process analyzers, environmental analyzers, and analytical instrumentation preferred.
• Ability to read, interpret, modify, and create (AutoCAD) electrical schematics, control drawings, loop diagrams, P&IDs, and logic documentation.
• Understanding of applicable electrical codes, standards, and safe work practices.
• Experience supporting capital projects, startups, shutdowns, and system upgrades.
• Strong troubleshooting, analytical, and root cause problem-solving skills.
• Must possess excellent organizational and prioritization skills.
• Strong communication and interpersonal skills with the ability to work effectively across multiple departments.
• Must prioritize and execute tasks in a fast-paced manufacturing environment.
• Must have a hands-on work ethic and willingness to work in both office and field environments.
• Ability to work in the U.S. and obtain successful completion of a pre-employment background check and screening.

PHYSICAL REQUIREMENTS & WORK ENVIRONMENT:

• Normal Production Plant environment with controlled climate as well as outside elements, which at times may include extreme heat or extreme cold.
• Ability to meet the physical requirements of the job which are: frequently required to sit; stand; walk; use hands to touch, handle, or feel; reach with hands and arms; and talk or hear. The employee is occasionally required to climb stairs, stoop, kneel, or crouch. The employee must regularly lift and/or move up to 10 pounds, frequently lift and/or move up to 25 pounds, and occasionally lift and/or move up to 50 pounds. Specific vision abilities required by this job include close vision, distance vision, color vision, peripheral vision, depth perception, and ability to adjust focus.
• Must be able to hear sounds and recognize the difference between them, focus on one source of sound and ignore others, understand speech of another person, speak clearly so listeners can understand.  Use of radio communications and hearing protection is required in process operation areas.  
• Wear all required Personal Protective Equipment (PPE) and pass any medical examination associated with the use of PPE.
• Must be able to safely perform the essential functions of the job without posing a direct threat to the safety of his or her own self, or the safety of others.