Automation Specialist
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Job Location:
New Castle, CO - USA
Monthly Salary:
Not Disclosed
Posted on:
30+ days ago
Vacancies:
1 Vacancy
Department:
Job Summary
About this position
The Automation Specialist drives the development implementation standardization and stewardship of automated systems and controls and OT systems across the manufacturing network. This role bridges plant-floor controls with corporate IT to enhance operational efficiency through process improvements system reliability while providing enhanced data visibility. Responsibilities include developing standards leading small to mid-sized projects mentoring site technicians and troubleshooting/implementing PLC/HMI SCADA robotics and MES solutions. Working with engineers IT and operations the Automation Specialist enables greater efficiency connectivity and reduced manual work across all facilities.
Essential Functions and Responsibilities
- Lead projects to connect machines and legacy equipment to SCADA/historian/MES systems (e.g. Ignition FactoryTalk Wonderware).
- Work with cross-functional teams to collect data prepare reports and document system processes.
- Assist with installation configuration and troubleshooting of automation and operational technology systems including robotics and machine controls.
- Support system monitoring and diagnostics to ensure uptime and reliability.
- Provide hands-on technical support for automation platforms control systems and related software.
- Integrate machines into OT data flows; enable OEE Andon and traceability use cases.
- Assist with integration of OT systems with IT infrastructure including network connectivity and data flow.
- Create functional/design specs of OT systems and participate in testing and rollout of new automation technologies
- Coordinate vendors and system integrators with appropriate business unit personnel.
- Recommend ideas for process improvements and efficiency.
- Collaborate with cross-functional teams to identify process improvement through automation.
- Stay current on emerging automation technologies and recommend upgrades where appropriate.
- Standardize tag naming and contextualization for historians and analytics; ensure data quality for KPIs
- Partner with IT to land OT data into enterprise platforms securely (e.g. data lake/warehouse)
- Help ensure compliance with data privacy cybersecurity and corporate technology standards.
- Document standard operating procedures troubleshooting steps and best practices for automation systems.
- Serve as point of escalation for OT project issues across multiple sites.
- Mentor and help upskill business unit operation teams; deliver instruction playbooks and determine recommended training
- Create an OT asset inventory (hardware/firmware/software) and determine lifecycle roadmaps
- Define and maintain corporate OT standards for PLC/HMI/SCADA drives networks and data integration (e.g. naming code templates alarming historian tags change control).
- Establish and champion a Unified Namespace (UNS)/data model for shopâfloor systems (utilizing OPC UA/MQTT Sparkplug) and align with ERP systems.
- Develop cybersecurity baselines for OT (network segmentation hardening patching cadence account management remote access vendor management) in partnership with IT security.
- Define and implement change management procedures version control and backup processes for OT applications.
- Other duties as assigned.
Minimum Experience and Qualifications
Education and Experience
- Bachelors degree in Information Technology Computer Science Engineering or related field. Equivalent work experience will be considered in lieu of degree.
- 5 or more years experience in manufacturing industrial controls/automation with strong handsâon PLC/HMI/SCADA experience.
- SCADA experience with one or more: Ignition FactoryTalk Wonderware AVEVA Edge Siemens WinCC.
- Proficiency with AllenâBradley/Rockwell/Siemens systems and controls.
- Data connectivity acumen: OPC UA MQTT/Sparkplug Kepware/edge gateways; foundational knowledge of historians (tags models calculations compression).
- Competent with SQL and scripting (e.g. Python) for troubleshooting data checks and light automation.
- Demonstrated knowledge of Industrial networking: EtherNet/IP Profinet Modbus TCP legacy DeviceNet/ControlNet managed switches VLANs NAT routing.
Core Competencies
- Strong documentation vendor coordination and field troubleshooting skills; able to work safely in heavy industrial environments.
- Familiarity with IT/OT integration concepts such as networking databases and data flow.
- Strong troubleshooting and problem-solving skills.
- Ability to learn new technologies quickly and work in a fast-paced environment.
- Effective communication and teamwork skills to collaborate with IT engineering and operations staff.
Job Requirement
- Willingness to travel occasionally to manufacturing sites to provide on-site support. (Up to 20%)
Required Experience:
IC
Key Skills
- Controlling Experience
- Distributed Control Systems
- Pardot
- Crystal Reports
- Marketing Automation
- Salesforce Marketing Cloud
- Warehouse Management
- HubSpot
- Responsys
- Email Marketing
- Leadership Experience
- Programmable Logic Controllers
About Company
At ELLWOOD Group, we use our metallurgy know-how to provide critical engineered solutions. We care about making an impact on the industries we serve and providing the highest quality steel to produce our ingots, forgings, crankshafts and more.
