Job Title: Manufacturing Instrumentation Engineer
Job Summary:
The Mid-Level Manufacturing Instrumentation Engineer is responsible for managing and optimizing instrumentation systems and automated processes in a manufacturing environment. This role involves overseeing the installation, configuration, and maintenance of PLC/SCADA systems, robots, conveyors, and other industrial automation equipment. The engineer will work on improving system performance, troubleshooting complex issues, supporting quality control efforts, and collaborating with cross-functional teams to ensure that manufacturing processes run efficiently and meet production and quality standards.
Key Responsibilities:
Automation Systems and Instrumentation Management:
- Lead the setup, calibration, and maintenance of advanced automated systems, including robots, conveyors, and other industrial machinery.
- Oversee the integration of instrumentation with PLC/SCADA systems, ensuring optimal functionality and communication between automated equipment and control systems.
- Manage system configurations, ensuring instrumentation systems are properly calibrated and meet production requirements.
SCADA and PLC Programming and Optimization:
- Develop, configure, and optimize PLC and SCADA control systems to automate manufacturing processes.
- Troubleshoot, debug, and optimize PLC programs and SCADA systems, ensuring they meet operational requirements and reduce downtime.
- Collaborate with senior engineers to refine control logic, improve system efficiency, and implement best practices for automation and instrumentation.
Quality Control and Performance Monitoring:
- Lead the efforts to monitor system performance and ensure adherence to quality standards in automated manufacturing.
- Analyze data from instrumentation and control systems to assess performance and identify areas for improvement in system functionality and product quality.
- Implement quality control protocols for instrumentation systems to ensure that all systems and equipment meet production and quality requirements.
Troubleshooting and Issue Resolution:
- Lead troubleshooting efforts to diagnose and resolve complex issues related to instrumentation and automation systems.
- Work with cross-functional teams to identify root causes of production issues and recommend corrective actions.
- Ensure systems are proactively maintained to minimize downtime and ensure continuous production flow.
Project Management and Implementation:
- Lead or support the execution of automation projects, ensuring the integration of instrumentation and automated systems aligns with project specifications.
- Coordinate with cross-functional teams (e.g., production, maintenance, quality assurance) to implement new automation solutions and improvements.
- Manage project timelines, resources, and budgets to ensure successful project completion.
Collaboration and Cross-Functional Support:
- Work closely with production teams, quality assurance, and maintenance departments to ensure smooth operation of automated systems.
- Provide technical support and guidance to operators and junior engineers on instrumentation systems, automation equipment, and troubleshooting procedures.
- Collaborate in the development and implementation of maintenance schedules and procedures for automation and instrumentation systems.
Documentation and Compliance:
- Maintain accurate documentation of system configurations, calibration records, and maintenance logs to ensure compliance with internal standards and industry regulations.
- Generate reports on system performance, quality assurance metrics, and project outcomes.
- Ensure that all instrumentation systems comply with safety, environmental, and regulatory requirements.
Learning and Development:
- Continue to develop technical expertise in industrial automation, PLC/SCADA systems, and instrumentation technologies.
- Stay updated on emerging technologies in manufacturing automation and instrumentation, and recommend improvements to existing systems.
Key Focus Areas:
- System Optimization: Optimize PLC/SCADA systems and instrumentation for improved performance, reliability, and efficiency in automated manufacturing processes.
- Troubleshooting and Problem-Solving: Lead efforts to resolve complex technical issues in automation and instrumentation systems.
- Quality Control: Ensure systems are consistently performing to meet quality and production standards.
- Project Leadership: Manage projects related to the integration and optimization of instrumentation and automated systems.
- Collaboration: Provide support to production, maintenance, and quality teams to ensure the effective operation of manufacturing systems.
Skills and Knowledge Required:
- In-depth understanding of instrumentation systems, PLC/SCADA systems, and industrial automation tools.
- Experience with programming and configuring PLCs (e.g., Siemens, Allen-Bradley, Rockwell Automation) and SCADA systems.
- Strong problem-solving skills, with experience troubleshooting complex instrumentation and automation issues.
- Knowledge of quality control practices and experience ensuring systems meet production and regulatory standards.
- Strong communication and collaboration skills to work with cross-functional teams and provide technical support.
- Ability to manage multiple tasks and projects simultaneously, ensuring timely delivery of automation and instrumentation solutions.
Educational Qualifications:
- Bachelor’s degree in Instrumentation Engineering, Automation Engineering, Electrical Engineering, Mechatronics, or a related technical field.
- Advanced certifications or coursework in PLC programming, SCADA systems, industrial automation, or quality control is highly desirable.
Experience:
- 2-5 years of experience in industrial automation, instrumentation systems, or related fields.
- Experience in the configuration, maintenance, and troubleshooting of PLC/SCADA systems, robots, conveyors, and automated machinery.
- Proven ability to manage or lead projects, ensuring successful implementation of automation solutions.
- Hands-on experience in optimizing manufacturing processes through instrumentation and automation systems.
Tools and Technologies:
- Proficiency with SCADA systems and PLC programming platforms (e.g., Siemens TIA Portal, Rockwell Studio 5000).
- Familiarity with industrial robotics and automation tools (e.g., FANUC, ABB, KUKA).
- Experience with diagnostic tools and software used for troubleshooting instrumentation and automated systems.
- Knowledge of quality control tools and methodologies used in automated manufacturing.
Other Requirements:
- Strong leadership abilities to mentor and guide junior engineers.
- Ability to work independently and make decisions to optimize manufacturing processes.
- Commitment to safety and adherence to quality standards in all activities.
- Willingness to travel occasionally for site support, project implementation, or troubleshooting.