Interface Automation Engineer
Our client is looking for an Interface Automation Engineer to join their team. This position will develop interface and automation solutions by writing new software or configuring existing software, integrating with hardware and installing to a customer’s site; documenting the solutions for internal support and external guides for users; training users to use the developed solution. Systems are developed in Windows environments and interfaced to PLCs (programmable logiccontrollers). This multifaceted position is primarily software design and development in C#, usually interfaced through OPC (Open Platform Communications) with occasional electrical circuit design and troubleshooting.
This is a hybrid position, 3 days a week onsite in Vancouver, WA.
Responsibilities
Estimates, develops, deploys, and maintains interface and automation solutions by gathering the requirements and using them to arrive at the best solution and then accurately estimate the entire effort. Designing software to create the solution using existing code bases whenever possible. Deploying the software portion of the solution to the customer’s location. Maintains the solution by responding to customer requests and complaints and troubleshooting problems.
Documents software by providing written plans for new software prior to build, updating existing internal documentation to reflect changes made to existing software, and creating new documentation where there is none; and providing rough draft user guides to the documentation team for customer usage.
Tests software by building simulators that mimic the environment to which the software will be deployed, utilizing the System Test department when applicable, and by taking care during deployment to trial software before it goes into production.
Studies potential software development by studying systems flow, data usage, and work processes; by researching new or different technologies to facilitate future operating systems, future devices to automate, and future connections to be made.
Configures existing software to interface with paper machine roll handling systems, which include the automation logic and HMI screens.
Modifies existing software in C# as required to interface with paper machine roll handling systems. This is state-driven software written as a stack machine that requires detailed configuration and knowledge of many programming languages: C#, Microsoft SQL Server queries, command line, and Windows PowerShell, among others.
Develops new software in C# to control scanning platforms that contain various sensors (e.g., temperature, moisture, caliper, color), to continue to modernize the software base, and to add value-added features. There is ladder logic in a PLC that is being developed and must be interfaced with via TCP or other high-speed data transfer methods.
Designs/troubleshoots electrical circuits when required by following circuit diagrams both on paper and with volt and current meters. There will be a limited amount of low voltage circuit design and troubleshooting.
Contributes to team cohesiveness by positively influencing team members to make innovative contributions and embrace new ideas; sharing acquired skills with team members through formal and informal channels; engaging co-workers to share knowledge and new techniques to resolve challenges.
Secondary Responsibilities
Follows processes by using a Kanban board to start and track work items, using good judgment on navigating blocked tasks by managing multiple efforts in the same time period and appropriate communication, and by entering time into our time tracker portal correctly.
Improves control engineering job knowledge by attending educational workshops; reviewing professional publications; establishing personal networks; benchmarking state-of-the-art practices; participating in professional societies.
Protects operations by keeping information confidential.
Accomplishes engineering and organization mission by completing related results as needed.
Qualifications
Bachelor's Degree in Computer Science, Electrical Engineering (with Software experience), Chemical Engineering or equivalent required.
3 - 5 years of experience required in Computer Programming, or Computer Networks. 1 - 3 years of experience required in Continuous Manufacturing Execution Systems.
3 - 5 years of experience preferred in Control Software Engineering, or Control Systems Engineering.
1 - 3 years of experience preferred in Customer Service Support.
0 - 3 years of experience preferred in Field Services.
Excellent knowledge of the software development cycle and software documentation (functional specifications, release notes, test plans).
Strong skills using logic and reasoning to identify the strengths and weaknesses of alternative solutions, conclusions or approaches to problems.
Advanced skills writing Microsoft Windows based computer programs for Ethernet, serial or other computer to device communication purposes.
Advanced skills effectively managing time and tasks to meet operational needs and desired outcomes.
Ability to read, listen and understand; and to communicate with spoken and written words so others will understand information and ideas.
Ability to understand user requirements, procedures and problems in order to enhance existing applications.
Ability to handle large workloads, balance priorities, and produce timely results.
Ability to tell when something is wrong or is likely to go wrong and then to evaluate and develop alternative solutions.
Ability to design basic electrical circuits using discrete components.
Advanced knowledge of Microsoft C#.NET, OPC UA, Microsoft SQL, with understanding of legacy Microsoft VB 6, OPC DA and DCOM being a plus.
Advanced knowledge of Microsoft Windows environment, Microsoft Office applications Word and Excel, and virtual machines.
Knowledge of PLCs and ladder logic.
Advanced Skills working with serial communications, FTP, flat files, Access DB files and the like.
Additional Requirements
Travel: Approximately 30%.
Driving record, personal insurance and personal finance must be maintained in condition satisfactory to enable travel activities such as renting and driving of rental cars, purchase of airline tickets, reservation and payment for lodging, and purchase of meals. Must be able to travel to unfamiliar locations, read maps (GPS) and follow directions.
On-Call Duty/Call-Ins: May require on-call duty and after-hours or weekend call-in duty. This will include the need to carry a cellular phone, remain accessible to contact and to provide remote online support.
Teleworking Flexibility: medium workplace flexibility.
