Industrial Automation Network Engineer

The Automation Network and Server Engineer is responsible for the overall development, administration, implementation, maintenance and troubleshooting of all operations networks, historian servers, HMI’s and cloud/web services. Other responsibilities include network monitoring, performance analysis, development/implementation of standards, project support, internal customer support and fault/problem management/resolution. The Automation Network Engineer will coordinate with plants, internal customers and contractors, as necessary to achieve the goals above.

Job Responsibilities:

• Design, implement, and optimize OT network architectures across diverse industrial environments
• Collaborate with cybersecurity teams to ensure robust protection of critical infrastructure
• Integrate legacy systems with modern protocols and edge computing platforms
• Lead network performance analysis and continuous improvement initiatives
• Work cross-functionally with engineering, IT, and operations to deliver seamless connectivity
• Assist the North American Operations with the new and existing network systems by providing programming, design, implementation and troubleshooting to maintain, backup and improve performance regarding network infrastructure, firewalls, services, data networks, Wonderware HMIs, historian servers, data reliability and PLC operations.
• Assist and support Automation Engineer in troubleshooting of PLCs with emphasis on Rockwell ControlLogix, Compact Logix, HMI stations and historians.
• Front line contact for any failures of network and computer equipment related to the operations networks and computer systems.
• Support maintenance and troubleshooting of all Wonderware Operator Station systems including InTouch, System Platform, InTouch Anywhere and historian.
• Support maintenance, improvement, standards development and troubleshooting of Carmeuse Process Data storage, associated data client users and plant networks.
• Support maintenance, design, improvement and troubleshooting of Carmeuse Process web services: Downtime, Customer interfaces, operator portals.
• Develop, update and maintain system documentation: configurations, network diagrams, standards, address tables etc.
• Perform and maintain backups of all critical data, systems and programs.
• Maintain existing control workstations. Configure, and deploy new workstations to sites as required.
• In collaboration with the production and engineering teams, design, implement and optimize the control systems to ensure safety and environmental compliance as well as productivity, efficiency, reliability and quality of our products and systems.
• Generate, review and approve project control programs and functional control specifications.
• Direct and coordinate internal and external resources assigned to projects.
• Commissioning of electrical and automation networking systems. Receive systems from vendors ensuring the scope is fulfilled and the functionality and documentation are complete.
• Meet the end users expectations with a focus on functional effectiveness, long term reliability, and ease of maintenance.
• Interface with equipment and system integration vendors including expediting documentation and deliveries.
• Additional duties as assigned by management.

Basic Requirements:

• Bachelor’s degree in Electrical Engineering, computer science or related field; or Associates degree in engineering/Computer science with applicable experience
• 5+ years of experience in IT, network, electrical, instrumentation, configuration and implementation preferably in the lime/cement/bulk material handling industry;
• Familiarity with basic MSHA regulations are preferred.
• Network, security, Microsoft, Cisco certifications are preferred.
• Functional knowledge of methods to secure networks: VPN, firewall and network design for plantwide converged networks.
• Proficiency with process control instrumentation, network protocols, web services, windows, Cisco, Checkpoint and troubleshooting;
• Proficiency or familiarity with software packages in the OT space.
• Network switch interface and configuration
• Firewall configuration in particular Checkpoint Firewalls.
• Various Man-machine interface programs, in particular Wonderware.
• RSlogix programming and software.
• Windows 7/10/server/datacenter
• VMware ESXi
• VSphere 5/6
• Network configuration and troubleshooting
• Detail and process oriented with strong problem resolution abilities;
• Strong ability for troubleshooting problems in operational networks to resolve issues;
• Ability to travel up to 20-30%. Overnight stays will be required and could include extended assignments during critical construction and start-up periods.
• Microsoft/network and other certifications favored.
• Periodic off hours support required to support facilities with issues.
• Must have a strong electrical and mechanical aptitude and be willing to undergo training to learn about lime and limestone production facilities equipment, network and instrumentation systems

Knowledge & Skills:

• Good knowledge of networking systems and configuration of: firewalls, rule definition, switch, router, computers, server, SQL Databases, Windows Update Services;
• Administration of operating systems: Windows vista, 7, 10, server 2008, 2012 and up.
• Scripting tools, network monitoring tools, Powershell, WSUS, backup utilities.
• Knowledge of Rockwell ControlLogix and Aveva HMI Ecosystem, including InTouch, System Platform, InTouch Anywhere and historian favored.
• Strong verbal and written communication skills (English language);
• Customer oriented.
• Ability to provide technical support on current and future continuous improvement projects;
• Ability to create training instructions and standard operating procedures for use in equipment implementation
• Excellent interpersonal skills and the ability to communicate effectively with all levels of internal and external customers and contractors both verbally and in writing;
• Ability to work closely with plant managers, staff members, supervisors, team leaders, hourly associates, contractors, and federal/state regulators
• Able to handle conflicts with a win-win approach
• Strong computer skills in MS Excel, Word, PowerPoint, Project, AutoCad and Internet skills
• Ability to safely negotiate in and around heavy industrial equipment and construction sites;
• Ability to understand and effectively communicate using engineering drawings and sketches;
• Strong quantitative problem solving, decision-making and time management skills;

Benefits & Compensation:

• Annual Base Salary Range of $95,000 - $106,000
• Paid holidays and vacation time
• Group medical/pharmacy insurance options with company funded health care spending accounts
• Dental insurance & Vision insurance
• A 401k account with company matching contribution
• Company-paid life insurance and short-term and long-term disability insurance
• Options to purchase additional life insurance (employee, spouse, and child) and additional employee long-term disability insurance.
• Employee Assistance Program (EAP)
• Tuition benefits including professional certifications