Electrical / Controls Engineer - Waukegan, IL

About AkzoNobel

Since 1792, we’ve been supplying the innovative paints and coatings that help to color people’s lives and protect what matters most. Our world class portfolio of brands – including Dulux, International, Sikkens and Interpon – is trusted by customers around the globe. We’re active in more than 150 countries and use our expertise to sustain and enhance the fabric of everyday life. Because we believe every surface is an opportunity. It’s what you’d expect from a pioneering and long-established paints company that’s dedicated to providing sustainable solutions and preserving the best of what we have today – while creating an even better tomorrow. Let’s paint the future together.

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© 2024 Akzo Nobel N.V. All rights reserved.

Job Purpose

The Electrical / Controls Engineer position supports the site in their manufacturing electrical and automation journey through technical capability to specify, install, maintain, and safeguard electrical, Industrial Control Systems (ICS) and associated systems. The Electrical / Controls Engineer further collaborates with site and regional teams to augment existing instrumentation and controls capabilities, capture future opportunities, and create road maps for automation projects that support business objectives.

Key Responsibilities

Control Systems Excellence:
• Primarily responsible for the maintenance and upkeep of the site electrical, instrumentation and control (I&C) systems, including performing minor changes to switchgears, PLC system, routine maintenance and backups, troubleshooting assistance, creating preventative maintenance (PM) and asset life-cycle plans, creating spare parts strategies, and training site personnel on I&C use and maintenance
• Determine necessary OEM and third-party support contract needs for control systems
• Provide expertise on electrical, instrumentation and control system design for capital and expense projects, specifying equipment (disconnects, conduits, PLC, I/O, instrumentation), topologies, communication protocols, and collaborating with other discipline engineering
• Develop, update, and maintain the site digital map, including network architecture, equipment locations, IP / MAC addresses used and available, cable routes, etc.
• Collaborate with the Regional Digital Deployment Teams in preparation of digital initiatives (i.e. shutdown management, performance portal, communication boards, etc.)
• Act as Site Cyber Security Officer to ensure AkzoNobel policies and standards are implemented and accurately reported, execute periodic risk/vulnerability assessments, work with OEMs to mitigate found deficiencies, and lead and train on the control systems security program at the site

Process Safety Management:
• Maintain data and records for electrical, I&C systems related to Process Safety Management (PSM) processes, including safe operating limits, control system logic diagrams, loop drawings, and critical process interlocks
• Identify critical instrumentation and control system equipment, maintain up-to-date lists, and ensure identified equipment is maintained appropriately
• Participate in plant Process Hazard Analysis (PHA) studies, including HazOps, LOPAs, etc., providing instrumentation and control system expertise for functional safety.

Collaboration:
• Maintains good working relationships with OEM and third-party providers of I&C systems and manages contractors and service providers while on site
• Liaison with Information Management (IM), OEMs, and contractors in maintaining site industrial control system security
• Recognize the need for, and seek professional advice and/or assistance for areas beyond specific knowledge and experience
• Keep close coordination with Digital Architect & ISC Cybersecurity Officer for functional support and guidance.

Job Requirements

Technical Skills
• Bachelor of Science in electrical engineering, instrumentation engineering, or engineering technology
• Minimum 5 years of relevant work experience; experience in a chemical or paints & coatings environment a plus
• Hands-on control system experience in large, high volume manufacturing facilities
• Experience in programming and troubleshooting electrical and PLC systems; experience with ABB and Rockwell systems a plus.
• Previous experience with factory digital transformation and automation programs
• Knowledge of cybersecurity, network architecture, and data collection methodologies
• Experience in different communication protocols (Profibus, Modbus, serial, ethernet, wireless etc.)
• Field instrumentation and VFD (ABB and Rockwell) programming and troubleshooting experience
• Experience with safety instrumented systems (SIS) a plus

Soft Skills
• Demonstrated ability to foster positive relationships with production employees, peers, and manufacturing management
• Must be able to work with minimal direct guidance or direction from others
• Must have experience managing multiple projects and working on and/or leading multi-disciplined teams or workgroups

Benefits

Base salary range for this role is: $105,000 to $115,000. This is the range that we in good faith anticipate relying on when setting wages for this position. We may ultimately pay more or less than the posted range. This salary range may also be modified in the future.

• 401K retirement savings with 6% company match
• Medical insurance with HSA
• Dental, Vision, Life, AD&D benefits
• Generous vacation, sick and holiday pay
• Annual bonus 10% Short Term Incentive
• Tuition Reimbursement
• Paid Parental leave after 1 year
• Career growth opportunities
• Active Diversity & Inclusion Networks
• Employee referral bonus

Competencies

Accepting Direction

Accepting Responsibility

Acquiring Information

At AkzoNobel we are highly committed to ensuring an inclusive and respectful workplace where all employees can be their best self. We strive to embrace diversity in a context of tolerance. Our talent acquisition process plays an integral part in this journey, as setting the foundations for a diverse environment. For this reason we train and educate on the implications of our Unconscious Bias in order for our TA and hiring managers to be mindful of them and take corrective actions when applicable. In our organization, all qualified applicants receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, age or disability.

Requisition ID: 50844

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