Process Control Engineer

Job description

Position Title

Process Control Engineer Pay Rate : $89,000 - $135,000 Multiple factors, including Individual experience, skills and abilities will determine where an employee is ultimately placed in the pay range.

Category/Shift

Salaried Full-Time Physical Location : Prattville, Alabama The Prattville Mill is currently seeking a Process Control Engineer The Prattville Mill is a complex, fully integrated pulp and paper manufacturing facility with two machines. The mill includes multiple process lines of wood handling, pulping, power and recovery, and effluent treatment. The position works within the Maintenance group and reports to the Area Maintenance Manager.

The Job You Will Perform

Design and develop process control systems to improve efficiency, reliability, and product quality. Program, configure, and maintain Distributed Control Systems (DCS), Human Machine Interface (HMI), and Quality Control Systems (QCS). Develop and implement control strategies including PID, Advanced Process Control (APC), and Model Predictive Control (MPC). Monitor and analyze process data and control system performance to identify improvement opportunities.

Troubleshoot process control, automation, instrumentation, and quality systems to minimize downtime and support operational reliability. Optimize control loops and system parameters to improve process stability and performance. Perform troubleshooting and maintenance support for QCS instrumentation, sensors, scanners, and gauge platforms. Develop and maintain maintenance strategies for QCS systems on both paper machines.

Lead or support process control and automation projects from concept through startup and commissioning. Coordinate with Operations, Maintenance, Reliability, and Engineering teams to achieve project and business objectives. Develop and maintain technical documentation including control narratives, system specifications, and P&IDs. Ensure control systems comply with applicable safety, regulatory, and industry standards. Support the implementation and maintenance of safety instrumented systems.

Participate in risk assessments and process hazard analyses as required. Drive continuous improvement initiatives focused on automation, process optimization, and reliability improvements. Stay current with emerging technologies and best practices in process control and automation. Provide technical training and support to operations, maintenance, and engineering personnel. Demonstrate the ability to manage multiple priorities and projects simultaneously in a fast-paced manufacturing environment.

The Skills You Will Bring

Bachelor's degree in Chemical Engineering, Electrical Engineering, Control Systems Engineering, or a related technical field preferred. Associate degree holders or candidates with significant applicable industrial experience may also be considered. Minimum of five years of process control engineering experience in a manufacturing or industrial environment required; seven or more years preferred. Hands-on experience with Honeywell, ABB, and/or Valmet QCS platforms is required.

Experience programming, configuring, and troubleshooting DCS, HMI, and process control systems is preferred. Strong understanding of process control principles including PID control, APC, and MPC. Experience with control system design and analysis tools such as MATLAB, Simulink, and AutoCAD. Working knowledge of industry standards and regulations including ISA, IEC, and NFPA standards. Proficiency with Microsoft Office applications including Excel, Word, and PowerPoint.

Experience with SAP or similar maintenance management systems is preferred. Excellent problem-solving and analytical skills. Strong verbal and written communication skills. Demonstrated ability to work effectively across multiple disciplines and functional teams. Strong organizational skills with the ability to effectively manage multiple tasks and priorities simultaneously.