Junior Automation Specialist

Duties and Responsibilities

• Assists with programming/configuration of PLC, HMI, SCADA, DCS, and RTU for the Energy industry.
• Support the commissioning of a variety of controls systems.
• Test and confirm functionality of electrical equipment and instrumentation.
• Participate in reviewing and modifying electrical schematics, P&ID’s, Cause & Effect and critical setting documents.
• Completes and distributes QC documentation and support data entry using Microsoft Access, Excel, and Word applications.
• Conduct Factory Acceptance Tests (FAT), Site Acceptance Tests (SAT), Hardware Acceptance Tests (HAT), Communication Acceptance Tests (CAT) on control systems and various associated equipment (Loop/HMI/Logic checks).

Prerequisites

Education

• Candidates must be either be a recent graduate or an upcoming graduate from an accredited program in Electrical, Instrumentation, or Mechatronics Engineering Diploma or Degree program.
• APEGA or ASET membership is an asset.

Experience

The following experience is an asset:

• Programming PLC/DCS/HMI control systems
• Programming Allen Bradley FactoryTalk ME/SE and Studio5000
• P&ID’s, Cause and Effect, and Shutdown Keys
• Reviewing and modifying electrical schematics
• Calibrating and testing instrumentation and electrical components
• Visual Basic for applications
• Python

Other

• Interest in pursuing a career in automation and controls in the energy industry.
• Basic understanding of Programmable Logic Controllers.
• Basic knowledge of communication networks.
• Familiarity with Microsoft Office suite of programs
• As a condition of employment, employees are required upon hire to sign a Drug-Free Workplace Agreement, a Conflict-of-Interest Agreement, and Confidentiality and Invention Agreement
• Driver abstract required for driving company vehicles, Valid driver license.
• No active restrictions that would inhibit travel outside of the country.

Required Skills and Abilities

• Ability to meet objectives while working in a fast-paced environment with changing priorities and strict deadlines.
• Competence in managing several projects simultaneously.
• Excellent organizational, time management, and planning skills.

• Strong verbal and written communication and interpersonal skills.

• Application of theoretical and practical engineering principles to solve technical challenges.
• Ability to interpret and utilize complex information.
• Solid reading, research, and analytical skills.
• Ability to understand complex, technical verbal and written instructions.
• Ability to interpret and utilize complex information, computer-based designs, drawings, specialized technical manuals, and specifications.
• Keen attention to detail, ensuring precision in all tasks and projects.
• Comfortable in working both independently and within a team setting.
• Ability to take independent action to accomplish objectives.
• Maintains a Positive attitude in the face of challenges.
• Develops and implements systems to verify accuracy and monitor the quality of work.
• Proficiency and interest in both mathematics and science.

• Willingness to learn new skills, systems, and procedures.

• Highly motivated to excel in a competitive environment.

• Strong command of the English language.

Relationships

Internal

• Works in a team environment.
• Interacts professionally with all levels of staff and management.
• Required to attend meetings and liaise with direct supervisor and co-workers.
• Collaborates with multidisciplinary Technologists, Engineers, Designers, Trades, Managers, and other department personnel.
• Answers inquiries and explains processes.
• May be required to prepare internal reports.

External

• Interacts professionally with all external parties.
• May be required to visit client site during commissioning and start-up.

Authority Level

• Decisions are routine in nature and will follow precedents and procedures.
• Makes independent decisions within the scope of the position.
• Supervisor is readily available for assistance and guidance.

Work Environment

Specific Work Conditions

• Work is performed in an office setting during regular work hours.
• Overtime may be required to meet project deadlines.

• Requires the ability to deal with a diversity of people when responding to interdepartmental inquiries.

• Coping with frequent interruption and changing priorities.

• Required to attend meetings at other buildings.

• May involve occasional project site visits, often with short notice.

Physical Requirements

• Requires ability to sit at a workstation for extended periods using a computer, reading manuals, etc…
• Occasional ability to lift, carry up to 25 lbs.
• Occasional ability to stand for extended periods for faxing, scanning, and photocopying.
• Manual dexterity for data input, paperwork and use of standard office equipment.
• Climbing, kneeling, crouching, and crawling when examining equipment.

• Must wear company-standard PPE when entering fabrication shops, yards, and project sites. Project site PPE includes CSA approved steel toed boots and long pants.

• Walking on uneven ground is to be expected in yards and at project sites.

Performance Measures

Time Management

• Undertakes effective daily planning to assure tasks are completed on time.
• Maintains a professional attitude under time constraints and changing priorities.

Accuracy

• The outcome of work is neat, complete, accurate, and error free.
• Approaches work methodically and with precision.
• Identifies proper standards and codes.
• Consistently monitors the accuracy of work.
• Contacts appropriate departments and personnel in order to resolve discrepancies.
• Work processes are monitored, evaluated and new work procedures are developed if necessary.
• Reports are error free and professionally presented within the scope of the position.

Communication Skills

• Appropriately safeguards confidential information.
• Communicates effectively and diplomatically with diverse individuals.
• Communicates complex information and ideas and provides clear explanations to internal and external clients.
• Ensures the flow of information in all necessary directions at the appropriate time.
• Reads, interprets, and utilizes complex materials, computer-based designs, drawings, specialized technical manuals, and specifications.

Quantity and Quality of Work

• Consistently produces error free work within appropriate timeframe.
• Gathers information and makes independent decisions within the scope of the position.
• Finds innovative solutions to problems through research, testing, and analysis by keeping abreast of new technology, systems, processes, and regulations.

The duties and responsibilities outlined in this document are not meant to be an exhaustive list but rather an overview of the job. The employee is responsible for completing all duties necessary to help fulfill departmental goals.