Automations and controls Engineer

Position Overview

Responsible for the conception, specification, design, implementation, and maintenance of automated systems and control processes to optimize the efficiency, quality, and performance of operations. This role requires working with multidisciplinary teams to develop, deploy, and document control systems that enhance productivity and automation, reduce scrap, and ensure safe operation of machinery.

• Collaborate with cross‑functional teams to understand process requirements and objectives.
• Design and develop control systems and automation solutions that align with project goals.
• Prepare project specifications with justification, cost savings/spend, timeline, and resources.
• Manages and/or directs the work of third parties or integrators executing project‑related assignments in‑house and outside Hunter Douglas. Conduct FAT and SAT validations.

• Write, test, and debug control logic programs using IEC
  61131‑3 standards for PLCs (Programmable Logic Controllers), PACs (Programmable Automation Controllers), DCS (Distributed Control Systems), MES (Manufacturing Execution Systems), and SCADA (Supervisory Control and Data Acquisition) systems.
• Advanced understanding of motion control schemes and safety system integration.
• Experience with programming Cobot (collaborative robots) and machine/operator integration.
• Develop HMI (Human Machine Interface) programs for comprehensive machine interactions (alarms, machine state, recipe selection/edit, user login, and security).
• Implement communication protocols for data exchange between different devices and systems (SAP/PQS MII Manufacturing Integration and Intelligence, MES, SCADA, Remote Access).
• Integrate and develop vision systems for validation and defect mapping/analysis.
• Integrate various control devices, sensors, actuators, and instrumentation with PID controls into a cohesive automation system using various network protocols: ECAT, EPL, EIP, Device Net, CANO
  
  pen, and Serial.
• Extensive experience with power distribution, electrical panel layout, High/Low voltage panel separation, and field wiring (up to 180
  
  VDC and 480
  
  VAC).

• Perform thorough testing of control systems to ensure accuracy, reliability, and safety.
• Conduct simulations and real‑world testing to validate the system's performance under different operating conditions.

• Identify and resolve highly technical issues and malfunctions in the automation and control systems.
• Provide timely support for Process/Fab Engineers and Maintenance departments.
• Ability to analyze data and system performance for process optimization.

• Create comprehensive documentation, including system design specifications, wiring diagrams & ECRs, programming comments, calibration procedures, flow charts, BOMs, and user manuals.

• Ensure that all control systems adhere to industry standards, regulations, risk assessments, and safety protocols (NEC, OSHA, ANSI B11.19/20, NFPA 70E, SCCR, UL508, EN954‑1, and HDMSC standards).
• Implement emergency stop and safe stop systems to performance levels according to risk assessments. Participate in the risk assessment process, including stop time calculations and safe distance calculations for guarding & presence‑sensing devices.
• Stay updated with emerging technologies and trends in automation and controls engineering, and balance with the currently used parts' commonality.
• Identify opportunities for process efficiency, cost savings, automation, and safety improvements.
• Provide cross‑training to the A&C, process/fab engineering, and maintenance teams.

• Bachelor’s Degree in Electrical Engineering or Mechatronics Engineering Degree, or equivalent, extensive work experience in place of a degree. Previous work experience (3‑5 years) with electrical/mechanical control systems in a manufacturing environment is required.

• The Window Fashions Division Individual Contributor Competencies are abbreviated in this job description; refer to Individual Contributor Performance Appraisal to view the full version. An…