Automation Engineer

Company Description:

Baker Group, the Midwest’s leading provider of critical building infrastructure systems, is expanding its team of more than 1100 dedicated professionals. Headquartered in Ankeny, Iowa, Baker Group is the recognized leader in developing and deploying a variety of systems for commercial and industrial clients. With special expertise in Mechanical, HVAC, Plumbing, Piping, Electrical, Sheet Metal, Automation, Access Control, Security Cameras, Parking Revenue Control, Fire Alarm design and 24/7/365 Service, our team includes the breadth of skills required in the construction of highly technical, special-use buildings like hospitals, educational facilities, corporate office buildings, data centers, industrial facilities and research laboratories. To learn more about our company and our career opportunities, please visit www.thebakergroup.com.

Do you care about people and possess a passion for service? Do you love what you do and leap at the opportunity to solve complex challenges with equal parts creativity and teamwork? Are you mentally tough and excited by the prospect of exceeding expectations? Do you proudly take ownership in your work in a way that pushes you to partner with leadership to accomplish long-term goals and move your organization forward? If your answer to these questions is a resounding “Yes!” we want to visit with you about a career at the Baker Group.

Job Description:

Automation Engineer

Department:                          Automation

FLSA Designation:               Non-Exempt

Reports To:                           Automation Engineer – Team Leader

PURPOSE

Provide technical start-up, checkout and programming for Building Automation and Control Systems.  Maintain and grow the “Client for Life” concept for existing and new customers. Performs related work as required.

ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS AND RESPONSIBILITIES

The following duties are typical for this job. These are not to be constructed as exclusive or all inclusive. Other duties may be required and assigned.

• Work collaboratively with design engineers, operation engineers, and purchasers and other internal staff
• Start-up of Microprocessor based control components including PLC and DDC controllers, sensors, actuators, transducers, and associated components
• Understand construction schedules and manage QA/QC checklists and commissioning logs
• Ability to interpret Sequence of Operations (SOO) and apply to program logic
• Ability to read and write code ladder logic, structured text, and function block programming
• Mentor, training, and oversee Automation Technician I and IIs
• Ability to lead medium to large size projects 
• Point-to-point checkout of wiring and components for proper grounding, polarity, communication and power
• Set up and calibration of input and output devices such as temperature sensors, pressure transducers, etc.
• Uploading, downloading, and modification of control software and programs
• Perform networking functions such as setting up IP addresses, subnet masks, MAC addresses and instance numbers
• Create and troubleshoot automation networks and communication protocols.
• Identify and troubleshoot complex Automation HVAC and Electrical systems including but not limited to psychometrics, refrigeration, building pressure controls, life safety systems, EPMS, process controls, steam heating, humidification and de-humidification, and central heating and cooling systems.
• Map control points into supervisory controller and add alarms and history extensions to supervisory controller points
• Map control points into graphical front end and link points to graphics
• Create Automation System graphics and dashboards

MINIMUM EDUCATION & EXPERIENCE REQUIRED TO PERFORM ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS

• Four (4) to Seven (7) years of Automation related field experience 
• Associate degree in Electronic, Technology, or Automation related field or equivalent on the job experience

CERTIFICATES, LICENSES, REGISTRATIONS

• Valid driver’s license

MENTAL AND PHYSICAL COMPETENCIES REQUIRED TO PERFORM ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS

• Ability to perform all necessary duties unsupervised

• Knowledge of common Windows Office applications
• Knowledge of Microsoft SQL or other database applications preferred but not required
• Knowledge of Ethernet and serial network communication protocols and hardware configurations
• Understanding of basic process controls (i.e. PID control loops, motor control, commissioning of digital and analog measurement devices)

• Excellent interpersonal skills with ability to communicate effectively, both orally and written
• Ability to take direction and full fill commitments
• Value and support company mission and culture
• Display honesty, integrity, sound reasoning, good judgment/values, and lead by example, all while maintaining strong internal and external relationships at all levels
• Understanding of construction site safety and display a high awareness of your surroundings
• Effectively prioritize and balance the “big picture” and immediate responsibilities
• Ability to listen effectively, value the opinions of others and acknowledge contributions of others
• Ability to communicate and work well with others specifically but not limited to our electrical team members and project management staff at all levels
• Effectively train, mentor, and delegate work tasks to lower-level Automation Technicians
• Ability to effectively work with your project team members to resolve issues promptly

ENVIRONMENTAL ADAPTABILITY

At any given time, may be exposed to:

• Typical construction site and/or industrial site risks and environment

EQUIPMENT/TOOLS

• Laptop PC
• Electronic Multimeter
• Magnehelic
• RS-485 and RS-232 Serial Adapters
• Hand tools/Light power tools
• Product Manufacturer Software
• AutoCAD Electric
• PLC Software (Allen-Bradley RSLogix 500, StudioLogix5000, or Modicon)
• HMI Software (Wonderware or FactoryTalk View)
• DDC Software (Schneider Electric Eco Struxure, Alerton Compass, or Tridium Niagara)
• Ladders and Lifts
• Oscilloscope
• Wireshark
• Computer systems: Windows, Linux, Command Line

Required Experience:

Qualifications: 

• 4-10 years of experience
• Good communication skills to other trades and customers
• Minimum Associates Degree in Electronics Technology or Robotics/PLC is preferred
• Must have good driving record
• OSHA 30 hour certificate

Mental and Physical Competencies required to perform essential functions: 

• Advanced knowledge of commercial mechanical system components
• Ability to set up/use full system-wide applications in these operating environments
• Excellent communication skills
• Ability to perform all necessary duties unsupervised