Process Control Systems Engineer II

Salary: USD 108,233 - 184,288 per year. Location: Laurel, MD onsite. The Process Control Systems Engineer II role at WSSC Water focuses on the design, implementation, testing, and operation of process control systems, includes optimization of PLC-based control loops, participation in the design and startup of new processes, and support for SCADA and RTU infrastructure.

Responsibilities

• Program and debug process control systems including field elements and devices, PLCs, HMIs, and reporting software
• Define problems and analyze requirements, prepare justification reports, and develop designs to implement new control loops or new control systems to optimize computer-controlled processes
• Troubleshoot difficult control and data systems
• Analyze and tune challenging process control loops for optimum response and cost-effective control
• Recommend changes to control strategies or operating modes based on observations of control loops
• Represent the Division on design teams for facility construction projects
• Participate in testing, debugging, and startup of new processes and equipment
• Recommend hardware and software changes and upgrades to existing systems
• Review project plans for functional design and conformance to standards, specifications, and contractual requirements
• Work extensively with computer-based scientific and process control programming
• Review plans for plant alterations or new plant construction
• Respond to emergency calls outside normal work hours to support WSSC Water operations

Requirements

• Working knowledge to install, program, test, tune, troubleshoot, and optimize all process control components including field sensors, PLCs, cabling, networks, operator stations, and historical databases
• Working knowledge and training in the theory and operation of all components of process control systems
• Ability to determine when changes in process control are cost justified
• Ability to interface effectively with operational and technical disciplines (electrical, mechanical, process) engineers to develop changes in ancillary equipment
• Ability to write and present clear and concise cost justification reports
• Ability to collaborate with contractors, developers, consultants, and the public, and to maintain productive working relationships with subordinates, peers, and supervisors in a team environment
• Ability to stay current with changes in process control technology
• Ability to lead and provide training for lower level Process Control Technicians

Technologies

• PLCs
• HMIs
• RTUs
• SCADA

Other Functions

• Deploys and commissions PLC based RTUs in WSSC Water's SCADA system
• May participate in the group’s emergency duty program
• Develops cost estimates for water, sewer and related projects
• Performs other duties as required

Work Environment and Physical Demands

• Ability to climb ladders and work in confined spaces and elevated locations
• Ability to hear audible alarms and abnormal equipment noises
• Ability to visually inspect equipment and processes any time of day or night

Minimum Education, Experience Requirements

• Bachelor’s degree and 3+ years of direct control experience in design, programming, and system startup related to new construction and/or control equipment installation, engineering and operations of PLC-based distributed process control and/or communication systems in the water and wastewater field
• OR High School diploma or equivalent and 7+ years of experience in engineering, instrumentation/communications, electrical, or operational environments