Automation Designer

Founded in 1975, Salas O’Brien is an employee-owned engineering and professional services firm focused on achieving impact for our clients, our team, and the world.

We know that tomorrow’s requirements are today’s opportunities, and we are here to design lasting solutions for pressing challenges.

We work across a variety of industries providing integrated engineering and consulting services. Salas O'Brien's Process and Manufacturing (P&M) business unit engineers provide transformative solutions for industrial processes from concept to implementation.

As part of one’ Salas O'Brien, a multi-disciplinary engineering and architecture firm, the P&M business unit ensures a seamless, comprehensive service experience through a "local everywhere" approach.

We integrate specialized expertise across a spectrum of markets, including :

• Agribusiness
• Chemical / Petrochemical
• Consumer Products
• Food and Beverage
• Material Handling & Processing
• Pharmaceutical
• Power & Utilities

Salas O’Brien’s Process and Manufacturing (P&M) Division is seeking a motivated Automation Designer to join our multi-disciplined design firm in Decatur, AL.

The qualified applicant will have the opportunity to engage in all phases of a project from inception to completion of construction.

This involvement is intended to grow individuals and nurture design talents.

• As an Automation Designer, you will be required to demonstrate a high standard of professionalism and client focus / customer service;
• be resourceful and flexible, effective at handling multiple tasks; have good computer skills; have strong presentation, written, and verbal skills;

and be able to effectively delegate or be delegated to while working in a collaborative format with multiple team members.

Types of Projects Include (but are not limited to) :

• PLC, HMI, network system design, modifications, and migrations
• Process instrumentation installation designs
• Industrial low voltage power distribution systems
• Communication systems
• DCS Installations
• Low voltage motor control systems
• VFD system installations
• Backup power systems

Job Responsibilities :

• Design PLC and HMI systems using AutoCAD Electrical.
• Use AutoCAD to develop Automation installation drawings using AutoCAD including locations plans, conduit plans, installation details, grounding details, lighting plans and details, wiring diagrams, instrument loop diagrams, cable schedules, and bill of materials.
• Work under the direction of a project engineer and / or work independently, with minimal guidance, on various sized projects.
• Gather information by site visits, take notes, and make sketches to be used in design / drawings.
• Assist with the estimation of project design hours as well as total installed cost (TIC) associated with projects.
• Perform periodic design reviews, ensuring that technical and quality standards are maintained.
• Assist with the preparation of contractor bid packages.
• Follow construction in the field and assist contractors to ensure that design standards are met.
• Work on a team to perform onsite system commissioning and startup support.
• Incorporate field as-built red-lines to original designs to create record drawings.
• Possess a knowledge of construction materials, details, and techniques.
• Participate in client project design reviews.
• Effectively manage project files and client transmittals.
• Be a resource and provide mentoring for junior Automation Designers.
• Proactively coordinate inter-discipline design and schedule issues.
• Identify and communicate project scope changes in a timely manner.

Experience & Education

• 5 years + experience in Automation design in industrial facilities.
• Proficient with AutoCAD, AutoCAD Electrical and Revit.
• Proficient with Microsoft Outlook, Word, and Excel.
• Experience designing PLC and HMI controls systems.
• Experience with the design of process instrumentation (flow, level, temperature, pressure, etc) and instrument control loop.
• Experience designing controls system networks including Ethernet, IO Link, Modbus, and ControlNet.
• Familiar with the application of the National Electrical Code.
• Ability to interpret P&IDs.
• Ability to express technical issues in a clear and concise manner, both written and verbally.
• Ability to work under pressure and manage competing priorities.
• Knowledge of construction materials, construction details and techniques.
• Work well on multi-disciplined projects.
• Work safely in industrial environments.
• Field construction experience.
• On-site assistance during startup.
• Must be detail-oriented with a commitment to quality.

The Physical and Ergonomic Requirements of this position are as follows :

• Lifting / carrying : Carrying light loads related to field measurement equipment, and equipment cases weighing 15 lbs. or less.
• Dexterity : Ability to type using a keyboard with relative efficiency, ability to make handwritten notes and sketches indoors and outdoors at industrial plants and construction sites at any time of the year.
• Walking / Climbing : Ability to use multi-level stair towers and rung ladders unassisted.
• Visual Acuity : Ability to discern single-line and 3-dimensional computer images representing objects being designed or drafted.
• Hearing : Ability to hear safety alarms and signals while wearing hearing protection.
• Physical exertion : Ability to walk up to one mile on industrial plants and construction sites outdoors at any time of the year.

Ability to work in protective clothing which may elevate body temperatures by several degrees Fahrenheit for periods of up to 15 minutes without a break.

Breathing : Ability to work while wearing a respirator or self-contained breathing apparatus.

Location : Decatur, AL

Travel : Up to 5%

Equal Opportunity Employment Statement

Salas O’Brien provides equal employment opportunities to all employees and applicants for employment and prohibits discrimination and harassment of any type without regard to race, color, religion, age, sex, national origin, disability status, genetics, protected veteran status, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, or any other characteristic protected by federal, state / provincial, or local laws.

Salas O’Brien will accommodate the disability-related needs of applicants as required by law.