Automation & Controls Engineer

Are you looking to work for an award-winning industrial automation solutions provider that delivers complex projects designed to improve data capture, digital ecosystems and integrated solutions for industrial customers seeking increased visibility into their operations? If this sounds like you, Cogent Industrial Technologies has an immediate opening for a Automation & Controls Engineer / Technologist.

Founded in 2005 and acquired by Kadant Inc. in 2020, Cogent has a global client base of customers engaged in industrial manufacturing. We are strategically positioned to capitalize on the growing trend of businesses adopting Industry 4.0 technologies in the manufacturing sector including: the internet of things (IoT); the industrial internet of things (IIoT); cyber-physical systems (CPS); smart manufacturing; cloud computing; cognitive computing; and artificial intelligence.

Cogent's technologies are primarily utilized by companies producing wood products including pellets, engineered wood, and pulp and paper. Additional industries serviced also include utilities and facilities. The Company has an established reputation as a leader in industrial technology solutions, and with the support of Kadant, Cogent is poised for significant growth. Today, Cogent employees 20 staff and has the mandate to double in size over the course of the next two years.

Why work at Cogent Industrial Technologies?

Cogent is committed to the advancement of a more sustainable world through a triple bottom line approach to all aspects of their business. Cogent continually strives to build a culture and business that is rooted in integrity, transparency, community, and environmental sustainability. We balance economic growth with a focus on environmental and social responsibility which includes:

• Economic Responsibility: The economic bottom line examines the ability to maintain a sustainable, productive, and profitable business while providing value to stakeholders and clients.
• Environmental Responsibility: The environmental bottom line examines how Cogent manages their footprint as a company and how it responds to pressing environmental concerns
• Social Responsibility: The social bottom line examines how Cogent guarantees the well-being of its people as well as the people in the community they support.

The Role:

Cogent is seeking an Automation & Controls Engineer to join the business at their corporate office in Richmond, British Columbia. Cogent has a flat organizational structure, you will be responsible for working with clients and designing automation solutions for brownfield modernization and greenfield installation projects. You will prepare technical drafts of engineering scopes and designs control system technical specifications, system architecture drawings, PLC programming, HMI configuration, and network configuration.

To be successful, you will have a strong technical acumen related to PLC/HMI and control network design and deployment, combined with at two years of experience at an OEM, Systems integrator, or engineering firm, in a similar engineering capacity. We are seeking a strong technical professional with excellent communication skills that shares the values and commitment to corporate social responsibility that guides Cogent. As a technical expert, the Engineer will be proactive in remaining current to ensure Cogent remains at the forefront of the latest software and technology.

Critical success factors for the Control & Automation Engineer within the first 12 months include:

• Developing a deep understanding of the dynamics in Cogent, its culture, values, and needs of their client base
• Establishing trusting and collaborative relationship with senior management and the broader team through clear and open communication
• Delivering high quality work that meets or exceeds client and Cogent expectations.
• Demonstrating an ability to perform within a smaller, entrepreneurial team environment with limited soils through collaboration, relationship building and teamwork.
• Sharing a passion for establishing the Company as a global leader in industrial automation
• Taking the initiative to be proactive and drive projects forward with purpose

Responsibilities:

• Working with senior engineers in designing, developing, and commissioning plant-wide control systems for industrial projects in North America and globally, ranging from greenfield installations to plant modernizations.
• Supporting the development of control system's technical specifications (control narratives, functional descriptions), system architecture drawings, PLC programming (Allen-Bradley, Siemens), HMI configuration (Rockwell Software, Wonderware, Ignition).
• Participating in Hazard and Risk analysis for brownfield and green field plant installations, including liaising with Safety consultants and stakeholders.
• Finding and parsing data in excel to characterize and specify safety systems based on IEC61511.
• Generating testing procedures, maintenance information, and proof testing procedures for safety control systems.
• Supporting the implementation of the safety designs including exploratory activities, electrical schematics, programming, and commissioning activities.
• Participating in technical meetings with stakeholders, tradesmen, and engineers from various disciplines.
• Effectively communicating with project stakeholders to resolve technical issues throughout all phases of the project.
• Exemplifying a strong commitment to quality and engineering design processes.
• Contributing to positive client experience by producing well-presented project material on time

Travel:

The Automation & Control Engineer is required to travel to projects and to meet with customers. Travel expectations are project specific and can range from 5% to 25%. The candidate is expected to be comfortable working in a dynamic office environment and will be provided the necessary technology and support to effectively execute regardless of location

The successful candidate has completed a diploma or undergraduate degree in electrical engineering or related discipline and/or has obtained relevant industry certifications or designations. Any industrial programming certificates are considered an asset. All academic degrees and professional qualifications are subject to verification by an independent third-party service provider.

Minimum of 2 years of controls and automation design experience gained from industrial companies or service orientated consultancies. Candidates will have previous experience working for a smaller business entity and an ability to easily adapt between engineering and client responsibilities. Additional qualifications include:

Technical:

• An understanding of communications network architecture's such as TCP/IP, and modbus
• Experience with programming, preferably in an industrial setting related to PLC's and HMIs
• Experience working with I/O devices including switches, transmitters, Starters, VFD's, etc
• Exposure to electrical schematics for control/power systems.
• Experience with 2D and/or 3D modeling software such as Autocad, Revit, Solidworks
• Exposure to North American electrical standards, specifically UL508a, CSA 22.1, NFPA 70
• Exposure to hazard analysis and/or safety system design methodologies.
• Exposure to drawings characterizing processes with P&ID's, narratives, and specifications.
• Strong troubleshooting skills and the confidence to present solutions.
• An ability to understand limitations in technical knowledge when to pursue training or help.
• An ability to communicate with other engineering disciplines and trades workmen.
• Extensive experience with spreadsheets and parsing data, specifically with Excel.

Professional and Personal Characteristics:

• A strong commitment to maintaining the highest standards of health and safety when on site and working with clients.
• Excellent interpersonal and communication skills and ability to work effectively in a highly interactive team environment and establish positive relationships with all project stakeholders.
• A results-driven, motivated approach capable of delivering thoughtful advice to senior leadership and project stakeholders.
• Team player with the ability and willingness to assume a hands-on role.
• Creative and critical thinking skills with the ability to assess situations and opportunities effectively and accurately.
• Ability to identify and implement innovation and creative solutions.
• Ability to manage multiple priorities while maintaining poise in difficult situations.
• Highly motivated and organized self-starter who thrives in a goal-oriented and deadline driven business culture.
• Maturity to deliver and receive feedback in a fair, candid, and professional manner.
• Ability to travel outside of Canada and North America
• Ability to work in Canada