Application Engineer (PLC/PAC Programmer)

A-C Electric Company’s Automated Controls and Technical Services Group, located in Fresno, Calif., is growing and has an immediate need for an Application Engineer (PLC/PAC Programmer).

JOB FUNCTION
An Application Engineer provides engineering services on industrial automation projects, including, programmable logic controllers, communications, motor controls and instrumentation in order to provide safe, high quality, value added products in the following areas:

ENGINEERING
1. Design and engineering for projects with computers, PLCs, communication networks, motor control systems, instrumentation and electrical systems providing:
• Instrument / electrical plot plans
• P&IDs
• Elevation view drawings for PLCs, MCCs and termination cabinets
• Wiring diagrams
• Schematics
• One-line diagrams
• Panel schedules
• Conduit & wire schedules
2. Develop PLC logic and configure HMI software to meet control system specifications.
3. Develop control algorithms, flow diagrams or machine control specifications.
4. Site visits to develop as-built documentation and to asses construction progress.
5. Assist with designs, labor, and material estimates for bidding purposes.
6. Peer review technical aspects of Division project designs, labor, and material prior to bid.
7. Work within the standards, methods, and procedures established for the development and implementation of PLC programs, HMI configuration, and other engineering activities.

DOCUMENTATION
1. Produce instrument, electrical, control drawings in AutoCAD Electrical, RS Wire or other Company supplied drafting packages.
2. Develop and archive other project documentation as required, including: operations manuals, crosscheck data sheets, motor control parameter settings, hardware specifications, etc.

TECHNICAL SUPPORT
1. Provide technical support for other Automated Control & Technical Services employees.

CUSTOMER SUPPORT
1. Support Division sales and marketing efforts.
2. Interface with customer or end-user to define project requirements, design and specifications.

OTHER
Other projects or activities as required by Division Engineering Manager.

QUALIFICATIONS
Capabilities:
1. Manage engineering projects with programmable logic controllers, communications, motor controls and instrumentation up to $100,000.
2. Develop technical manuals for the instrumentation, electrical, control and communications systems end product.
3. Design Drafting background using AutoCAD or equivalent.
4. Develop PLC ladder logic on machine control and loop processes with various manufacturer’s hardware and software platforms.
5. Can set up and install HMI software, including: Wonderware, Intellution, and Rockwell Software.
6. Design and engineering for projects with programmable logic controllers, communications, motor controls and instrumentation providing:
• Instrument / electrical Plot Plans
• P&IDs
• Elevation view drawings for PLCs, MCCs and termination cabinets
• Wiring diagrams
• Schematics
• One-line diagrams
• Panel schedules
• Conduit & wire schedules
7. Perform design calculations with reference to NEC, ISA, IEC, JIC, and NFPA requirements.
8. Specify, document and apply the following:
• Process variable instrumentation.
• Off-line starters, soft starts, VFDs, flux vector drives, DC-drives, stepper and servomotors.
• PLCs, I/O and communications modules from various manufacturers.
• Communication networks for PLCs.
• Assorted field instrumentation, including: power monitors, bar code equipment and multiplexed process variable instrument systems.

Skills/Knowledge:
1. Standard personal protective equipment (PPE) requirements.
2. CAL OSHA, NEC, NFPA and A-C Electric Company safety rules and regulations.
3. Lockout tag-out procedures.
4. Area classification requirements as related to design and documentation.
5. Understands computer architecture and has a working knowledge of the individual components.
6. Working knowledge of communication protocols and their purpose.
7. Understands most of the configurable parameters within motor controllers and their application.
8. Understands some of the process control parameters and the technologies that are employed to monitor them.
9. Standards – NEC, UL, ISA, JIC, & IEC as related to design and documentation.
10. Wiring techniques.
11. Wire color-coding.
12. Wire sizing and de-rating. Insulation classifications.
13. Label attachment to instruments, wires and equipment per ISA, IEC, JIC, NE and UL standards.
14. Able to read and interpret one-line diagrams, schematics, P&IDs, layout drawings and wiring diagrams and modify them for optimization.
15. Can customize Microsoft Word and Excel for the control environment providing DDE, ActiveX and OBDC links.
16. Computer operating systems Windows XP, 7 and Server 2008.
17. Demonstrate and uphold all of A-C Electric Company’s core values, which include integrity, quality, professionalism, knowledge, safety, service family, community and desire

Education:
BS in Electrical Engineering, Electronics Engineering, Computer Science or equivalent experience (minimum of 5 years).

Benefits:
• Health and dental plans
• Paid vacations and holidays
• Life Insurance
• Short and long term disability plans
• Pension plan
• Two profit sharing plans
• Incentive and recognition programs
• Relocation assistance

More About Us:
Founded in 1945, A-C Electric Company has grown into one of the largest electrical contractors in Central California with Division locations in Bakersfield, Fresno and Visalia. We pride ourselves in employing the best and the brightest individuals, utilizing the highest quality materials and the latest construction methods to ensure that our customers receive the level of quality and value that they deserve. Our superior project performance, professionalism and stability is evidenced by our bond rating, which is one of the best in the industry.