Automation Controls Engineer

Job Title: Automation Controls Engineer
Job #: 2026-16844

Location: Front Royal, VA

Industry: Manufacturing (Paint, Coatings, Chemicals)

Schedule: 1'st Shift (Days)

Salary: Depends Upon Experience

Background: Must be able to pass a Background Check & Drug Test

https://www.axalta.com/corporate/en_US.html (Company Website Link)

SUMMARY:

• The Process Automation Engineer is a technical professional within the Site's Engineering Team. This engineer provides technical leadership and support for the operation, maintenance, and continuous improvement of manufacturing process control systems (distributed control systems). They champion and implement improvements in control system capabilities that will increase the ability to meet customer needs and improve business competitiveness. The automation engineer will also provide process control assistance for the manufacturing areas in various technologies ranging from Distributed Control Systems (DCSs), Programmable Logic Controllers (PLCs), IP21 data systems, and other interfaces with various IT technologies and systems.

RESPONSIBILITIES:

• Provide automation and process control technical support and associated services at the Front Royal Site, especially for ABB DCSs, PLCs, IP21 data historian, and Process Control Network
• Work closely with line leadership, technical and manufacturing resources, operators, and mechanics to understand the business and Site needs
• Support capital project teams in designing process control solutions
• Work on project and process teams to realize the objectives of technical programs and projects involving automation and process control technology.
• Identify areas where automation can reduce manual labor or minimize errors and develop automated systems to streamline manufacturing or business processes.
• Work with site Process Safety Management (PSM) lead and Site Interlock Guardian to understand site safety interlock requirements. Assist in the development of Safety Interlock Specifications for any Safety Instrumented Systems designed for the site.
• Maintain process control documentation
• Provide training to engineers and other technical resources at the site when needed
• Participate in key PSM-processes such as Management of Change (MOC), Process Hazard Analysis (PHA), Pre-Startup Safety Reviews (PSSRs), and others as needed

QUALIFICATIONS:
Education and/or Experience:

• BS in Engineering preferred; 15+ years of industrial controls and automation experience required otherwise
• 5+ years of process control experience preferred; 3 years minimum
• Demonstrated skill in configuring, documenting, and troubleshooting a variety of digital control systems including DCS or PLC systems.
• Hands-on experience with ABB Bailey Infi90/Symphony+ DCS and Rockwell PLC's and preferred.
• Working knowledge of Aspen Tech InfoPlus.21 preferred.
• Experience at a PSM-regulated site preferred

Computer Skills:

Proficiency with Microsoft Suite

Other Qualifications:

• Satisfactory drug screen
• Satisfactory background screening
• Satisfactory results in pre-employment tests
• Must be able to work in the United States legally
• Ability to research policies and provide guidance to on-site personnel as well as other Axalta sites
• Need to be proactive in identifying needs and implementing solutions without direction from supervision.
• Must be flexible to adapt to changing systems and policies.
• Proactive
• Detail orientated
• Strong troubleshooting proficiency
• Excellent interpersonal skills to teach and be a resource. Able to communicate high-level process control concepts to various functions.
• Collaborate across teams to reconcile differences. Comfortable assuming role as peer with operators, maintenance staff, and engineers.
• Self-motivated and proactive work ethic. Strong sense of accountability to complete work independently and through influence.
• Travel Required: approximately 5-10%

Physical Demands:

While performing the duties of this job, the employee is regularly required to stand, walk, reach with hand(s) and arm(s), stoop, use hands and fingers to handle and/or feel; The employee is frequently required to reach with hands and arms. The employee must be able to perform by repetition. The employee must routinely lift and/or move up to 50 pounds. Specific vision abilities required by this job include close vision, distance vision, color vision, per