Process Control Network Engineer

Based in the Middle Georgia (McIntyre) area, the Process Control Systems Engineer is responsible for the administration, maintenance, support, and continuous improvement of KaMin's Process Control and Operational Technology (OT) environments. This position ensures the reliability, security, and performance of process control networks, industrial communication systems, SCADA/HMI platforms, historians, servers, and associated automation technologies that support manufacturing operations. The role serves as a key liaison between Operations, Maintenance, Instrumentation, Engineering, and Information Technology teams to maintain safe, reliable, and efficient plant operations.

Principal Duties and Responsibilities:

Process Control Network Administration

• Administer and maintain Process Control Network infrastructure across plant operations.
• Install, configure, replace, and troubleshoot managed network switches and related network equipment.
• Monitor network performance and resolve communication issues impacting production systems.
• Configure and maintain network connectivity between process control devices, servers, and operator workstations.
• Support network segmentation and cybersecurity initiatives within the Operational Technology environment.

Operational Technology (OT) Infrastructure

• Manage and maintain Process Network and Industrial DMZ (IDMZ) servers.
• Perform server administration activities including software updates, patch management, backups, and system monitoring.
• Maintain server reliability, availability, and disaster recovery procedures.
• Coordinate with corporate IT personnel to ensure proper integration between business and process networks.

SCADA, HMI, and Historian Systems

• Maintain and support SCADA and HMI platforms including InTouch applications.
• Administer Wonderware Historian environments, including Tier 1 and Tier 2 systems.
• Support Aspen Historian systems and associated data communications.
• Configure, maintain, and troubleshoot historian tags, I/O servers, and data collection systems.
• Ensure accurate and reliable collection, storage, and reporting of operational process data.

Industrial Communications and Automation Support

• Support industrial communication servers and protocols including Modbus TCP, OIABCIP, OIABTCP, DHP, Bailey, and other industrial communication platforms.
• Troubleshoot communication issues between PLCs, HMIs, historians, and field devices.
• Support process automation systems and maintain communication integrity throughout the control environment.
• Perform Logix programming modifications and HMI edits as required.

Instrumentation and Process Support

• Provide technical support to Instrument Technicians and Operations personnel.
• Assist with troubleshooting process control, instrumentation, and communication issues.
• Ensure process equipment and systems maintain current software and firmware versions.
• Provide remote and on-site support during plant outages, emergencies, and callouts as required.

Endpoint and System Support

• Maintain Process Network PCs, operator stations, thin clients, and associated hardware.
• Configure user access and permissions within process control environments.
• Perform software installations, upgrades, and equipment replacements.
• Ensure process control endpoints remain secure, operational, and connected to the network.

Project and Continuous Improvement Support

• Support capital projects, plant expansions, system upgrades, and commissioning activities.
• Participate in startup, testing, and validation of process control systems.
• Identify opportunities to improve system reliability, performance, cybersecurity, and operational efficiency.
• Develop and maintain technical documentation, network diagrams, system inventories, and operating procedures.

Competencies:

• Bachelor's degree in Electrical Engineering, Computer Engineering, Automation Engineering, Industrial Technology, Information Systems, or a related technical field preferred.
• Equivalent combination of education and relevant experience may be considered.
• Minimum of 5 years of experience supporting industrial process control systems, operational technology, automation, manufacturing systems, or related environments.
• Experience supporting SCADA, HMI, Historian, PLC, and industrial networking systems.
• Experience in mining, mineral processing, manufacturing, chemical processing, or heavy industrial environments preferred.

• Strong understanding of Process Control Network architecture and industrial communications.
• Experience with Wonderware InTouch, Wonderware Historian, and Aspen Historian systems.
• Knowledge of Rockwell Automation and Logix programming environments.
• Familiarity with industrial networking, managed switches, VLANs, and network troubleshooting.
• Understanding of industrial cybersecurity principles and OT security best practices.
• Knowledge of server administration, backups, disaster recovery, and virtualization technologies.
• Strong analytical and troubleshooting skills.
• Ability to work independently and manage multiple priorities.
• Excellent communication and collaboration skills.

Working Conditions:

• Works on projects that are identified as critical through personal efforts and justifications and by others within KaMin. These projects will primarily deal with complete systems.
• Identifies and makes recommendations for process improvements and assists in their implementation. Selects and evaluates processing equipment and makes recommendations for plant use.
• Works as part of cross-functional project teams.
• Interfaces with internal/external customers.
• Works in an office and plant environment. Subject to both internal and external environmental conditions. 
• Required to operate office equipment.
• Some travel required; overseas possible, but rare.
• Available and willing to be on-call outside of regular hours.
• Must be able to climb, stand, sit, and walk long distances. 
• Must be able to use fingers and make substantial movements (repetitive motion) with wrists, hands, and fingers. 
• The job requires close visual acuity to operate a personal computer, read reports, and analyze data.
• May occasionally ascend and descend stairs and ladders up to 30 feet on top of tanks and elevators in a safe manner.
• Ability to ascend and descend stairs occasionally at heights up to 180 feet on top of tanks and calciners.