Process Controls Engineer

Cooperidge Consulting Firm is seeking a Process Controls Engineer for a premier chemical manufacturing facility in El Dorado, AR.

This role is the technical backbone for the site’s automation and control infrastructure. You will be responsible for the full lifecycle of control systems, from hands-on PLC troubleshooting to high-level network architecture and cybersecurity mitigation. Working in a highly regulated chemical environment, you will ensure that all automated processes meet rigorous SIL/LOPA safety standards while providing urgent support to maintenance teams during critical equipment breakdowns. This is an ideal role for an engineer who thrives at the intersection of traditional electrical engineering and modern industrial IT.

Job Responsibilities

• Automation System Ownership: Analyze, develop, and maintain site-wide control systems, including PLCs, HMIs, and remote I/O devices.
• Technical Troubleshooting: Provide urgent, hands-on support to maintenance personnel to resolve electrical, pneumatic, and PLC circuit failures.
• Safety & Compliance: Ensure all control systems comply with SIL (Safety Integrity Level) and LOPA (Layers of Protection Analysis) assessments; maintain alignment with PSM and DHS regulations.
• Documentation & Archiving: Create and maintain high-fidelity instrument loop sheets, motor elementaries, and electrical drawings; manage the electronic archiving of all PLC programs.
• Network & IT/OT Integration: Support IT infrastructure and OT communication protocols to ensure seamless, secure data flow between the shop floor and enterprise systems.
• Mentorship: Serve as the subject matter expert, training and mentoring technicians on control strategy, advanced troubleshooting, and installation best practices.
• Cybersecurity Awareness: Identify threats and vulnerabilities within the Industrial Control System (ICS) environment and implement appropriate mitigation techniques.

Requirements

Education & Core Experience

• Bachelor’s degree in Electrical Engineering (BSEE) or Electrical Engineering Technology is REQUIRED.
• Minimum of three (3) years of experience in a manufacturing environment (Chemical preferred).
• Hands-on Mastery: Extensive experience with Allen-Bradley and Rockwell Automation products.

Technical Proficiencies

• Communication Protocols: Deep understanding of TCP/IP, Modbus, OPC UA, PROFINET, and IEC 61850, with the ability to perform packet analysis.
• Regulatory Knowledge: Working knowledge of industrial safety standards and federal regulatory requirements (DHS/PSM).
• Documentation: Proficiency in creating and reading complex technical manuals and electrical schematics.

Soft Skills

• Urgency: Ability to work effectively under pressure and respond quickly to emergency work orders.
• Communication: Excellent verbal and interpersonal skills for collaborating across all organizational levels—from the shop floor to executive management.

Benefits

• Health Care Plan (Medical, Dental & Vision)
• Retirement Plan (401k, IRA)
• Life Insurance (Basic, Voluntary & AD&D)
• Paid Time Off (Vacation, Sick & Public Holidays)
• Family Leave (Maternity, Paternity)
• Short Term & Long Term Disability
• Training & Development
• Wellness Resources