Process Engineer (Automation)

Location: Fort Mill, SC

Pay Rate: $52.88/hr.

Shift: Monday to Friday 8am to 5pm

Travel: 40-50% typical, as needed. 

Work Type: Continue to work in assigned location/plant. Remote on travel weeks. 

Duration: Contract to Hire

Reports to: the Process Development Manager.

Span of control: This position has no direct reports. This role is also expected to provide support and coaching to Process and Technical teams and the site subject matter experts across the division.

Region: This position will support 4-6 plants in Doors Division.

PURPOSE OF THE JOB

This role is responsible for developing new manufacturing processes and overseeing Controls and Automation workstreams within capital projects. It ensures that automation strategies are properly designed, integrated, and executed to drive operational improvements. Key responsibilities include eliminating or reengineering manual tasks, advancing futureofwork initiatives, and enabling safer, more efficient, and more reliable production operations. Typical duties involve defining new application requirements, updating existing applications based on functional needs, conducting costbenefit analyses, and prototyping, designing, integrating, and testing robotic and automation systems.

The main responsibility is to execute Automation initiatives with operations teams to eliminate 3Ds (Dirty, Dull and Dangerous tasks) and improve Safety, Quality and Productivity through Automation and process stability. The successful candidate works closely with plant operations teams by leveraging team resources and guiding plant technical teams to achieve site goals. This role also collaborates with the Process SME Engineers, OC IT, Capital Team, R&D Team, and Quality Team as well as Site Operations to enhance manufacturing processes leading to quality Door products.

JOB RESPONSIBILITIES

Safety

• Ensure a safe work environment through employee coaching and engagement
• Effectively communicates Owens Corning’s Safety Stand with external contractors/parties and ensures that they work according to our safety standards
• Ensure all the processes /automation are adhered to OC Safety Standards.
• Leads by example through hazard recognition and elimination.

Process Automation and Optimization

• Provide support to sites with a customer centric approach by collaborating with Plant teams and work on developing process/ Automation projects that will eliminate Dull, Dangerous and Dirty tasks.
• Collaborate with Process SME Engineers in identifying process needs and process limits and design process/automation meeting those Process Specs.
• Design and implement automated systems, including robotics, PLCs, and control systems.
• Develop and maintain standards for automation architecture, programming, and documentation.
• Collaborate with operations, IT, and quality teams to identify automation opportunities and deliver cost-effective solutions.
• Manage project timelines, budgets, and resources to ensure successful execution.
• Ensure compliance with safety, regulatory, and cybersecurity requirements for automated systems.
• Facilitate engagement with capital engineering, IT, Productivity, reliability and Quality Teams and ensure projects and goals are being met. Remove roadblocks and re-assign resources as needed. Guide team members in analyzing process data and providing feedback to plants to optimize performance.
• Ensure effective use of new process technologies (Digital Manufacturing) in Doors operations. Promote networking between plants, R&D, and other groups to identify and implement best practices.
• Implements root-cause analysis and corrective actions for issues surfaced through losses in Automation, leveraging digital tools

Support Design and Commissioning of Capital & Productivity Projects

• Identifies and implements equipment improvements, working directly with the Capital Engineering team and Productivity team as needed
• Uses a comprehensive Management of Change process on projects with Lessons Learned after completion of projects
• Ensures that preventative and predictive plans, work instructions, and other procedures related to the installation, maintenance and repair of plant equipment and machinery are built and executed
• Aids in the development and implementation of the Doors capital plan, Doors site improvement plans, and Doors process stability plan
• Commissions and supports project startup as the technical and process resource when applicable, working directly with plant and Capital engineering teams

Coaching and Consulting

• Executes training plans for plant Operations/Maint/Technical Leaders and creates a continuous learning environment for employees
• Trains and directs the work of skilled craft people in advanced process control understanding
• Documents knowledge into knowledge repository, and shares knowledge with key personnel and stakeholders
• Other work/responsibilities as directed by plant leadership, operations team, or Division

JOB REQUIREMENTS

MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS

• Bachelor’s degree in electrical engineering, Mechanical Engineering, Automation, or related field.
• Experience in industrial automation, robotics, and control systems integration
• Minimum of 3 years’ experience within a manufacturing or technical environment; heavy manufacturing in a Discrete operation or Doors industry highly preferred. Additional 4 years of experience in lieu of engineering degree.
• Knowledge of PLC programming, SCADA systems, and industrial networking.
• Familiarity with Lean manufacturing principles, TPM and process optimization.
• Proficiency in automation software and tools (e.g., Rockwell, Siemens, Python for scripting).
• Strong analytical and problem-solving skills.
• Effective communication and collaboration skills across technical and non-technical teams.
• Ability to lead complex automation projects from concept to implementation.
• Ability to adapt to emerging technologies and changing business needs.
• Ability to manage multiple priorities and deliver results under tight deadlines.
• Certification in Six Sigma (Green Belt) preferred

Knowledge, Skills and Abilities

• Ability to analyze and use data to drive sustainable equipment improvements
• Ability to effectively manage multiple priorities or projects at one time
• Ability to influence without authority
• Can use data effectively to establish concrete Return on Investment (ROI) of suggestions
• Experience working in a cross functional team environment and effectively transfer knowledge at all levels through effective communication skills
• Experience with project management; understanding internal and external needs
• Computer and Software competencies; skills in Braincube, and Aspentech preferred
• Knowledge and experience with Root Cause Analysis, failure modes effects and analysis, and other Total Productive Maintenance activities preferred