Process Controls Engineer (DCS/PLC Automation)

Job Description

Job Description

Position Overview

ST Tissue, LLC is seeking an experienced, hands-on Process Controls Engineer to support automation, process control systems, and manufacturing operations at our tissue and recycling facility in Franklin, Virginia.

We are looking for a technically strong, independent professional who can step into an established industrial manufacturing environment and begin contributing with minimal foundational training.

The ideal candidate has extensive practical experience with Distributed Control Systems (DCS), Programmable Logic Controllers (PLCs), industrial instrumentation, and automation project execution.

This is a hands-on engineering position, not a desk-only design or project management role. The successful candidate must be comfortable working directly with equipment, troubleshooting in the field, and collaborating with operators and maintenance personnel to resolve production issues.

Experience in paper or tissue manufacturing is preferred; however, candidates from other continuous-process or heavy industrial manufacturing environments are encouraged to apply.

Key Responsibilities:

• Program, troubleshoot, modify, maintain, and commission DCS and PLC systems.
• Diagnose and resolve automation, instrumentation, equipment, and process-control problems.
• Support and optimize existing control systems to improve equipment reliability, process stability, and production efficiency.
• Troubleshoot field instrumentation, including pressure, flow, temperature, consistency measurement, sensors, transmitters, and control valves.
• Integrate DCS, PLC, HMI, instrumentation, drives, industrial networks, and production equipment.
• Manage automation projects from initial scope and design through programming, installation, commissioning, startup, and optimization.
• Analyze process data, system trends, and historian information to identify issues and improve performance.
• Work directly with operations, maintenance, engineering, and contractors to investigate and resolve technical problems.
• Develop and maintain technical documentation, control system records, and project updates.
• Provide technical guidance and training to operators and maintenance personnel.
• Take ownership of assigned projects and follow through to successful completion.

Required Qualifications:

• Extensive hands-on experience in industrial automation and controls within a manufacturing or continuous-process environment.
• Strong working knowledge of DCS programming, troubleshooting, modifications, and commissioning.
• Strong PLC programming, troubleshooting, integration, and commissioning experience.
• Demonstrated experience diagnosing and resolving industrial instrumentation problems directly in the field.
• Ability to independently troubleshoot complex control-system and manufacturing-process issues.
• Experience executing automation projects from concept through installation, commissioning, and successful startup.
• Strong understanding of the interaction between automation systems, instrumentation, and physical manufacturing processes.
• Ability to interpret process data, system trends, and equipment performance information.
• Strong technical judgment, problem-solving skills, communication, and project ownership.
• Ability and willingness to work directly in an active industrial manufacturing environment.
• Ability to contribute independently without extensive foundational training in automation, DCS, PLCs, or instrumentation.

Preferred Qualifications:

• Experience with ABB Distributed Control Systems .
• Experience with Allen-Bradley/Rockwell PLC systems .
• Previous experience in paper, tissue, pulp, or related manufacturing.
• Experience in other continuous-process manufacturing industries, including chemical processing, industrial materials, or similar heavy manufacturing operations.
• Bachelor's degree in Engineering or a related technical field, or equivalent relevant experience.
• Experience with process historians, HMI systems, industrial networks, and automation system integration.

What We're Looking For

Our ideal candidate is someone who:

• Can quickly learn our facility's equipment and existing automation architecture.
• Is confident troubleshooting both software/control systems and physical equipment.
• Doesn't hesitate to go onto the production floor to investigate a problem.
• Can independently identify root causes and implement practical solutions.
• Has successfully completed automation projects from initial planning through startup.
• Communicates effectively with operators, technicians, engineers, and management.
• Takes ownership of problems and follows through until they are resolved.

We are seeking an experienced automation professional who is ready to make an immediate impact—not someone requiring extensive introductory training in industrial controls.

Benefits

ST Tissue offers a comprehensive employee benefits package, including:

• Medical, dental, and vision insurance.
• Company-paid life and AD&D insurance.
• Company-paid short-term and long-term disability insurance.
• Vanguard 401(k) with company matching contributions.
• Paid time off.
• Employee assistance program.
• Additional employee benefits and discount programs.

Work Authorization

Applicants must be legally authorized to work in the United States. ST Tissue is not offering employment visa sponsorship for this position.

Equal Employment Opportunity

ST Tissue, LLC is an Equal Opportunity Employer. We are committed to providing equal employment opportunities to all qualified applicants without regard to legally protected characteristics.