Control Systems Engineer

Control Systems Engineer

Aspen Aerogels is the global leader in aerogel technology. The company's mission is to enable its customers and partners to shape their own strategies around the global megatrends of resource efficiency and sustainability. The company's Cryogel and Pyrogel products are valued by the world's largest energy infrastructure companies. The company's Spaceloft products provide building owners with industry-leading energy efficiency including options for a safe, non-combustible fire rating. The company's strategy is to partner with world-class industry leaders to leverage its aerogel technology platform into additional markets. Headquartered in Northborough, Mass., Aspen Aerogels manufactures its products at its East Providence, R.I. facility.

SUMMARY: Aspen Aerogels integrated production equipment utilizes computer-integrated manufacturing (CIM) methodologies. There are three major challenges to the development of a smoothly operating CIM system:

• Integration of components from different suppliers
• Data integrity
• Process control

Aspen Aerogel's Control Systems Engineer is responsible for the integration of, the data integrity of, and the process control for new and existing integrated production equipment. A special emphasis will be placed on new production equipment such as Finishing Ovens, Turreted Unwinds, Turreted Rewinds, CO2 Recovery Systems, electrical power monitoring, natural gas monitoring, CO2 usage monitoring, CO2 purity monitoring, and ethanol purity monitoring.

DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES:

• Monitor and configure Plant control system network and maintenance equipment to meet or exceed productivity standards.
• Monitor and configure Plant control system network and equipment to meet finished product quality specifications.
• Write and update Plant system documentation including logic diagrams, interlock lists, sequence flow charts, database documentation, control systems, layout drawings, etc.
• Develop, implement and optimize Plant operating logic.
• Programming of PLCs, HMIs, Servos and VFDs.
• Serve as Company Controls expert and power user; provide guidance to the Director of Plant Engineering and the Plant Manager.
• Update, modify, and continuously improve existing controls systems including robotic programs, ladder logic programs, relay logic, electrical distribution, motor controls, operator interface, hydraulics, and pneumatic distribution and control
• Develop new control systems focused on Finishing Oven operations, electric heater controls, air controls, and in-line measurement technologies such as vision, thickness, density, and thermal conductivity.
• Develop new control systems focused on converting operations, tension control, speed control, diameter control, edge guiding, unwinding, rewinding, coating, laminating and calendaring operations.
• Performs other related duties as assigned by management.
• Adopt and follow Aspen's core values of Safety, Quality, Integrity, Teamwork, Customer Satisfaction and Innovation on both a personal and professional level.

SUPERVISORY RESPONSIBILITIES:

• This job has no supervisory responsibilities.

QUALIFICATIONS:

• Minimum B.S. in Chemical or Electrical Engineering or equivalent combination of education and experience.
• Minimum 10 years or equivalent experience in manufacturing/chemical plant/processes.
• Ability to act independently developing new techniques for process control
• Strong interpersonal, communication and training skills.
• Advanced PLC programming skills.
• Leads by accomplishment, encourages and motivates thru example
• Continually demonstrates a level of integrity and professional demeanor in keeping with the Company's mission and values.
• Computer skills required: Allen-Bradley or equivalent PLC programming, Microsoft Office.

COMPETENCIES:

• Safety and Security - Observes safety and security procedures; Determines appropriate action beyond guidelines; Reports potentially unsafe conditions; Uses equipment and materials properly.
• Quality - Demonstrates accuracy and thoroughness; Looks for ways to improve and promote quality; Applies feedback to improve performance; Monitors own work to ensure quality.
• Ethics - Treats people with respect; Keeps commitments; Inspires the trust of others; Works with integrity and ethically; Upholds organizational values.
• Teamwork - Balances team and individual responsibilities; Exhibits objectivity and openness to others' views; Gives and welcomes feedback; Contributes to building a positive team spirit; Puts success of team above own interests; Able to build morale and group commitments to goals and objectives; Supports everyone's efforts to succeed.
• Innovation - Displays original thinking and creativity; Meets challenges with resourcefulness; Generates suggestions for improving work; Develops innovative approaches and ideas; Presents ideas and information in a manner that gets others' attention.
• Diversity - Demonstrates knowledge of EEO policy; Shows respect and sensitivity for cultural differences; educates others on the value of diversity; promotes a harassment-free environment; Builds a diverse workforce.
• Adaptability - Adapts to changes in the work environment; Manages competing demands; Changes approach or method to best fit the situation; Able to deal with frequent change, delays, or unexpected events.
• Analytical - Synthesizes complex or diverse information; Collects and researches data; Uses intuition and experience to complement data; Designs work flows and procedures.
• Business Acumen - Understands business implications of decisions; Displays orientation to profitability; Demonstrates knowledge of market and competition; Aligns work with strategic goals.
• Change Management - Develops workable implementation plans; Communicates changes effectively; Builds commitment and overcomes resistance; Prepares and supports those affected by change; Monitors transition and evaluates results.
• Cost Consciousness - Works within approved budget; Develops and implements cost saving measures; Contributes to profits and revenue; Conserves organizational resources.
• Design - Generates creative solutions; Translates concepts and information into images; Uses feedback to modify designs; Applies design principles; Demonstrates attention to detail.
• Initiative - Volunteers readily; Undertakes self-development activities; Seeks increased responsibilities; Takes independent actions and calculated risks; Looks for and takes advantage of opportunities; Asks for and offers help when needed.
• Judgement - Displays willingness to make decisions; Exhibits sound and accurate judgment; Supports and explains reasoning for decisions; Includes appropriate people in decision-making process; Makes timely decisions.
• Leadership - Exhibits confidence in self and others; Inspires and motivates others to perform well; effectively influences actions and opinions of others; Accepts feedback from others; Gives appropriate recognition to others.
• Oral Communication - Speaks clearly and persuasively in positive or negative situations; listens and gets clarification; Responds well to questions; Demonstrates group presentation skills; Participates in meetings.
• Problem Solving - Identifies and resolves problems in a timely manner; Gathers and analyzes information skillfully; Develops alternative solutions; Works well in group problem solving situations; Uses reason even when dealing with emotional topics.
• Professionalism - Approaches others in a tactful manner; Reacts well under pressure; Treats others with respect and consideration regardless of their status or position; Accepts responsibility for own actions; Follows through on commitments.
• Project Management - Develops project plans; Coordinates projects; Communicates changes and progress; Completes projects on time and budget; Manages project team activities.
• Strategic Thinking - Develops strategies to achieve organizational goals; Understands organization's strengths & weaknesses; Analyzes market and competition; Identifies external threats and opportunities; Adapts strategy to changing conditions.
• Technical Skills - Assesses own strengths and weaknesses; Pursues training and development opportunities; Strives to continuously build knowledge and skills; Shares expertise with others.
• Visionary Leadership - Displays passion and optimism; Inspires respect and trust; mobilizes others to fulfill the vision; Provides vision and inspiration to peers and subordinates.
• Written Communication - Writes clearly and informatively; Edits work for spelling and grammar; Varies writing style to meet needs; Presents numerical data effectively; Able to read and interpret written information.

PHYSICAL DEMANDS AND WORK ENVIRONMENT:

• Occasionally required to stand
• Occasionally required to walk
• Frequently required to sit
• Continually required to utilize hand and finger dexterity
• Continually required to talk or hear

• Occasionally works near moving mechanical parts
• Occasionally works around fumes, airborne particles, or toxic chemicals
• While performing the duties of this job, the noise level in the work environment is usually moderate.
• The employee mustoccasionally lift and/or move more than 10 pounds.
• Specific vision abilities required by this job include: Close vision; Distance vision; Color vision; Peripheral vision; Depth perception and ability to adjust focus.

Aspen Aerogels, Inc. is an equal opportunity employer. We evaluate qualified applicants without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, disability, veteran status, and other legally protected characteristics. The EEO is the Law poster is available here:

Aspen Aerogels, Inc. is committed to working with and providing reasonable accommodations to individuals with disabilities. If you need a reasonable accommodation because of a disability for any part of the employment process, please let us know the nature of your request and your contact information.

For Our Rhode Island Applicants:

Aspen Aerogels, Inc. is an equal opportunity employer. We evaluate qualified applicants without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, disability, veteran status, and other legally protected characteristics. The East Providence, RI facility of Aspen Aerogels is subject to Title 28, Chapter 29-6.2 of Rhode Island General Laws, which governs Worker's Compensation.

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