Controls & Automation Engineer (Contractor)

Job Description

Job Description

Contract Controls & Automation Engineer

Location: Roxboro, NC (Hybrid; On-site preferred initially and as needed) Contract Duration: 3–5 Weeks Compensation: $60–$100/hour (based on experience and qualifications)
Preference for regional/local candidates

Open Book Extracts is seeking an experienced Controls & Automation Engineer for a short-term project focused on upgrading and automating an existing continuous solvent extraction skid. This role is ideal for a hands-on automation professional with strong PLC programming experience who can design, develop, and implement robust control logic on an existing Beckhoff automation platform.The primary objective of this project is to transform the operation of our outdoor extraction pad from a largely operator-controlled process to a fully automated system capable of reliable steady-state operation. The selected contractor will be responsible for designing, programming, testing, and commissioning the automation logic required to achieve this goal.

• Upgrading PLC and sensor infrastructure on the outdoor extraction pad
• Transitioning process control from manual operator intervention to automated machine-driven logic
• Designing and implementing automated process sequencing and operational logic
• Developing safe, reliable controls that improve consistency, throughput, and operator efficiency

• Design, develop, and implement PLC control strategies using the existing Beckhoff PLC platform
• Write and modify Structured Text (ST) code within TwinCAT 3
• Develop automated process sequencing and steady-state operating logic
• Integrate new instrumentation and sensors, including:
• Weight sensors
• Flow sensors
• Torque sensors
• Temperature sensors
• Configure and tune PID control loops for process stability and performance
• Update and enhance TwinCAT HMI visualizations and operator interfaces
• Design robust batch loading sequences and continous steady state process automation routines
• Implement safety interlocks and fault-handling logic

• Test, troubleshoot, and commission automation changes on existing hardware
• Collaborate with operations and engineering personnel to validate system performance

• Proven experience as a Controls Engineer, Automation Engineer, or PLC Programmer
• Strong Beckhoff PLC programming experience
• Proficiency with TwinCAT 3 development environment
• Advanced Structured Text (IEC 61131-3) programming skills
• Experience integrating industrial instrumentation and sensors
• Demonstrated PID loop tuning experience
• Experience designing automated process sequences and machine logic
• Ability to independently develop, test, and deploy control system solutions
• Strong troubleshooting and commissioning capabilities

• Experience with batch and continuous processing systems
• Experience in chemical processing, extraction systems, manufacturing, or industrial process automation
• Familiarity with continuous process control environments
• HMI development and visualization experience within TwinCAT

This is a project-based contract expected to last approximately 3–5 weeks. On-site presence in Roxboro, NC is strongly preferred during project kickoff and key implementation phases, with hybrid flexibility available as project needs allow. Success Criteria The successful contractor will deliver:

• Fully automated process control logic replacing manual operator control
• Reliable batch loading and process sequencing functionality
• Integrated and validated sensor upgrades
• Stable PID-controlled process operation
• Updated TwinCAT HMI screens and operator controls
• Safe, maintainable, and well-documented automation code running on existing Beckhoff hardware

Physical Demands and Working Environment:

• May be required to stand and/or walk for extended periods of time. Must be able to lift, carry and balance up to 50 pounds
• While performing the duties of this job, the employee is regularly required to perform grasping, talking, hearing, seeing and repetitive motions.
• Ability to walk and stand for long periods of time (4-6 hours) with frequent kneeling and bending.
• Working in limited climate-controlled facilities and experiencing extreme heat or cold.
• Work with heavy fumes, plants, airborne particles and chemicals
• Must be comfortable working with and around heavy machinery
• May experience moderately high noise levels

Equal Employment Opportunity (EEO) Statement

Open Book Extracts is proud to be an equal opportunity employer. We embrace diversity and are committed to building a team that represents a variety of backgrounds, perspectives, and skills. The more inclusive we are, the better our work will be.

This policy applies to all terms and conditions of employment, including recruiting, hiring, placement, promotion, termination, layoff, recall, transfer, leaves of absence, compensation, and training.