Manager, Electrical and Instrumentation Systems

Manager, Electrical and Instrumentation Systems

Manager Electrical and Instrumentation Systems is responsible for leading, developing, and managing all electrical, instrumentation, and controls functions across the pellet mill facility. This role oversees the design, programming, troubleshooting, and optimization of plant automation systems including PLCs (Allen Bradley preferred), HMIs, SCADA systems, industrial networks, robotics, and instrumentation. The position ensures reliable plant operation, develops team capabilities, and maintains compliance with NEC, OSHA, NFPA 70E, and company policies. This role supports the primary pellet manufacturing facility in Hope, Arkansas and provides remote and onsite technical support to the BBQ pellet plant in Peebles, Ohio as needed.

Duties and Responsibilities:

• Supervise site electricians and control room operators, assigning daily tasks, setting performance expectations, and fostering skill development.
• Lead and manage industrial electricians and control room operators, building team capability through coaching, training, and skills assessments.
• Promote WCB Bradley culture emphasizing safety, integrity, accountability, and operational excellence.
• Program and troubleshoot Allen Bradley PLCs, including ControlLogix, CompactLogix, and RSLogix 5000.
• Develop, modify, and maintain PLC logic using ladder logic, function block programming, and structured text.
• Design, maintain, and enhance SCADA systems for alarming, data collection, and HMI configuration with Wonderware or FactoryTalk.
• Configure and maintain industrial networks such as Ethernet/IP, DeviceNet, and control switches.
• Lead automation upgrades, migrations, cybersecurity initiatives, and modernization projects.
• Support plant production systems including dryer loops, hammer mill automation, pellet press controls, conditioning, cooler controls, and bagging line automation.
• Oversee installation, maintenance, and repair of electrical systems, wiring, conduits, breakers, and control panels.
• Ensure reliable operation of 480V systems, 3-phase motors, VFDs, soft starters, MCCs, and power distribution equipment.
• Manage calibration, configuration, and troubleshooting of instrumentation for pressure, flow, temperature, level, moisture, and speed.
• Support process instrumentation for dryers, emission controls, conveyors, hammer mills, pelletizers, coolers, and packaging lines.
• Maintain accurate documentation of electrical schematics, wiring diagrams, P&IDs, and as-built drawings.
• Administer preventive and predictive maintenance programs for electrical and instrumentation systems to minimize downtime.
• Coordinate and supervise contractors performing electrical installations or outage work.
• Provide advanced diagnostics for PLCs, HMIs, VFDs, instrumentation loops, and network communication issues.
• Interpret electrical prints, network drawings, and I/O lists.
• Assist production and maintenance teams with pellet press dies, feed systems, blower systems, and material handling equipment.
• Ensure compliance with NEC, OSHA, NFPA 70E, and plant safety standards for all electrical and controls work.
• Maintain secure backups of PLC, HMI, and SCADA configurations.
• Ensure proper arc flash labeling, PPE use, and electrical hazard identification.
• Collaborate with cross-functional teams to optimize system performance.
• Lead electrical and automation projects including rewiring, equipment upgrades, and new installations.
• Support commissioning, startup, and validation of new equipment and control systems.
• Use CMMS software to track work orders, record maintenance, and manage parts usage.
• Provide project support to Hope, AR and Peebles, OH pellet plants, including remote troubleshooting and periodic onsite visits.
• Perform other duties as assigned.

Qualification Requirements:

• Minimum Education: Bachelor's degree in Electrical Engineering, Controls Engineering, Automation, or equivalent experience.
• Minimum Work Experience: Minimum five years of industrial electrical, instrumentation, and controls engineering experience and five years of leadership or supervisory experience required. Strong experience with Allen Bradley PLCs, HMIs, SCADA systems, and industrial networks. Extensive experience with instrumentation, VFDs, motor control systems, and power distribution. Ability to read and interpret electrical schematics, P and IDs, I O lists, and network architecture drawings. Strong troubleshooting ability in manufacturing or heavy industrial environments. Experience with CMMS systems and Microsoft Office tools. Ability to work on call, weekends, and overtime as required. Ability to travel to the Peebles, Ohio facility occasionally to support production uptime and project activity.
• Knowledge, Skills and Abilities: Advanced knowledge of PLC and HMI programming and troubleshooting. Strong understanding of SCADA architecture and data acquisition. Expert knowledge of industrial electrical systems, power distribution, and instrumentation. Strong project management and leadership abilities. Effective communication and cross functional teamwork skills. Highly organized, analytical, and focused on safety.
• Physical Requirements: Ability to walk, stand, climb, and work in an industrial environment. Ability to lift up to 50 pounds as needed. Comfort working in hot, cold, dusty, or noisy conditions. Ability to work at heights and enter confined spaces using proper personal protective equipment.