Commission Manufacturing Operations Analyst Jobs in Milan, IL

Position: Project Engineer – Automation (Muscatine, IA)

Contact Hannah Wilson at hwilson@saigepartners.com, you can also schedule an appointment to learn more about this opportunity!

Job Overview

The Project Engineer – Automation is responsible for supporting safe, reliable, and efficient plant operations through process automation, control system optimization, and continuous improvement initiatives. This role analyzes process performance, identifies opportunities for improvement, and designs and implements automation solutions that enhance productivity, product quality, and system reliability. The Automation Engineer maintains and supports Level 1 and Level 1.5 control systems, ensuring the integrity, availability, and performance of critical automation infrastructure while providing technical leadership across operations and maintenance teams. This is a direct‑hire position.

Key Responsibilities Process & Automation Engineering

• Develop and implement automation strategies, methodologies, and best practices to improve product quality, expand production capabilities, and reduce manufacturing costs.
• Design, develop, and manage Level 1 process control systems and automation projects to optimize production efficiency, yield, and product quality.
• Analyze process performance using data‑driven methods and implement sustainable continuous improvement solutions.
• Lead automation projects from concept development through implementation, commissioning, and ongoing optimization.

Technical Support & Troubleshooting

• Provide advanced troubleshooting, technical guidance, and hands‑on support to Operations, Maintenance, and Engineering Maintenance Operator (EMO) teams.
• Maintain, support, and continuously improve Level 1 electrical and control systems to ensure reliability and compliance with applicable standards.
• Deliver specialized support for process control systems and software across manufacturing operations.

Automation Systems Management

• Hardware Management
  • Perform preventive and predictive maintenance on automation and control system hardware.
  • Identify, evaluate, and replace obsolete or failing field devices and components.
  • Manage and maintain I/O interface cabling and associated hardware.
  • Monitor system performance, diagnostics, fault detection, and recovery processes to support uninterrupted operations.
• Software Management
  • Monitor and maintain automation and control applications to ensure stable and efficient operation.
  • Manage system backups and disaster recovery processes, including administration of FactoryTalk AssetCentre.
  • Troubleshoot operating systems and application software issues to minimize downtime.
  • Develop, modify, and maintain automation software and control system programs.

HMI & Interface Development

• Design, develop, implement, and maintain Human Machine Interface (HMI) applications.
• Collaborate with Operations and Maintenance teams to ensure interfaces are intuitive, standardized, and aligned with operational requirements.
• Maintain HMI standards, including graphics, alarms, and navigation structures.
• Troubleshoot and optimize HMI performance and real‑time data visualization.

Documentation & Change Management

• Develop and maintain technical documentation, system configurations, change logs, and historical records.
• Create and update operating procedures, user guides, and support documentation.
• Analyze and reverse‑engineer existing systems to reconstruct software specifications and functionality when necessary.

Operations Support

• Respond to operator requests and resolve automation and control system issues in a timely manner.
• Participate in a 24/7 on‑call support rotation for critical automation systems.
• Train and mentor maintenance personnel on new software, control systems, and automation enhancements.

Specialized Systems Support

• Provide expert‑level support for critical process and automation systems.
• Support and maintain automation systems associated with furnace, rolling mill, and finishing operations.
• Troubleshoot and maintain Allen‑Bradley PLCs, control platforms, and associated hardware.
• Support integration of HMIs, plant business systems, industrial networks, and third‑party supplier systems.

Qualifications Required

• Bachelor's degree in Electrical Engineering, Computer Science, or a related technical discipline; equivalent combination of education and experience may be considered.
• Minimum of five (5) years of experience working with ControlLogix and Rockwell Automation platforms.
• Strong understanding of process control systems and their interaction with manufacturing processes.
• Demonstrated ability to apply sound engineering and economic principles to process control decisions.
• In‑depth knowledge of industrial automation systems, including PLCs, industrial computers, real‑time communication networks, control hardware, and operating systems.
• Proficiency with ControlLogix and FactoryTalk View programming environments.
• Strong understanding of closed‑loop and real‑time control systems.
• Excellent troubleshooting, analytical, organizational, and communication skills.
• Ability to work independently, manage multiple priorities, and drive projects to completion.
• Commitment to regular and reliable attendance.

Preferred

• Experience troubleshooting industrial electrical and electronic systems in a heavy manufacturing environment.
• Formal training in computer hardware, software systems, or related technical disciplines.
• Strong knowledge of industrial networking, database management, and software development tools.
• Experience programming, configuring, and tuning AC and DC digital drive systems.
• Knowledge of DC motor theory, operation, and control systems.
• Experience with mill stand control systems, winding applications, or similar manufacturing process equipment.

Preferred Technical Skills

• Rockwell Automation ControlLogix
• FactoryTalk View
• FactoryTalk AssetCentre
• Allen‑Bradley PLC Systems
• Industrial Networks & Communications
• HMI Development & Support
• Process Control Systems
• Real‑Time Automation Systems
• AC/DC Drive Systems
• Industrial Electrical Systems
• Continuous Improvement Methodologies