Remote Internship Automation Engineer Jobs in Illinois

Hawkins, Inc./WaterSurplus is a trusted and well-known leader in the chemical industry for over 80 years.  We have opportunities for motivated hard workers to learn and develop a career with our Water Treatment business segment.  Our route sales/delivery approach to supplying products and equipment to our customers in 27+ states ensures superb customer service and support.  Our customers include water and wastewater treatment systems, municipal and commercial swimming pools, industrial process and wastewater facilities, and industries like oil/gas and agricultural farmers/growers.

Learn more about us at www.hawkinsinc.com (NASDAQ: HWKN).

ABOUT THE JOB

The Water Treatment Process Engineer/Remote Monitoring Engineer optimizes water and wastewater treatment processes across multiple facilities through process engineering, remote monitoring, and operational analytics. This role improves treatment performance, compliance, reliability, and efficiency by leveraging data, automation, and advanced monitoring tools. The position serves as the technical lead for process optimization, remote diagnostics, and performance monitoring, partnering with operators, field service teams, and clients to ensure safe, efficient, and compliant facility operations.

DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES

• Monitor water treatment plant parameters (e.g., pH, turbidity, flux, flow rates, and chemical dosing) using SCADA, IoT, or cloud-based monitoring platforms.
• Analyze operational data to identify opportunities for process improvement, cost reduction, energy savings, and enhanced treatment performance.
• Perform real-time adjustments to process controls, alarm settings, and automation systems to maintain optimal treatment performance.
• Develop process control strategies and operational best practices for reverse osmosis treatment systems.
• Conduct root cause analyses of operational issues and recommend corrective actions to customer plant personnel.
• Support the startup, commissioning, troubleshooting, and performance testing of treatment systems.
• Develop standard operating procedures (SOPs), dashboards, key performance indicators (KPIs), technical reports, and reporting tools to track facility performance and operational trends.
• Establish alarm management protocols and escalation procedures.
• Ensure continuous monitoring coverage and timely response to critical system events.
• Drive continuous improvement of remote monitoring capabilities and supporting technologies.
• Analyze operational, process, and asset performance data to identify trends and optimization opportunities.
• Develop predictive monitoring and performance management tools. Use monitoring data to anticipate equipment failures and proactively schedule maintenance. 
• Utilize statistical analysis and process modeling tools to support operational decision-making.
• Provide technical guidance and support to engineering, rental, and site services teams.
• Serve as the subject matter expert for treatment processes and process control systems.
• Conduct operator training on process optimization and monitoring systems.
• Establish performance metrics and operational objectives for the remote monitoring program.
• Collaborate with the Chief Technology Officer to develop program enhancements and machine learning capabilities for the remote monitoring program.
• Other duties as assigned.

ABOUT YOU

• Bachelor’s degree in Chemical, Environmental, Mechanical, Electrical, or a related engineering discipline.
• Five (5+) years of experience in water or wastewater treatment, process engineering, industrial automation, process optimization, or remote operations monitoring.
• Strong knowledge of water and wastewater treatment technologies, regulatory requirements, and treatment processes, including membrane systems, biological treatment, nutrient removal, and industrial water applications.
• Proficiency in data analytics, process modeling, statistical analysis, and performance monitoring using tools such as Power BI, Tableau, SQL, and Excel; experience with advanced process control, predictive analytics, or machine learning is a plus.
• Demonstrated ability to analyze operational data, troubleshoot complex process issues, and implement process improvements that enhance performance, reliability, compliance, and efficiency.
• Experience supporting multiple facilities, remote operations centers, or centralized monitoring programs while effectively managing competing priorities.
• Strong analytical, decision-making, communication, and collaboration skills, with a customer-focused and continuous improvement mindset.
• Proficiency with Microsoft Office Suite.

PHYSICAL REQUIREMENTS:

The physical demands described below are representative of those that must be met by an employee to successfully perform the essential functions of this position. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.

• Ability to travel to and work within water and wastewater treatment facilities and other industrial environments.
• Ability to walk, stand, climb stairs, bend, and navigate treatment plant and facility environments during site visits.
• Ability to operate standard office equipment, including personal computers, phones, printers, and other business technology.
• Work requires close vision and the ability to view computer monitors and analyze technical data for extended periods.
• May be required to lift and carry equipment, materials, or supplies weighing up to 25 pounds.
• Availability to respond to critical operational issues outside of standard business hours.
• Valid U.S. Driver’s License and the ability to travel independently are required.

TRAVEL:

• Position is primarily remote; however, travel to customer, treatment facility, and company locations is required as needed.

COMPENSATION: $100k-$135K Base + 10% bonus eligibility 

Hawkins/WaterSurplus offers eligible employees and their dependents comprehensive benefits, which includes medical, dental, vision, life insurance, LTD/STD and more.Other benefits for eligible employees include 401(k) match, Employee Stock Purchase program (ESPP), paid time off, and paid holidays.

For more information on Hawkins benefits, visit:   https://www.hawkinsinc.com/careers/benefits/

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All applications must be received online.  All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, disability, protected veteran status, or any other characteristics protected by law.  Hawkins is a Drug Free workplace