Controls Engineer

Job description

For more than 75 years, Grifols has worked to improve the health and well-being of people around the world. We are a global healthcare company that produces essential plasma-derived medicines for patients and provides hospitals and healthcare professionals with the tools, information and services they need to deliver expert medical care.

POSITION SUMMARY

Controls Engineer maintains existing control systems for manufacturing processes and supports utilities and maintenance in a maximum state of reliability. Identifies problems and potential problems with control systems and designs, plans, manages, installs, initiates start-up, commissions and documents improvements/upgrades/migration of PLC/SCADA-based control systems for pharmaceutical process equipment.

ESSENTIAL DUTIES & RESPONSIBILITIES include the following. Other duties may be assigned.

· Manage control projects in a timely and cost effective manner.
· Maintain existing PLC-based systems in reliable condition, propose improvements, and train/support production and maintenance personnel.
· Maintain existing industrial databases such as MSSQL.
· Perform predictive, preventative and corrective maintenance efforts required to ensure efficient, reliable and uninterrupted plant operations.
· Design, install, commission PLC-based control systems and HMI interfaces for new projects.
· Prepare Scope of Work and bid documents for controls systems fabrication and installation. Manage various contractors simultaneously during lifetime of multiple projects.
· Troubleshoot different controller software and hardware components.
· Conduct timely/competent root cause analyses. Recommend/implement innovative, efficient and effective corrective actions resulting in stable and capable processes.
· Track and evaluate critical process data to recommend continuous process improvement. Participate in equipment troubleshooting in order to correct/maintain quality production. Recommend and implement measures to improve production methods, equipment performance, facility layout, and quality of product.
· In the course of executing projects, follow the established Grifols procedures for pharmaceutical engineering documentation.
· Develop electrical and P&ID drawings.
· Maintain current knowledge of regulatory and industry standards.
· Generate thorough written reports, when required, that summarize investigations performed for out-of-specification results or out-of-procedure events.
· Participate in regulatory and internal inspections/audits including providing written responses as applicable for area of responsibility.
· Strict adherence to procedures and practices according to FDA regulations.
· Strong emphasis on documentation according to FDA regulations.
· Adhere to departmental corporate safety policies.

REQUIRED EXPERIENCE/SKILLS & EDUCATIONAL QUALIFICATIONS

To perform this job successfully, an individual must be able to perform each essential duty satisfactorily. The requirements listed below are representative of the knowledge, skill, and/or ability required. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable qualified individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.

· Bachelor's degree in Electrical Engineering, Automation Technology or closely related scientific/technical discipline is required.
· Minimum of 3 years related hands on experience maintaining automated manufacturing systems and equipment, preferably in an FDA / GMP regulated environment. Experience with robotics, PLCs, PLC networks, drives, motor controls, sensors, automation components, control instrumentation, proportional valves, servo controls, SCADA, HMI, or SQL database programs and/or troubleshooting is strongly preferred.
· Requires an in depth understanding of Industrial and Pharmaceutical Process Automation/Instrumentation.
· Knowledge and familiarity with Siemens and Allen-Bradley controllers and programming standards. i.e. TIA,Step7, WinCC flexible, RS View, RS logics 500 and 5000. Experience with Apogee, Step7® and FactoryTalk® strongly preferred.
· Familiarity with various types of process instrumentation, valves, motors, and pumps.
· Familiarity with good PLC/SCADA programming standards and practices
· Familiarity with local and national codes and standards including NEC, UL, IEEE, UL, NEMA, and OSHA requirements in order to help meet compliance and legal requirements.
· Familiarity with industrial networking (DeviceNet, Profibus, Ethernet) and SCADA systems, in particular Wonderware Intouch.
· Experience with electrical circuits including 3 phase 480Vac,120Vac, and 24Vdc power distribution
· Ability to troubleshoot low voltage control and instrumentation circuits
· AutoCAD drawing capability
· Windows Server, and VMware knowledge.
· Knowledge and experience in the use of hand tools, personal safety equipment and electronic measurement tools including AVO meter, Meggar, circuit tracer, signal generator, etc.
· Troubleshooting and repairing systems with VFD driven AC electrical motors as well as Servo or Stepper motors.
· Knowledge of robotics, PLCs, theory of motor drives, motor controls, sensors, actuators, vision systems, conveyors, heaters, refrigeration, pumps, controllers, 4-20mA and 0-10V signals
· Knowledge of BAS (Building Automation System) and HVAC (Heating, Ventilation & Air-Conditioning) systems.
· Knowledge of safe work practices as applied to Arc Flash, electrical circuits 64V to 480V, hand tools, high work, etc.
· Comprehensive knowledge and understanding of cGMPs, FDA regulations, and industry guidelines.
· Must have strong technical writing skills.
· Ability to work independently with minimum supervision.
· Strong organizational, analytical, and problem-solving skills with the ability to make structured decisions on a routine basis.
· Must be proactive, results oriented, and have strong attention to detail.
· Self-starter with strong work ethic and the ability to exercise good judgment.
· Ability to effectively prioritize and manage multiple tasks to meet targeted deadlines.
· Strong interpersonal skills with the ability to interact with personnel at all levels in a team environment.
· Excellent verbal and written communication skills in the English language.
· Computer literacy with proficiency in MS Office (Outlook, Word, Excel, PowerPoint)
· Must be flexible with working hours / shifts in order to accommodate the 24 hour, 7 day plant operation.

PHYSICAL REQUIREMENTS

· Manual Ability to lift /move up to 50 pounds.
· Ability to sit/stand for extended periods - up to four (4) hours at a time.
· Manual dexterity to perform all job functions.
· Ability to gown and work in an aseptic/clean room environment.
· Exposure to toxic/caustic chemicals and biological hazards.

*This job description is accurate at the date of publication and may change over time. It is not intended as an exhaustive description of the job. Other duties may be assigned and qualifications required may change.

EEO Minorities/Females/Disability/Veterans

Grifols is committed to Equal Employment Opportunity (EEO) and to compliance with all Federal, State and local laws that prohibit employment discrimination on the basis of race, color, age, national origin, ethnicity, religion, gender, gender identity, pregnancy, marital status, sexual orientation, citizenship, genetic disposition or characteristics, disability or veteran's status or any other classification protected by applicable State/Federal laws. We will consider for employment all qualified Applicants, including those with Criminal Histories, in a manner consistent with the requirements of applicable state and local laws, including the City of Los Angeles’ Fair Chance Initiative for Hiring Ordinance

Location:NORTH AMERICA : USA : CA-Los Angeles:USVALLEY - Valley Bl Mfg Plant - LA, CA

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