Position Summary:
Performs advanced technical and professional work in the design, programming, configuration, maintenance, and lifecycle management of Programmable Logic Controller (PLC) systems, Human-Machine Interface (HMI) applications, and Supervisory Control and Data Acquisition (SCADA) systems. Serves as the subject matter expert for Rockwell Automation platforms, advanced programming in Studio 5000, and industrial networking infrastructure.
This position supports three treatment facilities and multiple lift station sites throughout the Elgin, Illinois area and ensures the reliability, cybersecurity, and performance of mission-critical control systems.
Duties and Responsibilities:
The following duties are representative, and not intended to be all-inclusive:
- Serves as the lead technical resource for PLC, HMI, and SCADA system architecture, programming, troubleshooting, and optimization.
- Designs, develops, modifies, and maintains advanced ladder logic programs using Studio 5000 Logix Designer for ControlLogix and CompactLogix platforms.
- Implements structured and modular programming practices, including Add-On Instructions (AOIs), User-Defined Data Types (UDTs), produced/consumed tags, and advanced process control strategies.
- Develops, configures, and maintains FactoryTalk View SE and ME applications, including alarm management, trending, historical data collection, redundancy, and user security.
- Maintains and configures historical data connections in Aveva Wonderware Historian, and reports using Dream Reports.
- Configures and maintains Rockwell industrial networking infrastructure, including Ethernet/IP networks, Stratix managed switches, VLAN segmentation, and network diagnostics.
- Performs advanced troubleshooting of PLC logic, industrial communications, instrumentation systems, motor control circuits, and variable frequency drives (VFDs).
- Designs, tunes, and optimizes PID control loops and advanced process control strategies.
- Reviews and updates control narratives, P&IDs, I/O lists, cause-and-effect matrices, and electrical drawings.
- Assists with the specification, installation, commissioning, and startup of new control systems and instrumentation equipment.
- Provides technical guidance and mentorship to operations and maintenance personnel regarding control system functionality and best practices.
- Performs work within control panels, motor control centers (MCCs), and switchgear involving voltages up to 480 VAC.
- Performs other duties as assigned.
Education and/or Experience:
An equivalent combination of education and experience sufficient to successfully perform the essential duties of the position may be considered.
- Associate’s degree in Automation, Instrumentation, Electronics, Electrical Engineering Technology, or a closely related field; Bachelor’s degree preferred.
- Seven (7) years of progressively responsible experience in industrial automation, controls engineering, or advanced automation systems support, including substantial experience with Rockwell platforms.
- Demonstrated expertise in Studio 5000 advanced ladder logic programming and Rockwell industrial networking configuration.
Certificates, Licenses, Registrations:
- Must possess a valid Illinois Driver's License when operating a district vehicle and be insurable by district standards.
Qualifications/Requirements/Skills:
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 accommodation may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.
- Advanced ladder logic programming and structured PLC development methodologies.
- Rockwell Automation platforms including Studio 5000, ControlLogix, CompactLogix, FactoryTalk View SE/ME, and FactoryTalk Linx.
- Aveva Wonderware Historian and Dream Reports.
- Industrial Ethernet networking principles and Rockwell-specific network hardware and configuration.
- SCADA system design, alarm rationalization, historical data systems, and redundancy strategies.
- Industrial instrumentation including 4–20 mA analog signals, HART protocol devices, and low-voltage control systems.
- Motor controls, VFD integration, and PID loop tuning.
- Electrical schematics, wiring diagrams, panel layouts, and P&IDs.
- Analyze complex automation and process control problems and implement effective technical solutions.
- Lead control system improvements and modernization initiatives.
- Work regularly in mission-critical operational environments.
- Communicate technical information clearly to both technical and non-technical staff.
- Maintain accurate documentation and adhere to regulatory and safety standards.
Physical Requirements:
- Prolonged periods sitting at a desk and working on a computer.
- Must be able to travel the entire facility.
- Must be able to lift up to 15 pounds at times
Work Environment:
You will be based out of the District's Administrative HQ building in South Elgin, however, field work is performed in industrial plant environments and may require exposure to electrical hazards, noise, confined spaces, and varying weather conditions at remote sites. The position requires work within energized control panels and electrical equipment up to 480 VAC in accordance with established safety procedures.
Salary/Benefits:
This is a full-time, non-exempt position with full benefits and participation in the Illinois Municipal Retirement Fund (IMRF), a defined benefit retirement plan. Our comprehensive benefits package includes health, dental, vision, life, flexible spending, a 457 deferred compensation plan, paid time off, and tuition reimbursement. The starting salary will be determined based on qualifications, experience, and professional achievements. The salary range for this non-exempt position (Grade 5) is $37.21 to $53.91 per hour, which is equivalent to $77,391.60. to $112,140.43 annually, depending on qualifications and experience.
How to Apply:
1. Interested candidates should submit a resume, cover letter, and employment application (located at) www.frwrd.com/career opportunities
2. Submit your completed application via email to Human Resources Manager, Eulices Sanchez, at [email protected]. If you are selected as a finalist for the position, Human Resources will reach out to you for further steps. Please include the position title in the email subject line.
Employment with the Fox River Water Reclamation District is at-will, meaning that your employment relationship is for no definite or determinable period of time, either the employee or the employer may terminate the employment relationship at any time, with or without cause or notice. This job description does not constitute an employment agreement or contract, and the duties and responsibilities outlined may be subject to change at the discretion of the employer.
Fox River Water Reclamation District is an Equal Opportunity Employer.
Pay: $75,504.00 - $109,459.00 per year
Benefits:
- Dental insurance
- Disability insurance
- Employee assistance program
- Flexible spending account
- Health insurance
- Health savings account
- Life insurance
- Paid time off
- Retirement plan
- Tuition reimbursement
- Vision insurance
Work Location: In person