Controls Engineer/Controls Engineering Manager (Arroyo Grande)

COMPANY OVERVIEW: Cloacina, LLC is a manufacturer and purveyor of package wastewater treatment plants and industry equipment located on the Central Coast of California. It is owned and managed by a family of licensed operators and maintenance mechanics, now four generators deep. We are currently seeking to fill the position of Controls Engineer/Controls Engineering Manager. POSITION SUMMARY: Cloacina is seeking a Controls Engineer/Controls Engineering Manager to assist with the design, maintenance, and troubleshooting of their Membrane Bio-Reactor (MBR) systems and associated equipment. The candidate will also assist the Cloacina Electrical Engineering department with PLC control panel design, networking design and implementation, and equipment factory acceptance testing (FAT), assist the Cloacina Engineering department with control methodology design, and assist the Cloacina Lifecycle team with troubleshooting and remediation of problems observed on existing operational systems. Note that Cloacina is looking for individuals with a strong work ethic, eagerness to learn, and a good fit for the company culture, even if they lack certain specific technical skills. Cloacina is willing to train and develop a motivated individual with the right aptitude. RESPONSIBILITIES: The following responsibilities will be expected of the candidate: • Interpret control panel schematics and engineering drawings (e.g. P&ID’s) designed by Cloacina Electrical Engineering department. Work with that department to make any modifications, revisions, as-builts, and improvements. • PLC development programming for the equipment control systems based upon the unit-process-diagram (UPD) process control diagrams generated by the Cloacina Engineering department. Work with that department to make any modifications, revisions, as-builts, and improvements. This will require programming with Rockwell Automation RSLogix 5000 ladder logic for CompactLogix 5380 systems and Rockwell Automation FactoryTalk SE Studio for HMI visualization displays. • Programming support for equipment factory acceptance testing (FAT), working with field electricians and automation technicians to verify equipment operates as intended prior to shipment to customers. • Programming support for equipment site acceptance testing (SAT), working with field electricians and automation technicians to validate it operates properly once installed at customer location. • Programming support for Cloacina Lifecycle group to troubleshoot any issues with existing operational systems. This will require review of customer statements of the problem they’ve observed, interpretation of what actual issues could be occurring, logging into the system and pulling data and reviewing code to determine a root cause. Then communicating that analysis to the appropriate parties for resolution of the problem and/or modifying PLC program. REQUIRED QUALIFICATIONS: The following abilities will be expected of the candidate. • PLC programming, particularly Allen Bradley RSLogix 5000 ladder logic for CompactLogix 5380 systems. • Understanding of general control theory, including feedback, feed-forward, PID loop, etc. control methodologies and algorithms. • Understanding of PLC hardware design, including specification and configuration of digital and analog input and output cards and their interaction with the PLC controller itself. • Understanding of general IEEE 802 Ethernet networking, including switching and routing methods and common protocols like DHCP, BootP, NAT, Ethernet/IP protocol for control systems. • Strong communication skills, to be able to speak both in technical terms to Cloacina personnel and client/customer technical personnel, as well as simplifying and translating into general terms for nontechnical personnel. • Technical writing ability for documentation of system designs and configurations. • Ability to productively work both independently and cooperatively in conjunction with assistance. • Ability to multitask and work on several projects/tasks simultaneously. • Bachelor’s degree in Electrical Engineering, Controls Engineering, a related discipline, or suitable experience. DESIRED/PREFERRED QUALIFICATIONS: The following abilities are desired of the candidate but not required. • Experience with programming, configuration, and setup of VFD’s. Particularly, Allen Bradley PowerFlex 520-series & 755-series, Schneider Altivar series, Danfoss, and/or ABB drives. • General purpose programming experience (i.e. C++, Python, MS Office VBA, database SQL scripting, etc.) • Understanding of common process equipment, including pumps, automated valves, solenoids, and typical instrumentation. • Ability to troubleshoot PLC control systems and associated equipment, like relays, switches, and instrumentation (both 4-20mA analog and discrete signalling). • Experience with SCADA systems (e.g. WonderWare, Ignition, or similar). • Knowledge of applicable Codes and Standards, including ISA, NEC, IEEE, UL, OSHA. PYSICAL REQUIREMENTS: • Prolonged periods sitting at a desk and working on a computer. • Must be able to lift up to 25 pounds at times. POSITION OFFERS: Position offers competitive salary, medical/dental/vision benefits, FSA, life insurance, paid time off, and safe harbor 401(K). NOTICE OF WORK ENVIRONMENT & OCCUPATIONAL HAZARDS: The wastewater industry can be hazardous due to exposure to biological and chemical hazards, as well as physical dangers, including but not limited to, confined spaces, slips, falls, wet and/or humid conditions, high and/or low altitude, moving mechanical parts, high and/or precarious places, fumes and/or airborne particles, outside weather conditions, extreme cold, extreme heat, risk of electrical shock, vibration, sewage, epoxy coatings, solvents, and excessive noise levels.  Employees may come in contact with wastewater which contains human waste.  Wastewater contains various bacteria, viruses, and parasites that can cause diseases in humans and animals.  Workers can be exposed through contact with wastewater, aerosols containing pathogens, or contaminated equipment.  Wastewater treatment processes also involve the use of various chemicals, some of which can be toxic or corrosive.  It is imperative that employees wear proper Personal Protective Equipment (PPE) and follow safety protocols.  While not mandatory, it is also highly recommended that employees stay current with vaccinations, including Hepatitis A, Hepatitis B, Tetanus, and Diphtheria.