Position Summary Information
General SummaryThe Process Control Systems Engineer III performs a variety of professional, technical, and administrative work to support, design and program process control computer systems throughout WSSC Water.Essential FunctionsPrograms and/or may assist lower level Process Control Specialists in programming, testing, debugging, start-up, optimization of process control automation control systems throughout the Commission
Troubleshoots and resolves very complex control systems hardware and software problems
Analyzes and tunes very complex process control loops to optimum control
Designs and develops implementation documents for incorporation into new process control systems
Assists in developing process control system instrumentation and control specification standards
Designs, deploys in the field, and commissions process control system networks and panels
Coordinates process control and instrumentation standards, designs owner furnished… process control equipment on various capital improvement projects
Recommends hardware and software changes and upgrades to existing systems
Participates in testing, debugging, and start-up of new processes and equipment at all Commission sites
Designs, implements and installs databases in the PLC, HMI and historian machine nodes based on PI&D drawings and I/O lists
Installs and upgrades operating system software, logic programming software, communications software and HMI software on servers and operator stations at various sites
Troubleshoots communications network problems
Responds to calls to emergency situations outside of normal work hours during all types of weather to support WSSC water business wherever Process Control and field equipment is located
Drives a vehicle to conduct WSSC Water business
Other FunctionsDesigns, deploys in the field and commissions PLC based RTUs in the WSSC Waters SCADA system
May be required to participate in the groups emergency duty program as designated by the Division Manager
Designs and maintains communication links to systems outside of process control such as IT and SCADA
Maintains hardware and software backups for disaster recovery
Keeps abreast of and adapts to changes in the process control technology
Performs related duties as required
Work Environment And Physical DemandsAbility to climb ladders and work in confined spaces and elevated locations
Ability to hear audible alarms and abnormal equipment noises
Ability to visually inspect equipment and processes any time of day or night
Required Knowledge, Skills, And AbilitiesExtensive working knowledge of PLC based process control systems and PC based HMI systems in the water/wastewater industry
Ability to program and implement a broad range of both continuous and batch control loops and alarming for various processes in the water/wastewater plants as well as the remote pumping stations
Ability to install, program, test, tune, troubleshoot, restore and optimize all process control components such as PLCs and their associated power supplies and I/O modules, PLC programs, remote I/O racks, fiber optic and STP cabling, networks, operator stations, servers, panels and databases
Ability to program Allen-Bradley and Siemens PLCs, Wonderware HMIs, various Ethernet products
Ability to read and understand PI&D drawings, electrical drawings, ladder logic and other engineering drawings for a project
Ability to read and interpret a control narrative and produce a working logic and HMI program from that narrative
Ability to use PI&D and electrical drawings and I/O list to produce an I/O panel design
Ability to learn and use CADD software for design purposes
Ability to write specifications for hardware, software and instrumentation
Extensive knowledge, skill and ability in identifying and evaluating process control changes that are cost effective
Significant knowledge of and ability to effectively interface with operational and technical disciplines (electrical, mechanical, process) and to develop changes in ancillary equipment
Ability to work with contractors, consultants, and internal WSSC Water teams and units and to maintain satisfactory working relationships with subordinates, peers, and supervisors and to work in a team environment at various sites around the commission
Must have expert knowledge in one or more of the following areas of process control:
Expert knowledge and demonstrated ability in Wonderware HMI, including: graphical development; tag database development; scripting; alarming; data logging; I/O driver configuration; and Archestra configuration
Expert knowledge and demonstrated ability in programming development and programming of Siemens S7, Siemens 505, and Allen Bradley 5000 family PLCs, including: RLL and APT programming; Profibus and Control Net configuration
Expert knowledge and demonstrated ability in SCADA systems, including: SCADA polling master configuration and development; DNP3 and OPC; INSQL development and maintenance; RTU design and installation; implementation and configuration of routers with OSPF; of radio and microwave system implementation
Extensive knowledge of Cyber security for control systems. This should include but not limited to: Extensive knowledge of IDS; Securing routers and switches; Accepted methods of performing security assessments
Expert knowledge and demonstrated ability in panel and network design, including: integration and layout of panel components such power supply; UPSs; terminal strips; isolators; fiber optic patch panels; design and installation of copper and fiber networks their and connections and interfaces
Extensive knowledge of CADD
Expert knowledge and demonstrated ability in instrumentation and controls with an emphasis on types used in water and wastewater stations, plants, transport systems and incinerators
Minimum Education, Experience RequirementsBachelors degree in Electrical Engineering, Civil Engineering (environmental option), Chemical Engineering, Mechanical Engineering, Computer Science, Information Systems management or process control related field
6+ years direct control experience in the design, programming, systems start-up as it is related to new construction and/or control equipment installation, engineering and operations of PLC based distributed process control and/or communication systems, or similar experience relevant to manufacturing industries or control system vendors.
OR
High School diploma or equivalent
6+ years of experience in engineering, instrumentation/communications, electrical or operational environment
4+ years direct control experience in the design, programming, systems start-up as it is related to new construction and/or control equipment installation, engineering and operations of PLC based distributed process control and/or communication systems, or similar experience relevant to manufacturing industries or control system vendors.
Additional RequirementsMay be assigned to participate in the Divisions Emergency Duty Program
Completion of the WSSC Financial Disclosure statement within 30 days of employment and annually thereafter
Possession of a valid drivers license, with no more than 4 points, and the ability to obtain and maintain a WSSC Water drivers permit within 90 days of hire or transfer date
Completion of all safety training as required by WSSC Water
Employees in this position are designated or considered emergency personnel; therefore, the employee must report to work as scheduled or as directed by their supervisor when WSSC Water declares an event that requires emergency personnel to report to work
PreferencesKnowledge of and demonstrated ability in instrumentation and controls with an emphasis on those types used in water and wastewater stations, plants, transport systems, and incinerators
Current knowledge of water and wastewater treatment technologies
Registration in the State of Maryland as a Professional Controls Systems Engineer
ISA CAP certification