Automation (DCS / PLC) Engineer

The job holder is the responsible person for overseeing the safe operation and modification and development of the process control automation and software sil safety systems from various vendors across the sites AI & FFP production facilities.

Accountabilities:

• Deliver a key automation service to multiple business units. (AI, FPP).
• Is the key onsite ‘expert’ and is responsible for guiding and influencing the appropriate instrument design and operation teams in day to day operation of PCS Software, SIS software & information system activities to ensure compatibility.
• Is an expert in day to day operation of the automation systems and is key to providing technical support for all the support teams and diagnostic expertise for the PCS software, SIS software & information system activities and provision of repairs or solutions in a safe and cyber secure manner.
• Shall plan day-to-day development operations of their area of responsibility.
• Is responsible for defining and implementing new technology projects applicable to the various systems to drive improvement in performance and compliance.
• Shall follow safe systems of work for all daily activities, providing the highest HSEQ standards.
• Shall maintain and, wherever possible, improve the performance of the control systems, ensure that the changes are implemented safely, within agreed timescales and meet the agreed performance parameters.
• Will be responsible for the design and implement control strategies to overcome technical challenges, operational challenges and production bottlenecks identified by others.
• Shall ensure system repairs, temporary and permanent modifications, and improvements are implemented in a safe and cyber-secure manner.
• Shall supervise temporary contractors and visitors performing any type of work on any of the PCS systems.
• Will assist in preparing and validating control system training / appreciation packages.
• Will work with peers to maintain the internal PCS standardisation of the design and implementation of the sites control systems.
• Will pro-actively work with production, process and engineering design teams, to assist with the co-ordination and execution of projects effectively to minimise impact on production assets.

• Must have an expert-level of knowledge in the definition, configuration, operation and maintenance of production automation PLC and DCS systems.
• The job holder must have direct experience of the installation and communication between supervisory and production systems.
• Must have first-hand experience in the operation of current technologies, e.g. networking, routing, firewalls, virtualisation, Serial and bus-based comms systems.
• In depth knowledge of networking communications and the application of cyber security measures to automation systems.
• Must understand safety protection systems systems and knowledge of the implementation of safety software within the DCS systems.
• The job holder must understand HSEQ standards & requirements and their application, through safe systems of work, to facilitate working on a top tier COMAH site.
• Shall have the ability to manage small to med sized automation projects, content, schedule, technical aspects and interactions.
• The job holder shall have the aptitude to develop, follow & continuously improve guidelines, procedures and processes.
• Must have experience of working within multi disciplined teams at various levels of the organisation.
• Ideally, have a HNC, HND or Degree in associated discipline.
• In depth knowledge of PLC and DCS systems.
• Knowledge of MES system environment and communication protocols between the systems.
• In depth knowledge of networking, communications and the cyber security measures.

Whilst this role offers a competitive base pay, at Syngenta we value total reward which includes the benefits we offer to our employees. We support well-being, offering comprehensive benefits including flexible working, generous holiday entitlement, discretionary bonus scheme, competitive pension scheme, private medical insurance and employee assistance programme.

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As a world market leader in crop protection, we help farmers to counter threats and ensure enough safe, nutritious, affordable food for all – while minimizing the use of land and other agricultural inputs. Syngenta Crop Protection keeps plants safe from planting to harvesting. From the moment a seed is planted through to harvest, crops need to be protected from weeds, insects and diseases as well as droughts and floods, heat and cold. Syngenta Crop Protection is headquartered in Switzerland.