Process Automation & Digitalization Engineer

Job Description: Process Automation & Digitalization EngineerJob Status: Salary Work Schedule: Mon-FriReports to: Director of Digital Transformation & Engineering FLSA Status: ExemptPositions Supervised: None Travel Required: 50%Essential Functions/Duties: Assess & Standardize: Evaluate existing PLC/HMI/SCADA systems and industrial networks; define and implement standard architectures, code libraries, and best practices. Documentation & Compliance: Maintain accurate documentation, backups, revision control, and ensure compliance with safety, regulatory, and corporate standards. OT Asset Management: Ensure all operational technology (OT) devices are properly maintained, patched, backed up, and maintain asset inventory system, with robust data redundancy strategies in place. Controls Engineering: Program, troubleshoot, and optimize PLC platforms including Allen-Bradley/Rockwell, Emerson, Siemens, and others. Configure HMI systems and SCADA platforms (FactoryTalk, Aveva/Wonderware, Ignition or similar). Drives & Motion Control: Configure and support VFDs and servo systems, including parameterization and integration with PLCs. Advanced Control Strategies: Implement and tune basic and advanced control strategies to improve process stability and efficiency. SCADA/MES/Data Integration: Design, configure, and deploy SCADA, MES, and historian solutions; support data integration between plant-floor systems and enterprise platforms to improve OEE and operational visibility. Industrial Networks & OT Security: Collaborate on secure, reliable industrial networks (EtherNet/IP, managed switches, VLANs, Firewalls) in partnership with IT/OT teams. Project Execution: Lead or support automation and modernization projects from concept through commissioning, including requirements, functional specs, vendor coordination, FAT/SAT, and site start-ups. Site Support & Coaching: Provide on-site troubleshooting, implement standards, and coach local maintenance/controls personnel on best practices. Operational Excellence: Drive continuous improvements in safety, product quality, equipment availability, productivity, and cost efficiency across manufacturing operations. Cross-Functional Collaboration: Work collaboratively within multidisciplinary teams to support daily plant operations, maintenance activities, and capital project execution. Root Cause Analysis & Reliability: Troubleshoot control systems and equipment issues, and implement long-term, sustainable solutions to eliminate recurring problems. Communication & Coordination: Maintain clear, consistent communication with stakeholders across engineering, operations, and IT/OT to ensure alignment and transparency.Qualifications: Education: Bachelor’s degree in electrical, Industrial, Mechanical, or related engineering discipline.Experience: Minimum 5 years in process control, automation, or digital transformation within manufacturing (forest products preferred). Technical Expertise: PLC programmig and troubleshooting (Allen-Bradley, Siemens, Emerson). HMI/SCADA configuration (FactoryTalk, Aveva/Wonderware, Ignition). VFDs and motion control systems. Industrial networking (EtherNet/IP, VLANs, firewalls) and OT security principles. Data historians and MES integration with ERP systems. Process Knowledge: PID control, instrumentation, and sensor technologies. Advanced control strategies and Industry 4.0 concepts (IIoT, predictive maintenance). Digital Skills: Data analytics and digitalization tools for manufacturing. Asset management systems for lifecycle optimization. Soft Skills: Strong problem-solving and analytical ability. Excellent communication and collaboration skills. Adaptability to emerging technologies and continuous improvement mindset.Other: Willingness to travel up to 50%.Company Description:Hoover Treated Wood Products, Inc. (HTWP), is the largest producer of fire-retardant treated wood in the world. In business since 1955, HTWP has 10 plants located from coast to coast. HTWP offers a comprehensive compensation package that includes competitive wages, a pension retirement plan, medical, dental, life and disability insurance, paid holidays and vacation. HTWP requires background checks and drug testing.The company reviewed this job description to ensure that essential functions and basic duties have been included. It is not intended to be construed as an exhaustive list of all functions, responsibilities, skills, and abilities. Additional functions and requirements will be assigned by supervisors as deemed appropriate.Equal Employment Opportunity:Hoover Treated Wood Products provides equal employment opportunities to all employees and applicants for employment and prohibits discrimination and harassment of any type without regard to race, color, religion, age, sex, national origin, disability status, genetics, protected veteran status, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, or any other characteristic protected by federal, state or local laws.This policy applies to all terms and conditions of employment, including recruiting, hiring, placement, promotion, termination, layoff, recall, transfer, leaves of absence, compensation, and training.