Controls / Automation Engineer (Bilingual Mandarin/English)

About the role 

The Controls and Automation Engineer will be responsible for creating, supporting, optimizing, and enhancing the automation systems within our solar panel recycling facilities. This role requires fluency in both Mandarin and English to effectively communicate with our original equipment manufacturers (OEMs) in China. The ideal candidate will have a strong background in controls and automation, with experience in ladder logic, safety interlocks, and logging, as well as proficiency in Siemens PLC coding. Additionally, the candidate should be a strong project manager, capable of handling complex projects and using project management tools like Microsoft Project or Smartsheet. 

Responsibilities 

• Automation and Controls: Develop, implement, and optimize automation systems for mechanical machinery used in solar panel recycling. This includes programming and troubleshooting ladder logic, safety interlocks, and logging systems. Program and configure PLCs (Programmable Logic Controllers), HMI (Human-Machine Interfaces), and SCADA systems, with a strong focus on Siemens platforms (S7, TIA Portal). 

• Technical Communication: Act as a liaison between the company and the OEMs, ensuring clear communication and understanding of technical specifications and requirements in both Mandarin and English. 

• Documentation: Create detailed technical specifications for controls schemas, ensuring the Operations team can understand the basics of how the equipment works. Write and maintain standard operating procedures (SOPs) for any programmatic changes made to the equipment. Create pseudo-code documentation that explains control algorithms to non-technical stakeholders. 

• Project Management: Lead and manage projects related to equipment automation and optimization, utilizing project management software such as Microsoft Project or Smartsheet to ensure timely and successful project completion. Work with vendors and contractors to source control system components and software, ensuring compatibility and performance standards. 

• On-Site Support (REC1): Periodically spend several weeks or months at our facility in Odessa, TX, to observe and improve the controls on the equipment, ensuring optimal performance and efficiency. 

• On-Site Support (REC2): If not based here, periodically spend several weeks at our facility in Mesa, AZ, to observe and improve the controls on the equipment, ensuring optimal performance and efficiency. 

• On-Site Support (REC3): If not based here, periodically spend weeks at a time at our facility in Cedartown, GA, to observe and improve the controls on the equipment, ensuring optimal performance and efficiency. 

• Overseas Support: Occasional multi-week travel to China may be required to meet with OEMs and develop technologies there. 

• Safety and Compliance: Ensure all automation systems meet safety standards and regulatory compliance, implementing necessary safety interlocks and protocols. 

• Teamwork: Collaborate with the production and maintenance teams to ensure that control systems meet operational needs and safety standards.  

• Safety: Ensure all automation systems meet safety standards and regulatory compliance, implementing necessary safety interlocks and protocols. 

• Troubleshooting: Quickly and safely resolve hardware and software issues related to control systems to minimize downtime and enhance industrial system and equipment performance. 

• Maintenance: Conduct preventive maintenance, calibrations, and system upgrades for control and automation hardware and software. 

• Implementation: Assist in the installation, commissioning, and validation of new equipment, ensuring it is integrated into the control system infrastructure. Monitor system performance and apply diagnostic tools to identify opportunities for process optimization and efficiency improvements. 
• Continuous Learning: Stay up to date with the latest advancements in control systems technology, specifically in Siemens-based platforms. 

 EDUCATION, TRAINING, AND PROFESSIONAL EXPERIENCE  

• Bachelor's degree in Electrical, Controls, or Automation Engineering 

• Minimum of 5 years of experience in controls and automation, with a strong focus on ladder logic programming, safety interlocks, and logging. 

• Languages: Fluency in Mandarin and English is required. 

• Technical Skills: Proficiency in Siemens PLC coding 

• Project Management: Strong project management skills, with experience using tech-enabled project management software such as Microsoft Project or Smartsheet. 

• Travel: Ability to travel between China and the United States, with required visa for both countries. 

• Location: Full-time position can be based in the Mesa, AZ, Cedartown, GA or Odessa, TX recycling facilities. 

• Excellent communication and collaboration abilities, with a proven track record of working effectively in a team environment. 

• Detail-oriented with good organizational skills, capable of managing multiple projects and priorities. 

• Computer Skills: Proficient in rapid communications using a mobile device and laptop. Proficient in Microsoft Office Suite  

You will be working alongside a highly successful team who deliver amazing innovative work in the solar PV industry!