Sr. Control Panel Designer

Company Description

For over 70 years, Puffer-Sweiven has set the standard in equipment and services for process control, automation, safety, and reliability. We help process-intensive facilities run more efficiently and safely by delivering quality products, technical support and knowledgeable staff to implement the needed process solutions with the goal of exceeding customer expectations. Our dedication brings the most advanced products and services to our customers throughout the Central and Gulf Coast regions of Texas.

Specialties

As an Emerson Impact Partner, we offer a broad base of superior solutions including the top product lines for a given application. Our specialties at Puffer-Sweiven include:

• Process Control & Safety Systems
• Control Valves & Regulators
• Isolation Valves & Actuation
• Oil & Gas Automation
• Reliability Solutions & Services
• Pressure Management
• Specialty Pumps & Rotating Equipment
• Instrumentation
• Maintenance & Repair Services

DUTIES & RESPONSIBILITIES

• Apply instrumentation and electrical expertise to quote, design, improve, and implement automation solutions to the processing industries and related fields, with a focus on deploying Puffer-Sweiven core product lines.
• Analyze project requirements, blueprints, and technical specifications to develop accurate panel estimates.
• Prepare detailed cost breakdowns and proposals for panel systems and related components.
• Collaborate with sales and project teams to understand client needs and ensure accurate, competitive estimates.
• Source materials, evaluate suppliers, and calculate cost impacts based on market conditions.
• Evaluate and suggest cost-effective alternatives for materials and design solutions.
• Review and update pricing models regularly to maintain competitiveness.
• Supervise, develop, and train designers through weekly meetings and monthly one-on-one coaching.
• Recommend, maintain, and monitor work process procedures to ensure superior customer service.
• Engage the design team to implement best practices with emphasis on developing standardized work processes.
• Manage the backlog of design work, keep current a master design workload spreadsheet to manage workload, and work with the Manufacturing Manager to identify resource constrains and resolve them.
• Record and document any variance that may be used during the Lessons Learned phase of the project and help improve documentation, drawings, and work processes.
• Develop, document, and facilitate best practices and standards as required to meet the business and technical needs of the Company.
• Ensure that EPLAN is continuously improved to maximize productivity and reduce errors.
• Assist in preparing periodic sales reports showing sales volume, potential sales, and areas of proposed client base expansion, personnel production, resource allocations, and sales volume ratio to resource.
• Participate in pursuit efforts with Sales to develop cost effective solutions meeting Customer specifications and/ or leveraging Puffer-Sweiven core assets.
• Help project team resolve any technical issue that arises during project execution.
• Assist in development and maintenance of Quality Assurance plans and testing procedures.
• Contribute to work processes to ensure continuous improvements of these processes.
• Constantly keep current with the latest technology deployed by the core products manufacturers.

QUALIFICATIONS

Education/Knowledge

• Bachelor's degree preferred. A technical field of study and/or equivalent years of education and experience required.
• Possesses an understanding of the terminology and acronyms of the process industry (ANSI, ASTM, ASME, IEEE, NFPA, ISA, NEC, etc.)
• General knowledge of the processing equipment common in the process industry preferred.
• Working knowledge of relay logic, controllers, end devices and terminations and I/O lists required.
• Factory Based training on control systems configuration and implementation.
• Working knowledge of the National Electric Code required.
• Basic knowledge of DeltaV, ETS, AMS 6500 ATG a plus.

Experience/Skills

• Five plus years direct experience with the design, specification, implementation, commissioning and startup of computer-based automation systems and instrumentation common to the process and manufacturing industries.
• Direct experience with the design and creation of assembly and wiring drawings for DCS and PLC control system cabinets and enclosures required.
• Direct experience reviewing process flow diagrams and P&ID drawings for purposes of developing I/O and material take off lists required.
• Proficient in control panel fabrication and common components used in these panels required.
• Proficient in reading electrical wiring diagrams and technical documents (specifications, manuals, etc.)
• Proficient in one or more of the following design software packages: AutoCAD, Solid Works, or EPLAN.
• Proficient in designing automation and controls systems that utilized analog signals and discrete signals for metering, data acquisition and controls applications within the process industry.
• Project Management experience, including proficiencies in project execution standards and strategies.
• Proficient in the use of common computer software programs: Microsoft Office, Visio and Project primarily

COMPETENCIES

• Demonstrate excellent interpersonal and communication skills.
• Assertive in pursuing difficult issues and bringing them to quick but thorough resolution.
• Ability to initiate and maintain satisfactory working relationships with other departments and internal and external Customers/vendors.
• Strong planning and organizing skills, including prioritizing the work activities of others, developing realistic action plans, and planning for additional resources.
• Strong problem-solving skills, including identifying and resolving problems in a timely manner; gathers and analyzes information skillfully; develops alternative solutions; works well in group problem-solving situations.