ABOUT THE POSITION

We design, build, validate and support some of the worlds largest mining, quarrying and material handling equipment and as a result of our continued growth we are looking to hear from motivated, and talented Electrical Engineers, specifically those with a passion for Controls/Software Engineering.

As a part of our team, you will be engaged from day one in real world projects, designing and developing class leading control systems software on a range of mobile and industrial PLC platforms for our range of aggregate crushing, screening and bulk handling equipment as an integral part of our North American team. This position will require creation of control software specifications, software design, validation and software lifecycle management. You will ensure that produced designs are completed to a high standard, on time and with consideration for the end operator interface simplicity and ease of use.

The nature of our broad range of equipment offerings means you could be working on Mobile DC-based control systems, AC Industrial control systems, including VFD control, soft start integration etc. or the latest hybrid drive train technology integration, across a broad range of hardware platforms. Software will be developed on PLCs, embedded controllers, and HMI displays typically  IFM, Siemens, Allen Bradley platforms.

The Electrical and Control Software Engineer will work cooperatively with Mechanical Engineering counterparts to develop the appropriate controls hardware design as well as controls algorithms to produce the equipment functionality required by the customer and Product Management. Work with other cross-functional teams, including but not limited to sales, manufacturing, purchasing, and service to ensure the successful completion of projects and launch of equipment, and customer satisfaction which is an integral part of our ethos.

ESSENTIAL DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES (may include but not limited to)

·         Works with the cross-functional Product Management Team to produce a complete and well defined Product Functional Specification, before product design is started.

·         Follow Structured System Design techniques to develop the product function requirements into an effective control strategy for heavy construction equipment.

·         Uses knowledge of sensor technologies, control device technologies and process automation techniques to advance the simplicity of operation and troubleshooting of equipment to maximize productivity by enhancing operator functionality and the minimization of equipment downtime.

·         Uses knowledge of domestic as well as international electrical standards to design equipment with the widest market breadth without redesign to minimize the number of models required to be manufactured.

·         Uses structured system design techniques to produce electrical hardware designs that are modular in nature, easy to test, easy to diagnose and simple to replace should field service repairs be required.

·         Develops and executes bench tests with the Controls Software Engineer on design modules and code units to ensure proper functionality before integration into the complete equipment design to ensure project success.

·         Uses computer-aided engineering design software and equipment to develop electrical / electronic design drawings and schematics.

·         Leads cross-functional electrical design reviews, including Design for Manufacturability.

·         Contributes to the development of product documentation, including production work instructions, training manuals, troubleshooting guides, and product test plans.

·         Identifies improvement opportunities and enhancements for product enhancements and/or cost reductions.

·         Contributes to project teams by championing the successful completion of project objectives, including schedule, budget, and feature set.

·         Contributes to the development of new processes and procedures to enhance the software and hardware design capabilities and work products of the engineering team.

·         Develops the electrical and software test plans for new designs and changes to existing designs and coordinates the testing and validation using these plans.

·         Participates in cross-functional software and HMI design reviews.

·         Participates in software design reviews for developed control software.

·         Assists customers, via telephone or on site, to resolve function and/or application issues.

·         Works with the Manufacturing department to resolve production issues.

·         Works with the Service Department to resolve field and warranty issues.

·         Works with the Purchasing Department and suppliers on new or existing component issues.

·         Works with the Technical Publication Department to develop and update manuals.

·         Adheres to all Astec design and coding standards.

·         Performs engineering calculations as required during design cycle.

·         Follows proper safety procedures.

·         Performs other duties as assigned.

MINIMUM EDUCATION and/or EXPERIENCE REQUIRED

·         Bachelor of Science (4-year) degree in Electrical/Electronic/Computer Engineering or related field.

SKILLS AND ABILITIES REQUIRED

Job-related Skills and Abilities

·         Knowledgeable of structured system design techniques.

·         Knowledge of network protocols such as CAN, Ethernet, Wireless 802.11, etc.

·         Proficient in the development, reading, and interpretation of electrical engineering drawings.

·         Proficient in electrical engineering systems design and troubleshooting, D/C controls design required, A/C design highly desired.

·         Ability to think creatively and propose innovative solutions to engineering challenges.

·         Ability to show competence in assessing, managing, and mitigating risks within a project and design.

·         Ability to work satisfactorily as a team member.

·         Good communication skills (both verbal and written).

·         Good organization and time-management skills.

·         Willingness to accept responsibility and take on new challenges.

·         Ability to exercise discretion and independent judgment on a customary and regular basis.

·         Proficiency with personal computer and Microsoft Office Suite software applications.

·         Adept at problem solving and root-cause analysis.

Leadership Skills

·         Ability to mentor and lead junior level engineers in the design and execution of systems controls.

·         Ability to represent the electrical and software design team in cross-functional meetings by being the voice of good engineering practice.

·         Ability to lead a team to proper completion of tasks, projects, and investigations while encouraging others and moving toward a best solution for all involved.

Language Skills

·         Ability to write reports, business correspondence and procedure manuals.

·         Ability to effectively present information and respond to questions from groups of managers, clients, customers, and the public.

·         Ability to write routine reports and correspondence and effectively present information to customers and/or employees of organization and respond to questions from groups of managers, clients, customers, and the public.

Reasoning Ability Skills

·         Ability to define problems, collect data, establish facts, and draw valid conclusions.

·         Ability to interpret an extensive variety of technical instructions in mathematical or diagram form and deal with several abstract and concrete variables.

·         Must have strong analytical and troubleshooting skills.

OTHER REQUIREMENTS

·         Pre-employment drug screen, physical, and background check.

·         Flexibility to work additional hours as required.

·         Occasional travel (including international).

·         Valid driver's license and ability to safely operate a motor vehicle.

PREFERENCES

·         Experience with CodeSys, C++, Telematics, Siemens TIA Portal, hydraulic circuits, 12V/24V DC electric circuits and/or control systems for off-road construction equipment or heavy industrial equipment.

·         Practical experience in software development, including testing debugging and testing standards.

·         Working knowledge of VSD drives, soft starts and their integration into complex systems.

·         Knowledge of manufacturing processes.

·         Experience in the design and manufacture of off-road construction equipment.

SAFETY

Astec is dedicated to a culture of Behavior Based SAFETY and a Healthy Environment!

·         Proficient in promoting safe and healthy work environment.

·         Notify area supervisor of product discrepancies or equipment malfunctions.

·         Adhere to established company policies and procedures paying special attention to safety regulations.

·         Report defective materials, equipment, or questionable conditions to the area supervisor/manager to identify and correct the root cause.

·         Wear personal protective equipment (PPE) in accordance with training guidelines.

PHYSICAL DEMANDS

The physical demands described here are representative of those that must be met by an employee to successfully perform the essential functions of this job.  Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.

While performing the duties of this job, the employee is regularly required to remain in a stationary position a minimum of 50% of the time, move and frequently operate a computer and other office equipment and occasionally properly employ objects, tools and/or controls.  The employee is frequently required to communicate and exchange accurate information.  The employee is regularly required to reach and occasionally attain non-standard physical positions for varying amounts of time.  Specific vision abilities include close vision, distance vision, peripheral vision, depth perception and ability to adjust focus.

The employee must regularly transport up to 10 pounds and occasionally transport up to 25 pounds.  Lifting devices must be used or help must be requested for anything over 25 pounds. 

Required to occasionally ascend/descend, balance and work at various heights.

Ability to travel by land and/or air for extended periods of time.

Specific vision abilities required by this job include close, distance, color, and peripheral vision, depth perception, and ability to adjust focus.

Our Culture and Values

Employees that become part of Astec embody the values below throughout their work.

·         Continuous devotion to meeting the needs of our customers.

·         Honesty and integrity in all aspects of business.

·         Respect for all individuals.

·         Preserving entrepreneurial spirit and innovation.

·         Safety, quality and productivity as means to ensure success.

WORK ENVIRONMENT

The work environment characteristics described here are representative of those an employee encounters while performing the essential functions of this job.  Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.

While performing the duties of this job, the employee is regularly exposed to a climate-controlled office environment and is occasionally exposed to a shop manufacturing environment. 

Office environment exposures include frequent and extensive telephone and computer use.  The noise level in the office setting is usually moderate consistent with an office environment. 

Shop manufacturing environment exposures include exposure to moving mechanical parts, machinery, tools and equipment, vibration, fumes or airborne particles, motorized vehicles, welding and machining operations, outside weather conditions and exposure to the risk of electric shock.  The employee may occasionally be exposed to varying levels of dirt, dust, toxic or caustic chemicals, very warm and/or very chilly temperatures.  The noise level in the shop can be very loud at times consistent with an industrial assembly facility and may require hearing protection.

Mines, road construction and forestry job site exposures include exposure to climate conditions indicative of the geographic location and the season.  Field duties require that the employee work in close proximity to heavy roadbuilding and construction equipment (dump trucks, loaders, cranes, crushers, pavers, cold planers, material transfer vehicles, stabilizers, wheel loaders, excavators, skidders, feller buncher, chippers, grinders etc.) and traffic associated with mines, road construction, forestry and recycling sites.  The employee is frequently exposed to moving mechanical parts and fumes or airborne particles.  The employee is occasionally exposed to high, precarious places, toxic or caustic chemicals, vibration and risk of electrical shock.  The noise level in this environment is usually loud and may require hearing protection.

The employee is occasionally exposed to travel hazards associated with automobile and/or airplane travel.