Process Automation Technician-hemlocksem

Job Description

Job Title: Process Automation Technician

Company: hemlocksem

Location: Hemlock, MI

Pay: $76560 – 105270 per year

AI Pay Analysis: The hourly rate translating to an annual salary range of approximately $76,560 to $105,270 for a Process Automation Technician in Hemlock, MI, appears to be competitive, particularly considering the specialized skills required for automation roles. Salaries for similar positions typically range from around $60,000 to $110,000 nationally, depending on experience and technical expertise. Given Hemlock’s industrial background and the increasing demand for automation professionals, this compensation aligns well with industry standards and reflects the value of automation in modern manufacturing processes. Overall, this rate seems favorable for attracting qualified candidates in the region.

Job description:

At Hemlock Semiconductor (HSC), we are dedicated to transforming lives by energizing and connecting our world through advanced silicon technology. Since our inception in 1961, we have established ourselves as a leading global provider of hyper-pure polysilicon, proudly being the only polysilicon manufacturer headquartered in the United States. Our contributions are vital to the semiconductor and solar industries, and we envision becoming the preferred supplier of silicon-enabled technologies for a low-carbon, digital future.

Our polysilicon is integral in the production of computer chips—the essential components that power the electronic devices we rely on daily. HSC stands as one of six major global manufacturers of polysilicon for semiconductor wafers, with our products featured in nearly every electronic device worldwide. Furthermore, we are committed to a sustainable future by supporting the rapidly expanding solar power sector. HSC is dedicated to positively impacting our local Michigan community and the global market by continually improving our operations to reduce supply chain carbon emissions. The low embodied greenhouse gas emissions associated with our polysilicon materials facilitate the production of ultra-low-carbon solar panels, enabling developers to reduce the embodied carbon of their projects by up to 50 percent.

To meet our ambitious goals, we leverage the talents of a diverse team of over 1,350 employees and contractors. Our workforce thrives in a culture that emphasizes teamwork, excellence, responsibility, and customer-centricity. At HSC, we embrace and celebrate the diverse backgrounds and experiences of our employees, working together as One Team to transform our world.

The Process Automation Technician plays a pivotal role in executing process control projects, addressing work notifications, and driving continuous improvement initiatives aimed at achieving automation excellence within chemical manufacturing processes. As front-line troubleshooters, technicians are responsible for diagnosing automation configuration and hardware issues, as well as maintaining the application logic of production and engineering automation systems.

Essential Functions:

• Lead troubleshooting efforts related to control systems (logic and hardware) to minimize production disruptions and ensure optimal operational continuity.
• Assist with the planning and coordination of automation-related work, including project implementation, work notifications, and collaborative team objectives.
• Collaborate effectively with other site resources (PLC, electrical, instrumentation) to achieve shared or complementary goals.
• Identify and propose process control enhancements, working alongside operations staff to facilitate improvements in plant automation.
• Collaborate with project teams to implement both capital and expense projects involving automation components.
• Adhere to operational discipline documentation, including standard operating procedures (SOPs), safe work procedures (SWPs), and any other approved workflows relevant to team responsibilities.
• Be available for 24/7 support as required, participating in an on-call rotation and offering live support for startup and restart activities.

Additional Duties/Responsibilities:

• Participate in Root Cause Investigations (RCIs) for operational discipline failures.
• Provide constructive feedback to the Operational Excellence and Training team to enhance instructional documentation.
• Engage in the continuous improvement program by generating and communicating ideas that promote technological advancements and process enhancements for defect elimination and performance improvement.

Skills:

• Demonstrated maturity with the ability to maintain a positive attitude under pressure and during periods of uncertainty.
• Strong capability to give and receive constructive feedback from both management and peers, contributing to overall organizational improvement.
• Extensive knowledge of HSC manufacturing automation platforms.
• Proficient in business computer applications, including SAP, Falcon, InTools, and the MS Office Suite.
• Expertise with ABB 800xA distributed control systems (DCS).
• Exceptional written and oral communication skills.
• Strong understanding of HSC processes, standards, and best practices.

Required Work Experience:

• A minimum of three years of experience at HSC in roles such as:

  • Process Control Operator (PCO), utilizing DCS to operate plant processes.
  • PLC Technician, applying transferable technical skills.
  • Instrument Technician, focusing on the installation, maintenance, and testing of instruments on the DCS platform.
  • S&T Technician, engaged in the operation of S&T equipment using DCS.
  • IT/OT Technician, equipped with strong relevant technical skills.
  • Overall experience demonstrating strong process knowledge, technical aptitude, and alignment with motivational fit.
• Additionally, three years of non-HSC experience in roles such as:
  • Computer Analyst
  • Computer/Controller Programmer
  • IT-related technical experience covering cybersecurity, workstation, network, and server management.

Environment/Working Conditions:

• The role predominantly requires time spent at individual computer workstations and within an office environment in collaboration with team members.
• Physical responsibilities may include traveling to production facilities, climbing stairs, and transporting tools and computer-related equipment.
• Environmental conditions involve exposure to varying weather, hazardous chemicals, and mechanical and electrical energy. Appropriate personal protective equipment (PPE) such as chemically resistant suits, respirators, face shields, goggles, boots, and gloves may be required.

Minimum Required Education/Certification:

Required:

• High school diploma or GED.
• Demonstrable computer proficiency.
• Passing scores on the HSC Work Keys Test.

Preferred:

• Completion or active enrollment in an associate degree program in one of the following fields:
  • Pre-engineering
  • Computer Science
  • Information Systems
  • Chemical Process Technology
  • Chemical Process Operator Fast Start

The salary range for this position is between $76,560 and $105,270, contingent upon full-time status. The starting pay for successful candidates will depend on a variety of job-related factors, including market demands, experience, training, and education. Benefits associated with this position may include medical, dental, vision coverage, a 401(k) plan, variable bonuses, life insurance, disability benefits, and paid time off, contingent upon hours worked.

HSC is an equal employment opportunity employer. All qualified applicants will be considered for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, national origin, age, protected veteran status, disability status, marital status, pregnancy, sexual orientation, ancestry, genetic information, or any other characteristic protected by law.

If you require any accommodations or assistance during the application process due to a disability, please contact our Human Resources department at 989.301.5333 or email your request to [email protected]. All qualified applicants are encouraged to apply.

Req No. 783

Job Posting Date: Fri, 14 Feb 2025 23:41:38 GMT

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