Senior Control Systems Engineer, Ride Systems - Orlando, United States - Simtec North America Inc

Description

Company Overview

Simtec North America is a wholly owned subsidiary of Simtec Systems GmbH in Braunschweig, Germany. Simtec designs and manufactures customer-specific simulator systems for the entertainment sector as well as for flight and driving simulation applications for training and vehicle testing. Simtec also designs and manufactures custom kinematic digital signage systems for exhibition and retail spaces. Simtec North America is in Orlando, Florida, and provides sales, installation, and maintenance for ride systems and motion simulators used in theme parks, amusement parks, and special entertainment venues.

Job Summary

The Senior Control Systems Engineer, Ride Systems, is responsible for designing, programming, and commissioning control systems for ride control systems, show control systems, animation control systems, and special effects control systems used in complex integrated theme park attractions. The role includes coordination with the Simtec Engineering team as well as working closely with Simtec's clients and other client vendors. The Senior Control Systems Engineer is expected to provide project technical leadership as well as mentoring less-experienced engineers.

Essential Job Functions

• Design, program, and integrate large scale control systems designed to meet the specific needs of theme park attractions and similar entertainment venues.
• Develop design drawings using EPLAN software.
• Perform engineering calculations for control system designs.
• Provide project technical leadership.
• Assist with mentoring less-experienced engineers.
• Develop design documentation that thoroughly describes all aspects of the intended designs.
• Create Hazard Analysis (HA) and Failure Mode and Effects Analysis (FMEA) reports
• Work with Simtec's purchasing staff to ensure that the correct parts are ordered and received on schedule.
• Work with Simtec's fabrication staff to provide direction when needed during the fabrication process.
• Develop the software for the control systems following Simtec's software development processes and procedures.
• Prepare the control system equipment for the factory acceptance testing which is performed at Simtec's offices prior to delivery to site.
• Work on site to commission the control systems, perform the Site Acceptance Testing, and assist with opening the attraction.

Key Competencies

• PLC programming and commissioning experience is required.
• In-depth experience working with Siemens and Beckhoff industrial control systems.
• Experience specifying and configuring motor drives, sensors, and typical industrial control system equipment.
• Experience with configuring and commissioning hydraulic power systems.
• Strong written documentation and verbal communication skills.
• Strong Microsoft Word, Excel, PowerPoint, Outlook, and Adobe Acrobat skills.
• Familiarity with computer networking and system administration.
• Ability to show good judgment with proven attention to details and follow up.

Required Education & Experience

• Bachelor of Science (preferably Master of Science) in Electrical Engineering, Computer Engineering or similar degree is required.
• Minimum eight years in a role with control system design, software development, installation, and integration.
• Flexibility to travel to domestic and international job sites to support attraction integration is required.
• Experience designing equipment to meet UL 508A standards.
• Experience designing to meet TÜV Functional Safety standards.

Preferred Qualifications

• TÜV Functional Safety Certification.
• UL 508A Certification.
• In-depth experience with Siemens PLCs.
• In-depth experience with Beckhoff Industrial PCs.
• In-depth experience configuring variable frequency drives.
• In-depth experience configuring and tuning electrical and hydraulic servo controls.
• Experience with Allen-Bradley PLCs

Travel

• Domestic and international travel is required at times during attraction integration.
• A valid passport is required for this position.

Availability

• Ability to work overtime (evenings/weekends) based on project needs.