Process Automation Technician

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Date: Feb 13, 2025

Location: Hemlock, MI, US, 48626

Company: hemlocksem

At Hemlock Semiconductor (HSC), we transform people’s lives by energizing and connecting our world through silicon technology. Since 1961, HSC has been a leading global provider of hyper-pure polysilicon, and is the only polysilicon manufacturer headquartered in the United States. HSC plays an essential role in the semiconductor and solar industries, with the vision of becoming the preferred supplier of silicon-enabled technologies to the low-carbon, digital world.

 

Our polysilicon is used to make computer chips – the “brains” behind the electronic devices we rely on to make our lives easier, safer and more enjoyable. HSC is just one of six major manufacturers in the world that makes polysilicon used to create semiconductor wafers. In fact, nearly all electronic devices in the world contain HSC polysilicon.

 

We’re also moving the world toward a greener future by supplying the rapidly growing solar power industry. HSC is committed to doing good for our local Michigan and global communities, relentlessly improving our operations to remove supply chain carbon emissions. The low embodied greenhouse gas emissions in our polysilicon materials facilitates the production of ultra low-carbon solar panels. These panels allow solar project developers and owners to lower the embodied carbon of their projects by up to 50 percent.

 

To achieve our goals, we draw on the talents of more than 1,350 employees and contractors. Our employees thrive in a culture that values teamwork, excellence, responsibility and customer focus. We recognize and value the diverse backgrounds and experiences of all of our people working together as One Team. At HSC, you belong to a team that is transforming our world.

 

Job Title: Process Automation Technician

Summary

The Process Automation Technician is responsible for implementing process control projects, work notifications, and continuous improvement efforts for the purpose of automation excellence of chemical manufacturing processes. Technicians are front-line troubleshooters of automation configuration and hardware issues. Technicians maintain the application logic of production and engineering automation systems.

Essential Functions

  • Primary troubleshooting associated with the control systems (logic and hardware) to avoid or minimize production upsets / downtime and Keep The Plants Running (KTPR)

  • Assist in planning and coordination of automation work including project implementation, work notifications, and team-driven objectives

  • Work cooperatively to achieve common or complementary activities with other site resources (PLC/electrical/instrumentation)

  • Identify process control opportunities and potential solutions, includes working with operations staff to seek automation improvements to better facilitate operation of the plants

  • Works with project team to implement capital and expense projects with automation elements

  • Follow operational discipline documentation including SOP, SMP, SWI, SKP, Job Plans or any other temporary or permanent approved procedures relevant to team workflows and procedures

  • Expected to be available for 24/7 support as needed (after-hours on-call rotation, live support for startup/restart activities)

Additional Duties/Responsibilities

  • Participate in RCI (Root Cause Investigations) for operational discipline failures
  • Provide feedback to Operational Excellence and Training team for instructional documentation improvement, modification, and completeness
  • Participate in continuous improvement program by generating and communicating ideas to improve the technologies and process operations for defect elimination and process & quality performance improvements

Skills

  • Maturity and ability to maintain positive attitude during difficult situations and times of ambiguity
  • Maturity and ability to give and receive feedback both to management and coworkers to work toward aggregate improvement of organization
  • Excellent knowledge and understanding of HSC manufacturing automation platforms
  • Proficiency with business computer applications (SAP, Falcon, InTools, MS Office Suite)
  • Proficiency with ABB 800xA distributed control system (DCS)
  • Excellent written and oral communication
  • Exceptional knowledge of HSC processes/standards and practices

Required Work Experience

  • Three years HSC experience:
    • PCO (Process Control Operator) – utilizing DCS platform to operate plant processes
    • PLC (Programmable Logic Control) technician – transferrable technical aptitude/skills
    • Instrument technician – utilizing DCS platform to install, maintain, test instruments
    • S&T technician – utilizing DCS platform to operate S&T equipment
    • IT/OT technician – strong applicable and transferable technical skills
    • Strong process knowledge coupled with technical aptitude and motivational fit
  • Three years non-HSC experience:
    • Computer analyst
    • Computer/controller programmer
    • IT – related technical experience (cybersecurity, workstation, network, server)

Environment/Working Conditions

  • This job involves a high percentage of time spent at individual computer workstations and within an office setting collaborating with other team members.
  • Physical activities include traveling to production buildings (operational and electrical), climbing stairs, and carrying tools and computer-related equipment.
  • Environmental conditions of the job include exposure to all kinds of weather, hazardous chemicals, and mechanical and electrical energy. The use of chemically resistant suits, respirators, face shields, goggles, boots, and rubber gloves may be required.​​​​​​ 

Minimum Required Education/Certification

Required
  • High school diploma or GED
  • Demonstrable computer proficiency
  • Must have passing scores on the HSC Work Keys Test

Referred – completion or active enrollment in one of the following associate degree programs:

  • Pre-engineering
  • Computer science
  • Information systems
  • Chemical Process Technology
  • Chemical Process Operator Fast Start
 
Hiring Manager:  Jason Gillis 

 

The range for this position is  $76,560.00   -  $105,270.00 assuming full time status. Starting pay for the successful applicant is dependent on a variety of job-related factors, including but not limited to market demands, experience, training, and education. The benefits available for this position are dependent on hours worked and may include medical, dental, vision, 401(k) plan, variable bonus, life insurance coverage, disability benefits, and PTO.

 

HSC is an equal employment opportunity employer and all qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, national origin, age, protected veteran status, status as a qualified individual with a disability, marital status, pregnancy, sexual orientation, ancestry, genetic information, or any other characteristic protected by law.

 

If you are an individual with a disability and you need an accommodation or other assistance during the application process, please call our Human Resources department at:

 

989.301.5333
or email your request to
G1HSC-HR@hscpoly.com
All qualified applicants are encouraged to apply.

Req No. 783 


Nearest Major Market: Saginaw