What does a process controls engineer do?

[Barry1492]

I think I have a pretty good idea, and I know once I get to the interview more questions will be answered. However, I'd like to know a little more about this field before the interview. Can anyone give me a good idea what kinds of tasks one would likely do? Is it just managing a shift or does it extend into more interesting stuff like researching, ordering, and trouble shooting new equipment, developing new processes, etc.? Is it typicaly hard core serious shift work (every weekend and holiday, nights, etc.) or only some shift work (ie short periods of over nights, some weekends, etc.).

Thanks in advance for your help. It will be greatly
appreciated.


Here is the internet ad (with some editing for some sense of anonymity):

The Process Control Engineer, in conjunction with (blank) Engineer and Production Supervisory functions, shall be responsible for the manufacture of (stuff) within specification, while maintaining optimal productivity and quality.



The (person) will support the implementation of new technologies and procedures to meet capacity, cost reduction, and safety requirements in addition to suggesting procedural and process improvements to meet the plant’s productivity and quality goals.

 

[PSE]

You will likely encounter a variety of work to do. Managing a shift does not seem likely at least from looking at the brief description. Researching new equipment/methods/processes is typically part of the job. Troubleshooting line problems is definitely part of the job. Shift work in my experience varies. A new line startup will naturally call for more intensive support than a "mature" line. The job entails a lot of communication between various departments as the goal is to keep lines running.

Good luck

 

[tygerdawg]

Some of the tasks I did when I had that type of job:
learning existing mfg processes (assembly, injection molding, painting, cleaning, automation). R&D of new mfg processes to support new products from engineering. R&D of process improvements for cost reductions, quality improvements, throughput improvements. Doing cost justifications. Writing machine specifications and being a machine project engineer (spec, funding, procurement, install, debug, support, handoff). Creating process documentation (how to control a process to make good product). Some of negative aspects: having to convince "the old guys" that the new guy in Process Engineering isn't a complete idiot (or career threat) and actually may have some good ideas; convincing people that an improvement over a previous method isn't a reflection on the technical ability of whomever implemented the previous process; convincing operators and technicians to follow documented processes. All in all, I enjoyed that kind of work because it was a great learning experience and allowed me to utilize and polish a lot of different engineering skills.

TygerDawg