Engineering Manager at Kele, Inc.

Description

AC Controls has been providing superior products and services since 1960 for process and combustion applications, offering systems integration services, combustion & process control systems, and distribution of industrial instrumentation, controls, and valves to the process and power industries in the southeast.

We are currently hiring for the role of Engineering Manager.

Summary

AC Technical Services is a system integrator delivering process control solutions with a strong focus on combustion applications. We design, program, and support Burner Management Systems, Combustion Control Systems for boilers and process heat, and related SCADA, HMI, gas detection, heat trace, and industrial wireless systems.

The Engineering Manager serves as the technical lead for systems integration projects. This role defines the overall design solution and control strategy, directs designers on drawing production, and guides programmers on logic implementation. Ultimately, this is a senior position on the team that provides day-to-day technical direction across design and programming to deliver safe, reliable, and maintainable systems that meet customer specifications and applicable safety codes. Typical systems include BMS and combustion control for boilers, ovens, dryers, and liquid heat applications.

Essential Duties And Responsibilities

System design and development

• Translate PFDs and P&IDs into control architecture, panel layouts, network topology, and I/O allocation.
• Select and specify instrumentation and final control elements, including pressure and temperature transmitters, flow meters, and control valves, in coordination with mechanical and electrical disciplines.
• Support custom panel design and build, including documentation for UL 508A where applicable.
• Contribute to gas detection, heat trace, and wireless telemetry designs using approved platforms such as Honeywell, Raychem, and Elpro.
  
  

Programming and commissioning

• Develop PLC, safety, and logic applications for BMS and combustion control using Honeywell HC900, Honeywell ControlEdge, and Allen-Bradley platforms.
• Configure SCADA and HMI applications in ICONICS, and Red Lion Crimson.
• Create control narratives, cause-and-effect matrices, I/O lists, alarm philosophy, and interlock logic for single burner boilers, retrofit firetube and watertube units, and single burner process heat systems.
• Implement control schemes such as single point jackshaft, parallel positioning with O2 trim, and fully metered cross-limited with O2 trim.
• Execute I/O checkout, loop tuning, FAT, SAT, startup, and site commissioning. Provide operator training and handover.
  
  

Field services and support

• Provide remote and on-site troubleshooting, tuning, warranty support, and lifecycle improvements on delivered systems.
  
  

Quality, safety, and compliance

• Apply combustion and functional safety best practices and relevant standards in design and programming.
• Maintain version control, change management, and as-built documentation.
• Prepare customer documentation, test procedures, and training materials.
  
  

Collaboration and business support

• Coordinate with Project Managers on schedules, risks, and scope.
• Support proposals with concepts, estimates, and technical clarifications.
• Mentor junior engineers and share programming patterns and templates.
  
  

Knowledge, Skills And Abilities

• Hands-on experience with at least two of the following: Allen-Bradley CompactLogix or ControlLogix, Honeywell HC900, and Honeywell ControlEdge. Allen-Bradley experience highly desired.
• Experience with ICONICS, and Red Lion Crimson.
• Proficiency in ladder logic and at least one function block or structured text.
• Demonstrated experience commissioning combustion or high-temperature process systems, including interlocks, permissives, purge, light-off, and flame supervision.
• Ability to read and produce P&IDs, electrical schematics, and network diagrams.
• Strong troubleshooting skills for field startup and service.
• Solid documentation habits, including revision control and test records.
• Willingness to travel for FAT, SAT, startup, training, and service as needed.
• Familiarity with burner management and combustion codes and practices such as NFPA 85 and NFPA 86, and functional safety concepts aligned to ISA 84 or IEC 61511.
• Experience with oxygen trim, cross-limited metering, and air-fuel ratio tuning.
• Instrument specification and sizing for pressure, temperature, flow, and final control elements in natural gas and fuel oil services.
• Exposure to gas detection, heat trace systems, and industrial wireless telemetry systems.
• Basic electrical design knowledge for control panels and field wiring, and awareness of NEC and UL 508A considerations.
• Experience with version control and deployment tools for automation projects.
  
  

EDUCATION/TRAINING

• Two-year (2) degree in a related technical field or related work experience.
• Mechanical or Electrical Engineering degree preferred.
• Minimum five (5) years related work experience desired.
  
  

Language Skills

Ability to read, analyze, and interpret general business periodicals, professional journals, technical procedures, or governmental regulations. 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 general public.

Kele Companies offers all full-time associates the following benefits and perks:

• Medical, vision, and dental insurance
• HSA
• FSA (medical and dependent care)
• 401(k) with employer match up to 4% with immediate vesting
• Employer-paid short- and long-term disability coverage
• Employer-paid basic life and AD&D insurance; supplemental life for employees and dependents available
• Paid time off and paid holidays
• Tuition reimbursement