Automation Engineer

Responsibilities

• Approach process startups in a methodical and structured manner to ensure safe, efficient, and reliable operation.
• Lead complex automation and process control projects, including new installations, modifications, and system upgrades.
• Work independently in the field to assess, troubleshoot, and resolve service needs under stressful or time-sensitive conditions.
• Diagnose and solve issues in complicated systems and intermittent faults that Automation Engineers have been unable to resolve.
• Collaborate with Systems Architects, Project Engineers, and customers to define project scope, requirements, and technical solutions.
• Own the startup and project scope by providing direct programming and commissioning support from development through deployment.
• Provide direction, guidance, and task delegation to Automation Engineers during project execution.
• Lead and actively participate in team brainstorming sessions to generate, evaluate, and select the best technical solutions and paths forward.
• Think creatively and share innovative ideas while remaining open to input from others and clearly communicating the chosen approach to both team members and customers.
• Perform advanced-level project assignments independently or as part of a team, ensuring quality, timeliness, and alignment with project objectives.
• Review and quality-check other Automation Engineers’ work for accuracy, functionality, completeness, and adherence to standards.
• Mentor and coach less experienced Automation Engineers, including support with field challenges and conflict resolution.
• Offer constructive quality control feedback to peers, independent of specific project assignments, to promote continuous improvement.
• Support code streamlining initiatives and contribute to building and maintaining a reusable code library for automation projects.
• Perform PLC and HMI programming from scratch, including configuration, testing, and deployment of control logic and operator interfaces.
• Troubleshoot and optimize PLC, HMI, and related control systems to improve reliability, performance, and maintainability.
• Provide customer support both remotely and on-site, ensuring clear communication, professional conduct, and high levels of customer satisfaction.
• Document work performed, configurations, and changes in a clear and organized manner to support future maintenance and knowledge sharing.
• Perform other related duties as required and assigned to support the broader automation and commissioning team.

Essential Skills

• 5+ years of advanced PLC programming experience, including development from scratch and system startup.
• 5+ years of advanced HMI programming and commissioning experience.
• Hands-on experience with troubleshooting PLC-based control systems and resolving complex, intermittent issues.
• Demonstrated controls engineering experience in industrial automation environments.
• Experience with Rockwell Automation platforms and tools.
• Experience with Ignition or similar industrial automation and SCADA platforms.
• Computer coding experience relevant to automation, integration, or data handling.
• Proficiency in using a PC and Microsoft Office Suite for documentation, reporting, and communication.
• Strong leadership skills with the ability to provide direction and guidance to engineers.
• Able to work independently in the field and make sound decisions under stressful or time-sensitive conditions.
• Strong troubleshooting and problem-solving skills for complex automation and process control systems.
• Effective communication skills for collaborating with internal teams and external customers.
• Willingness and ability to travel up to approximately 50% of the time, including day trips and occasional overnight stays.
• Comfort working in both industrial automation environments and data center commissioning and startup contexts.

Additional Skills & Qualifications

• Associate’s Degree in a relevant technical field or prior military experience.
• Experience supporting data center commissioning and startup projects.
• Experience participating in or leading code standardization and code library initiatives.
• Experience mentoring junior engineers and providing peer quality reviews.
• Ability to contribute creative ideas during technical brainstorming sessions.
• Strong organizational skills and attention to detail in documentation and quality checks.