Automation Engineer III

About the role

This position will be responsible for developing, implementing, and supporting the instrumentation, controls, and automation systems used throughout the water and wastewater industry. This position is responsible for configuring and programming PLCs, SCADA systems, and industrial networking equipment to monitor and control treatment plant processes, and equipment.

Responsibilities

• Participate in lead review meetings during Pre-Sales and Initiation phases to assess project scope, risks, and resource needs.
• Create and maintain the IO Database (IODB) including PLC hardware, I/O, and tag mapping.
• Prepare and maintain submittal packages for PLC, SCADA, and network hardware.
• Draft Process Control Narratives (PCN) detailing control logic, alarms, and setpoints.
• Develop sample screens and standards for SCADA and operator interfaces.
• Conduct radio studies and prepare radio study reports.
• Design network architecture layouts.
• Develop PLC programs based on PCN, IODB, and project standards.
• Build OIT and SCADA applications including screen development, tag integration, and security settings.
• Configure SCADA and networking equipment including hypervisors, switches, and reporting infrastructure.
• Configure auxiliary equipment such as VFDs, power monitors, and smart devices.
• Prepare and customize software test plans.
• Conduct witnessed and unwitnessed testing in factory and perform onsite commissioning.
• Address punchlist items and ensure system readiness.
• Provide quality assurance of department deliverables.
• Attend and lead workshops and meetings.
• Provide internal team support and warranty support as needed.
• Address unanticipated scope changes with flexibility and professionalism.

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in electrical, controls, industrial, or computer engineering, or related field.
• Drives innovation of key tasks identified in the department’s work breakdown structure.
• Knowledge of the Water and Wastewater Treatment Process.
• Experience/Certifications in multiple PLC software including but not limited to: Rockwell – Studio 5000, Schneider – Control Expert, Siemens – TIA Portal, Legacy PLC software.
• Experience/Certifications in multiple SCADA platforms including but not limited to: Inductive Automation – Ignition, Rockwell – Factory Talk, Aveva – System Platform.
• Knowledge of networking practices and industrial networking protocols commonly used in OT environments (Ethernet/IP, Modbus TCP/RTU, Profinet, etc.).
• Strong knowledge in Microsoft Operating Systems, Active Directory, virtualized environment (VMWare, HyperV), and other automation supporting software.
• Ability to read and interpret P&IDs, electrical schematics, and technical specifications.
• Strong troubleshooting and analytical thinking skills.
• Strong communication and collaboration skills working with cross-functional engineering teams.
• Familiarity with industry standards, regulatory requirements, quality systems, and lean manufacturing.
• Willingness to continuously expand automation skillset and keep current with the latest technologies.