Automation Specialist

About the Role

The Automation Specialist provides supervision and technical direction over a team of designers in Power, Innovation, and Commissioning. This role involves advanced design work, serving as a technical specialist for complex assignments, and utilizing project controls for cost, schedule, and quality. Work is performed with minimal supervision in Bowling Green, OH.

Responsibilities

• Demonstrate advanced technical expertise in automation systems supporting commissioning, startup, and operations for power and energy infrastructure (e.g., BESS, substations, generation assets).
• Apply specialized knowledge to support safe, efficient commissioning and system turnover, including coordination of FAT/SAT activities, systemization, and punch-list closure, while managing costs and field resources.
• Support development and execution of commissioning plans, procedures, and automation test protocols.
• Prepare and deliver technical briefings, commissioning readiness reviews, and post-event summaries to project leadership and cross-functional teams.
• Maintain strong working knowledge of industry standards (NFPA 70E, IEEE, NERC where applicable), commissioning practices, and operational requirements.
• Interpret and anticipate project risks, integration issues, and system performance gaps, providing solutions to improve reliability, commissioning efficiency, and long-term operability.
• Collaborate with Engineering, Construction, Operations, and OEMs to:
  • Ensure compliance with design and operational requirements.
  • Develop corrective action plans.
  • Support operator training and knowledge transfer.
• Serve as a technical lead and custodian for commissioning-related automation standards, including:
  • Control system configuration requirements.
  • Startup and shutdown logic validation.
  • Alarm management and SCADA integration.
  • Documentation and turnover packages.
• Support cybersecurity initiatives, control system patching, and hardware lifecycle/refresh activities during commissioning and operational transition.
• Contribute to the Approved Manufacturer List (AML) by validating automation equipment performance, compatibility, and field lessons learned.
• Provide field troubleshooting and real-time support for PLC/DCS/HMI-related issues during energization and startup.
• Drive continuous improvement across commissioning processes, incorporating lessons learned into future projects.
• Other duties as assigned.

Requirements

• Bachelor’s Degree in Engineering, Engineering Technology, or related field is preferred.
• 8 or more years of relevant industrial experience in power generation, energy infrastructure, commissioning, or industrial automation.

Skills

• Strong organizational and interpersonal skills with safety as the top priority, especially during energization and high-risk commissioning activities.
• Proficiency in Microsoft Office and standard field reporting tools.
• Advanced knowledge of enterprise automation systems for configuration management, backups, version control, and compliance.
• Solid understanding of:
  • Programmable Logic Controllers (PLC).
  • Distributed Control Systems (DCS).
  • SCADA systems and HMI interfaces.
  • Communication protocols (Modbus, DNP3, IEC 61850, etc., as applicable).
• Experience supporting commissioning workflows, including system turnover packages, redline validation, and documentation tracking.

Physical Requirements

• 12-hour 7-day on/off rotating shifts.
• Work in a variety of conditions, including extreme temperatures, loud areas, and confined spaces.
• Lift up to 50 lbs and team-lift heavier loads.
• Stand, walk, climb, bend, and squat for extended periods.
• Work at elevated levels using ladders, scaffolding, or lifts with appropriate PPE.
• Use hand tools and mechanical diagnostic equipment.
• Occasional shiftwork on nights and holidays.

Benefits

• Paid holidays.
• Personal paid time off.
• Medical, dental, vision, life, and disability insurance.
• 401(k) and other benefits.

Schedule

12-hour 7-day on/off rotating shifts, with occasional nights and holidays.