Senior Automation Control Specialist

Duties/Responsibilities

• Supports, maintains, and troubleshoots industrial automation and control systems across company facilities.
• Performs advanced troubleshooting, modification, documentation, backup, and optimization of PLC logic, primarily within Allen-Bradley ControlLogix and CompactLogix environments.
• Independently diagnoses and resolves complex control system issues involving logic sequencing, communications paths, interlocks, fail-safes, and system integration.
• Supports plant control systems and SCADA environments, including HMI configuration, alarm management, system updates, and validation of data flows.
• Configures and troubleshoots SCADA/HMI platforms such as Ignition or Wonderware System Platform.
• Supports industrial measurement systems, including Fisher ROC and ABB TotalFlow devices.
• Assists with telemetry systems and industrial networking troubleshooting, including Ethernet/IP, Modbus, and radio or cellular gateways.
• Participates in commissioning activities, system migrations, upgrades, and continuous improvement initiatives.
• Maintains accurate and compliant documentation, including PLC backups, change logs, network documentation, and configuration records.
• Provides remote and onsite field support as required, including after-hours or emergency response coverage consistent with operational needs.
• Collaborates with engineering, operations, maintenance, and IT teams to ensure system integrity and operational continuity.
• Contributes to the development and enforcement of OT standards, documentation practices, and cybersecurity awareness protocols.
• Performs other related duties as assigned.

Required Skills/Abilities

• Advanced proficiency in Allen-Bradley ControlLogix and CompactLogix PLC programming, troubleshooting, and system modification.
• Strong working knowledge of SCADA and HMI systems, including configuration, alarm management, and data flow validation.
• Hands-on experience with either Ignition or Wonderware System Platform; familiarity with both preferred.
• Ability to independently diagnose and resolve complex control system issues involving logic sequencing, communications, interlocks, and fail-safe systems.
• Working knowledge of industrial measurement systems such as Fisher ROC and ABB TotalFlow.
• Fundamental understanding of industrial networking concepts, including IP addressing, Ethernet troubleshooting, and industrial communication protocols such as Ethernet/IP and Modbus.
• Ability to read and interpret P&IDs, control narratives, IO lists, and electrical drawings.
• Strong analytical and logical problem-solving skills, particularly in unfamiliar or evolving system environments.
• Ability to maintain accurate system documentation, version control, and change management records.
• Demonstrated ability to work independently with minimal supervision while exercising sound technical judgment.
• Effective written and verbal communication skills, including the ability to explain technical issues to operations and non-technical stakeholders.
• Ability to prioritize competing demands and respond effectively to operational emergencies.
• Willingness and ability to travel to field sites and work in industrial environments as required.

Education and Experience

• High school diploma or equivalent required.
• Associate’s degree in Instrumentation & Controls Technology, Electrical Technology, Automation, Process Technology, or a related technical field preferred.
• Equivalent combination of education and directly related industrial automation experience may be considered in lieu of formal degree requirements.
• Demonstrated hands-on experience programming, modifying, and troubleshooting Allen-Bradley ControlLogix and CompactLogix PLC systems in live industrial environments.
• Experience supporting SCADA/HMI platforms such as Ignition or Wonderware System Platform.
• Practical experience diagnosing complex control system issues involving communications, sequencing, interlocks, and fail-safe design.
• Experience supporting industrial measurement systems, telemetry, and basic industrial networking preferred.
• Experience supporting multi-site or geographically distributed operational environments preferred.

Certifications

• Relevant industry certifications in PLC programming, industrial networking, SCADA systems, or automation controls preferred.