Automation and Controls Engineer

CDM Smith

Chicago (IL)

On-site

USD 110,000 - 193,000

Full time

3 days ago
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Job summary

CDM Smith is seeking an Automation and Controls Engineer to join the Chicago team. You will design and program control systems for Water/Wastewater and Industrial clients, perform condition assessments, and develop upgrade plans. The role involves writing specifications, creating P&IDs, and producing control descriptions to ensure safe operation.

Travel up to 10% and mentoring junior staff are included. The candidate should have PE licensure, a relevant engineering degree, and 7+ years of

Qualifications

  • Bachelor’s degree in Electrical, Chemical or Mechanical Engineering, or related discipline.
  • Professional engineering (PE) license.
  • 7 years of related experience.
  • Equivalent additional directly related experience considered in lieu of a degree.

Responsibilities

  • Developing and programming control systems for water/wastewater and industrial clients.
  • Performing FATs and field inspections to ensure conformance with contract requirements.
  • Creating P&IDs and control system drawings and descriptions.
  • Developing SCADA reports and configuring servers/networks.
  • Traveling to project sites up to 10% or less.

Skills

Instrumentation & controls
PLC & HMI experience
Communication
Microsoft Office
OT cybersecurity
CAD drafting

Education

Bachelor's in Engineering
PE license

Tools

Rockwell Studio 5000
Schneider Unity
GE iFix
FactoryTalk
AVEVA InTouch
System Platform
Dream Reports
XL Reporter
Hach WIMS
P&ID drafting

Job description

Company Overview

Join Us! CDM Smith – where amazing career journeys unfold.

Imagine a place committed to offering an unmatched employee experience. Where you work on projects that are meaningful to you. Where you play an active part in shaping your career journey. Where your co-workers are invested in you and your success. Where you are encouraged and supported to do your very best and given the tools and resources to do so. Where it’s a priority that the company takes good care of you and your family.

Our employees are the heart of our company. As an employer of choice, our goal is to provide a challenging, progressive and inclusive work environment which fosters personal leadership, career growth and development for every employee. We value passionate individuals who challenge the norm, deliver world-class solutions and bring diverse perspectives. Join our team, and together we will make a difference and change the world.

Job Description

CDM Smith is seeking a Automation and Controls Engineer to join a great team of motivated Automation professionals in Chicago, Illinois! You will be responsible for designing and programming control systems for our Water/Wastewater and Industrial clients. This role involves performing condition assessments on existing systems; developing upgrade plans; writing detailed specifications; creating detailed design drawings; and writing comprehensive control descriptions to ensure safe and efficient system operation.

The successful candidate will be enthusiastic about building client relationships, mentoring junior level staff and delivering quality technical products on time and on budget. CDM Smith has been a leader in providing Automation design and programming services for over 30 years. Join us!

As a key member of the Chicago Automation team, you will contribute to CDM Smith’s mission by:

  • Developing solutions for automation projects with senior level oversight and guidance.
  • Programming, testing, and commissioning of SCADA systems which includes some, if not all of the following software: PLC packages (Rockwell Studio 5000 and Schneider Electric Unity), HMI packages (GE iFix, Rockwell FactoryTalk, and AVEVA InTouch for System Platform).
  • Configuring SCADA servers, workstations, networks, and wireless communication systems (i.e. cellular, radio, Wi-Fi).
  • Developing SCADA reports using Dream Reports, XL Reporter, or Hach WIMS.
  • Performing field acceptance testing (FATs) and field inspections to ensure contractor conformance with contract requirements for control systems.
  • Creating basic to moderately complex instrumentation and control system designs by developing Piping and Instrumentation Diagrams (P&IDs), control system architectures network diagrams, logical communications diagrams, specifications, and process control descriptions (for use in control system programming).
  • Preparing control system preliminary design reports (PDRs).
  • Reviewing basic to moderately complex level shop drawings consisting of control system components, instrumentation and panel wiring diagrams.
  • Providing responses to contractor requests for information (RFIs) under limited supervision.
  • Independently develops basic to highly complex Operations & Maintenance manuals for PLC and HMI programming.
  • Preparing Automation specific project budgets and construction cost estimates.
  • Preparing written scopes of work and project approaches in support of proposals and client presentations under senior supervision.
  • Traveling to project sites for client meetings, supporting on-call/as-needed contracts, and start-up of control systems within the region.
  • Performing other duties as required.
Skills & Abilities
  • Expert knowledge of instrumentation, controls and related systems designs. PLC and HMI experience required.
  • Excellent communication skills – both oral and written.
  • Strong knowledge of Microsoft office suite of programs.
  • Working knowledge of industrial networks and Operational Technology (OT) cybersecurity solutions.
  • Experience with 3D and 4D CAD drafting.
Qualifications
  • Bachelor's degree in Electrical, Chemical or Mechanical Engineering, or in Engineering Technology or related discipline.
  • Professional engineering (PE) license.
  • 7 years of related experience.

Equivalent additional directly related experience will be considered in lieu of a degree.

Domestic and/or international travel may be required. The frequency of travel is contingent on specific duties, responsibilities, and the essential functions of the position, which may vary depending on workload and project demands.

Preferred Qualifications
  • Experience with Water/Wastewater I&C projects.
  • Experience within an Engineering and/or construction firm.
  • Experience leading teams.
Amount of Travel Required

10% or less

Driving Requirements

An appropriate and valid driver's license is required.

EEO Statement

We attract the best people in the industry, supporting their efforts to learn and grow. We strive to create a challenging and progressive work environment. We provide career opportunities that span a variety of disciplines and geographic locations, with projects that our employees plan, design, build and operate as diverse as the needs of our clients. CDM Smith Inc. and its divisions and subsidiaries are an Equal Opportunity/Affirmative Action employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex (including pregnancy, pregnancy related conditions, childbirth and related medical conditions, sexual orientation, gender identity or gender expression), national origin, age, marital status, physical or mental disability, veteran status, citizenship status, genetic information or any other characteristic protected by applicable law.

Background Check and Drug Testing Information

CDM Smith Inc. and its divisions and subsidiaries (hereafter collectively referred to as “CDM Smith”) reserves the right to require background checks including criminal, employment, education, licensure, etc. as well as credit and motor vehicle when applicable for certain positions. In addition, CDM Smith may conduct drug testing for designated positions. Background checks are conducted after an offer of employment has been made in the United States. The timing of when background checks will be conducted on candidates for positions outside the United States will vary based on country statutory law but in no case, will the background check precede an interview. CDM Smith will conduct interviews of qualified individuals prior to requesting a criminal background check, and no job application submitted prior to such interview shall inquire into an applicant's criminal history. If this position is subject to a background check for any convictions related to its responsibilities and requirements, employment will be contingent upon successful completion of a background investigation including criminal history. Criminal history will not automatically disqualify a candidate. In addition, during employment individuals may be required by CDM Smith or a CDM Smith client to successfully complete additional background checks, including motor vehicle record as well as drug testing.

Massachusetts Applicants

It is unlawful in Massachusetts to require or administer a lie detector test as a condition of employment or continued employment. An employer who violates this law shall be subject to criminal penalties and civil liability.

Additional Pay Range Information

CDM Smith is committed to fair and equitable compensation practices. This pay range is a good faith estimate representative of all experience levels for the geographic location assigned to the position. In addition to geographic location, a candidate’s salary is determined by several other factors including, but not limited to, the role, function and associated responsibilities, relevant work experience, skills, required certifications, and education/training.

Additional Compensation

All bonuses at CDM Smith are discretionary and may or may not apply to this position.

Visa Sponsorship Available

No-We will not support sponsorship in the United States, i.e. H-1B or TN Visas for this position

Pay Range Max

USD $192,899.00

Pay Range Min

USD $110,240.00

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