Automation and Systems engineer

ADP, Inc.; San Diego (CA); On-site; USD 90,000 - 130,000; Full time

Job summary

ADP, Inc. is seeking an Automation and Systems Engineer in San Diego to lead plant automation and data integration efforts across production lines.

You will develop mobile-first interfaces, connect sensors to real-time dashboards, and program PLCs and HMI/SCADA systems (Allen-Bradley and Siemens) while ensuring safety and compliance. The role requires hands-on experience with industrial control systems, instrumentation, and networked architectures, plus strong problem-solving and project

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in a related technical field.

Responsibilities

• Develop mobile-first interfaces for plant operators with bilingual support.
• Connect sensors, field data, lab results, and CCP parameters into real-time production dashboards and plant TV displays.
• Program, troubleshoot, and maintain Allen-Bradley (Studio 5000) and Siemens (TIA Portal) PLCs, as well as FactoryTalk View and WinCC HMIs/SCADA.
• Specify, calibrate, and tune PID control loops and field instrumentation (4-20 mA, HART, RTDs, thermocouples...).
• Design and manage industrial Ethernet networks (EtherNet/IP, Profinet, Modbus TCP/RTU).
• Maintain rigorous version control, full documentation, P&IDs, loop diagrams, and I/O lists.
• Lead automation, digitization, and process optimization projects from requirement gathering to handoff.
• Implement safety interlocks, permissives, and emergency shutdown logic in PLCs.
• Support SQF, HACCP, GMP and food defense standards with accurate CCP data logging and audit trails.
• Provide user support, technical documentation, training, and vendor/integrator coordination.

Skills

PLC programming

HMI/SCADA design

Industrial networking

Real-time dashboards

System integration

Automation engineering

Root cause analysis

Electrical schematics reading

VFD setup

Strong communication

Education

Bachelor's degree in Mechatronics/Automation/Manufacturing/Electrical/Electronics/CS or related field

Tools

Studio 5000

TIA Portal

FactoryTalk View

WinCC

Job description

If you are unable to complete this application due to a disability, contact this employer to ask for an accommodation or an alternative application process.

Automation and Systems engineer

Full Time San Diego, CA, US

3 days ago Requisition ID: 1017

Company Overview

Zucarmex, USA is a thought leader in the Sugar Refining business. The success of our business is dependent on the trust and confidence we earn from our employees, customers and shareholders. We gain credibility by adhering to our commitments, displaying honesty and integrity and reaching company goals solely through honorable conduct. For over 100 years, the way we work is a direct reflection of our company culture; we believe in accountability and constantly striving for growth.

Essential Duties and Responsibilities

Include the following. Other duties will likely be assigned.

• User Experience & Mobile Interfaces: Develop mobile-first and tablet-friendly (iPad) interfaces for plant operators with bilingual support (English/Spanish) to ensure seamless usability and adoption across production shifts.
• Data Integration & Real-Time Dashboards: Connect sensors, field data, lab results, and CCP parameters into real-time production dashboards and plant TV displays using APIs, controlled polling, and custom reporting tools.
• PLC & HMI/SCADA Automation Systems: Program, troubleshoot, and maintain Allen-Bradley (Studio 5000, RSLogix) and Siemens (TIA Portal) PLCs, as well as FactoryTalk View and WinCC HMI/SCADA applications across all processing lines.
• Control Loops & Field Instrumentation: Specify, calibrate, and tune PID control loops and field instrumentation (4-20 mA, HART, RTDs, thermocouples, pressure/level/flow transmitters, control valves) for sugar refining processes.
• Industrial Networks & Hardware: Design and manage industrial Ethernet networks (EtherNet/IP, Profinet, Modbus TCP/RTU), VFDs (Allen-Bradley PowerFlex, Siemens Sinamics), and soft starters, ensuring OT network segmentation from corporate IT.
• System Backups & Version Control: Maintain rigorous version control, full documentation, P&IDs, loop diagrams, I/O lists, and routine backups for all PLC, HMI, SCADA, and internal codebases to prevent downtime and data loss.
• Continuous Improvement & Engineering Projects: Lead automation, digitization, and process optimization projects from requirement gathering and technical/financial justification to execution, commissioning, and final handoff.
• Safety Interlocks & System Standards: Implement equipment safety interlocks, permissives, and emergency shutdown logic in PLCs to protect personnel, machinery, and product integrity.
• Quality, SQF & HACCP Compliance: Support SQF, HACCP, Good Manufacturing Practices (GMP), and food defense standards by ensuring automated systems maintain accurate CCP data logging, audit trails, and process traceability.
• Electrical Safety & Technical Support: Adhere to NFPA 70E arc flash safety and Lockout/Tagout (LOTO) protocols during control panel interventions. Provide user support, technical documentation, training, and vendor/integrator coordination.

Qualifications

To perform this job successfully, the individual must be able to perform each essential duty satisfactorily. The requirements listed below are representative of the knowledge, skill, and/or ability required. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.

Preferred Education and/or Experience

• Bachelor's degree in Mechatronics Engineering, Automation Engineering, Manufacturing Engineering, Electrical/Electronics Engineering, Computer Science, or related technical field.
• Minimum of 1+ year of hands-on experience in internal application development, industrial programming, PLC systems, or plant operational software systems.
• Proficiency with Allen-Bradley (Studio 5000) and Siemens (TIA Portal) PLC platforms, IEC 61131-3 languages (Ladder, Structured Text), and HMI design (FactoryTalk View, WinCC)
• Skills:
  Strong analytical troubleshooting and root-cause problem-solving capabilities in high-speed industrial environments.
• Ability to interpret electrical schematics, P&ID diagrams, panel layouts, and loop diagrams.
• Knowledge of industrial instrumentation (4-20 mA calibration, PID loop tuning, VFD setup).
• Familiarity with food safety standards (SQF, HACCP, GMP) and industrial electrical safety (NFPA 70E, LOTO).
• Ability to manage multiple engineering projects simultaneously and communicate complex technical concepts clearly.
• Specific physical & visual abilities required: Close vision, distance vision, color vision, depth perception, and ability to adjust focus. While performing the duties of this job, the employee is regularly required to sit at a workstation, walk plant floors, reach with hands/arms, use hands to handle or feel technical equipment, and occasionally lift/move up to 25–50 lbs of testing tools/equipment.