Automation & Controls Commissioning Specialist

PER SE GROUP INC; Bowling Green (OH); On-site; USD 90,000 - 130,000; Full time

Job summary

Per Sé Group is seeking an Automation & Controls Commissioning Specialist to support commissioning, startup, and turnover of power and energy assets.

This hands-on role requires moving between control-system configuration, field troubleshooting, and cross-functional coordination in a field-based setting with 12-hour, 7-on/7-off shifts.

Qualifications

• 8+ years of progressive experience in industrial automation, commissioning, or energy infrastructure.
• Advanced knowledge of PLC, DCS, SCADA, and HMI systems.
• Strong hands-on experience troubleshooting automation and controls during commissioning and startup.

Responsibilities

• Provide advanced automation and controls expertise during commissioning, startup, and turnover of power and energy assets.
• Develop commissioning plans, procedures, automation test protocols, and systemization activities.
• Coordinate and support FAT/SAT, commissioning readiness, system turnover, and punch-list closure.
• Troubleshoot PLC, DCS, HMI, and SCADA issues in the field during energization and startup.
• Validate startup/shutdown logic, alarms, control-system configuration, and SCADA integration.
• Identify integration issues, system-performance gaps, and commissioning risks and drive to resolution.
• Collaborate with Engineering, Construction, Operations, and OEMs to resolve issues and ensure design/operational requirements.
• Maintain commissioning documentation, redlines, configuration records, and turnover packages.
• Support configuration management, backups, version control, and cybersecurity initiatives.

Skills

8+ years exp

PLC/DCS/SCADA

HMI expertise

Troubleshooting

Education

Bachelor’s degree preferred

Tools

AssetCentre

Job description

Automation & Controls Commissioning Specialist

If you’re the person everyone calls when the controls look right on paper but don’t behave that way during startup…keep reading.

Per Sé Group is seeking an experienced Automation & Controls Commissioning Specialist to support commissioning, startup, and turnover of power and energy infrastructure. This is a hands-on technical role for someone who can move comfortably between control-system configuration, field troubleshooting, commissioning execution, and cross-functional coordination.

If PLC, DCS, HMI, SCADA, FAT/SAT, AssetCentre, Modbus, DNP3, IEC 61850, and startup logic are already part of your world, we should talk.

Schedule: 12-hour, 7-day on/7-day off rotating shifts

What You’ll Do

• Provide advanced automation and controls expertise during commissioning, startup, and operational turnover of power and energy assets.




• Develop and execute commissioning plans, procedures, automation test protocols, and systemization activities.




• Coordinate and support FAT/SAT, commissioning readiness, system turnover, and punch-list closure.




• Troubleshoot PLC, DCS, HMI, and SCADA issues in the field during energization and startup.




• Validate startup/shutdown logic, alarms, control-system configuration, and SCADA integration.




• Identify integration issues, system-performance gaps, and commissioning risks and drive them toward resolution.




• Collaborate with Engineering, Construction, Operations, and OEMs to resolve technical issues and ensure systems meet design and operational requirements.




• Maintain commissioning documentation, redlines, configuration records, and turnover packages.




• Support configuration management, backups, version control, control-system patching, cybersecurity initiatives, and hardware lifecycle activities.




• Validate automation equipment performance and compatibility and contribute field lessons learned to equipment standards.




• Support operator training and technical knowledge transfer.




• Provide technical briefings, commissioning readiness reviews, and post-event summaries to project leadership.




• Drive continuous improvement by incorporating field lessons into future commissioning processes and standards.

What You’ll Bring

• 8+ years of progressive experience in industrial automation, commissioning, power generation, or energy infrastructure.




• Advanced knowledge of PLC, DCS, SCADA, and HMI systems.




• Strong hands-on experience troubleshooting automation and controls issues during commissioning and startup.




• Experience with commissioning workflows, system turnover, redline validation, and documentation.




• Knowledge of industrial communication protocols such as Modbus, DNP3, and/or IEC 61850.




• Advanced knowledge of configuration-management platforms such as AssetCentre or equivalent systems, including backups, version control, and compliance.




• Working knowledge of applicable standards, including NFPA 70E, IEEE, and NERC requirements where applicable.




• Strong understanding of safe work practices during energization and high-risk commissioning activities.




• Ability to work effectively across Engineering, Construction, Operations, OEM, and commissioning teams.




• Strong technical communication, problem-solving, and organizational skills.

A Bachelor’s Degree in Engineering, Engineering Technology, or a related discipline is preferred but not required. Previous experience with power generation, BESS, substations, or other energy infrastructure is highly valued.

This is a field-based commissioning role requiring a 12-hour, 7-on/7-off rotating schedule. Work may include extreme temperatures, elevated work, confined spaces, loud environments, nights, and holidays.

If you know controls well enough to find the problem when a system won’t commission—and have the field experience to help get it safely across the finish line,we should talk.

About Per Sé Group

Per Sé Group is a leading technical and professional recruiting firm specializing in the power generation, renewable energy, utilities, oil & gas, chemical, manufacturing, and construction industries. We connect talented professionals with industry-leading organizations on contract, contract-to-hire, and direct hire opportunities across North America.

Whether you’re looking for your next project or your next long-term career move, Per Sé Group is committed to helping you achieve your professional goals while providing exceptional service throughout the hiring process.

Per Sé Group is an Equal Opportunity Employer. Qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, national origin, age, disability, veteran status, sexual orientation, gender identity, or any other characteristic protected by applicable law.