Automation Engineer

Technical Source; Charlotte (NC); On-site; USD 90,000 - 120,000; Full time

Job summary

Technical Source seeks an experienced Controls/Automation Engineer to support energy generation facilities in the Charlotte, NC area. This role focuses on programming, troubleshooting, and maintaining automation and control systems built on the Emerson RXi platform.

The candidate should have 5+ years in industrial environments, hands-on RXi experience, and familiarity with PACSystems PLC or DeltaV. Local to Charlotte or willing to relocate, with on-site duties and travel as needed.

Qualifications

• 5+ years in controls/automation engineering in industrial/utility environment
• Hands-on experience programming and troubleshooting Emerson RXi platform
• Experience with Emerson PACSystems PLC or DeltaV or comparable control systems
• Strong troubleshooting across HMI/PLC/field instrumentation

Responsibilities

• Program, configure, and troubleshoot Emerson RXi panel PCs, industrial monitors, and web panels integrated with plant control systems at hydroelectric facilities.
• Diagnose and resolve control system faults on governors, excitation systems, and balance-of-plant equipment to minimize downtime.
• Support commissioning, upgrades, and lifecycle replacement of HMI/control hardware across multiple hydro stations in the Charlotte area.
• Collaborate with Duke Energy plant operations to plan and execute control system modifications and outages.
• Maintain documentation of control system architecture, program logic, and modifications.
• Provide field support and travel between Charlotte office and hydro sites as needed.
• Ensure work complies with utility safety standards and Duke Energy site procedures.

Job description

Technical Source is seeking an experienced Controls/Automation Engineer to support energy generation facilities in the Charlotte, NC area. This is person will support hydro stations across the Charlotte area to program, troubleshoot, and maintain automation and control systems built on the Emerson RXi platform.

Key Responsibilities

• Program, configure, and troubleshoot Emerson RXi panel PCs, industrial monitors, and web panels integrated with plant control systems at hydroelectric generation facilities.
• Diagnose and resolve control system faults on hydro unit governors, excitation systems, and balance-of-plant equipment to minimize generation downtime.
• Support commissioning, upgrades, and lifecycle replacement of HMI/control hardware across multiple hydro station sites in the Charlotte area.
• Collaborate with Duke Energy plant operations and engineering staff to plan and execute control system modifications and outages.
• Maintain accurate documentation of control system architecture, program logic, and modifications (redlines, as-builts, change records).
• Provide field support and travel between our clients Charlotte office and hydro sites as needed.
• Ensure work complies with utility safety standards, NERC/FERC-related requirements as applicable, and Duke Energy site procedures.

Required Qualifications

• 5+ years of experience in controls/automation engineering in an industrial, utility, or power generation environment.
• Direct hands-on experience programming and troubleshooting the Emerson RXi platform (Panel PC / Industrial Monitor / Web Panel).
• Experience with Emerson's broader automation ecosystem (e.g., PACSystems PLC/PAC, or DeltaV) or comparable industrial control systems.
• Strong troubleshooting skills across HMI, PLC, and field instrumentation/I-O in a live production environment.
• Ability to read and interpret electrical schematics, control logic diagrams, and P&IDs.
• Local to the Charlotte, NC area or willing to relocate at own expense — no relocation assistance provided.
• Bachelor's degree in Electrical Engineering, Controls Engineering, or related field preferred; equivalent hands-on experience will be considered.

Preferred Qualifications

• Prior experience supporting hydroelectric generation, power generation, or other critical infrastructure/utility environments.
• Familiarity with Duke Energy or Catawba-Wateree hydro system facilities specifically.
• Experience with governor controls, excitation systems, or SCADA integration for generation assets.
• NERC CIP awareness/experience for critical infrastructure environments.

This role is based out of our clients Charlotte, NC office with regular onsite travel to Duke Energy hydro stations in the surrounding metro area. Onsite work may involve powerhouse, dam, and outdoor generation-site environments; appropriate PPE and safety training will be provided/required. No relocation assistance is offered, so candidates should already be local to Charlotte.