Automation Engineer

Simply Driven Executive Search; Indianapolis (IN); On-site; USD 90,000 - 130,000; Full time

Job summary

Simply Driven Executive Search is searching for an experienced industrial automation professional to lead and support control system projects from design through startup, primarily onsite. The role emphasizes PLC programming (IEC 61131-3), HMI/SCADA development, and hands-on troubleshooting of I/O, networks, and field devices.

You will translate P&IDs and customer specs into functional systems, participate in start-up activities, and interact with customers to ensure successful deployment of

Qualifications

• 6+ years in industrial automation, supporting or leading control system projects from design through startup (onsite).
• Proficient in PLC programming software with understanding of IEC 61131-3.
• Debug medium-to-complex PLC programs and build routines or basic systems from scratch.
• Proficient in HMI software — screen development, tag database creation, and basic HMI/SCADA development.
• Create functional specs from P&IDs, system diagrams, customer specs and stakeholder discussions.
• Experience configuring and troubleshooting I/O, remote I/O, VFDs, instrumentation, network switches, and other bus devices.
• Support system architecture and controls design for simple to moderately complex automation solutions.
• Experience with startup, commissioning, plant-floor troubleshooting, and customer site support.
• Strong customer interaction skills and the ability to work independently onsite.

Responsibilities

• Lead or support control system projects from design through startup and commissioning onsite.
• Debug PLC programs and develop routines or basic automation solutions.
• Develop screen-based HMIs and maintain tag databases for operator interfaces.
• Create functional specifications from P&IDs and customer requirements.
• Configure I/O and field devices, diagnose network issues and ensure robust communication.
• Support system architecture and controls design for medium complexity automation projects.
• Provide on-site startup support and customer-facing technical assistance.

Skills

PLC programming

IEC 61131-3

HMI/SCADA

P&ID to specs

I/O & networks

Startup & commissioning

On-site support

Industrial networks

Control system architecture

Troubleshooting

Tools

Allen-Bradley

Siemens PLC

Ignition

Wonderware

SCADA software

Job description

Experience: 6+ years in industrial automation, with a track record supporting or leading control system projects from design through startup.

Technical Skills:

• Proficient in PLC programming software, with a strong understanding of core instruction sets and IEC 61131-3 programming languages
• Solid understanding of how PLCs operate and communicate with external devices, control systems, and industrial networks
• Ability to debug medium-to-complex PLC programs and build routines or basic systems from scratch
• Proficient in HMI software — screen development, tag database creation, and basic HMI/SCADA application development
• Ability to create functional specifications from P&IDs, system diagrams, customer specs, and stakeholder discussions
• Experience configuring and troubleshooting I/O, remote I/O, VFDs, instrumentation, solenoid manifolds, network switches, and other bus network devices
• Ability to support system architecture and controls design for simple to moderately complex automation solutions
• Experience with startup, commissioning, plant-floor troubleshooting, and customer site support
• Strong customer interaction skills and the ability to work independently onsite

Nice to Have:

• Experience with multiple PLC or HMI platforms (Allen-Bradley, Siemens, Ignition, Wonderware, and others)
• Experience with plant-area HMI models (areas, cells, units)
• Experience with specialized libraries: process libraries or vertical market libraries
• MES, database, or enterprise-level SCADA/DCS experience (a plus for senior-level candidates)
• Experience in OT cybersecurity, secure network design and implementation
• Relevant certifications a plus (e.g. PE, PMP, CSIA, UL508A, GICSP), but not required