Automation Engineer II

WaterAIC; Temecula (CA); On-site; USD 80,000 - 120,000; Full time

Job summary

WaterAIC in California seeks a System Integration Automation Engineer to develop, implement, and support automation systems for the water and wastewater industry. The role involves configuring PLCs, SCADA systems, and networking equipment, as well as optimizing plant performance and ensuring compliance. Candidates should have knowledge of the water treatment process, required certifications in multiple PLC and SCADA softwares, and strong analytical skills. A Bachelor's degree in engineering is desired, and the position offers an inclusive work environment.

Qualifications

• Ability to read and interpret P&IDs, electrical schematics, and technical specifications.
• Working knowledge in Microsoft Operating Systems and virtualized environments.
• Knowledge of networking practices and industrial networking protocols.

Responsibilities

• Develop, implement, and support automation systems for water/wastewater.
• Configure and program PLCs, SCADA systems, and networking equipment.
• Optimize plant performance and regulatory compliance through automation.

Skills

Knowledge of the Water and Wastewater Treatment Process

Experience/Certifications in Rockwell – Studio 5000

Experience/Certifications in Schneider – Control Expert

Experience/Certifications in Siemens – TIA Portal

Experience/Certifications in Inductive Automation – Ignition

Experience/Certifications in Rockwell – Factory Talk

Strong troubleshooting and analytical thinking skills

Strong communication and collaboration skills

Education

Bachelor's degree in electrical, controls, industrial, or computer engineering

Tools

Rockwell – Studio 5000

Inductive Automation – Ignition

Siemens – TIA Portal

Schneider – Control Expert

Job description

The System Integration Automation Engineer will be responsible for developing, implementing, and supporting the instrumentation, controls, and automation systems used throughout the water and wastewater industry. This position is responsible for configuring and programming PLCs, SCADA systems, and industrial networking equipment to monitor and control treatment plant processes and equipment.

The Automation Engineer will implement and enhance automation systems and infrastructure to optimize plant performance, reduce downtime, increase process efficiencies, and meet all regulatory compliance standards. This role will collaborate cross‑functionally to execute automation projects.

Essential Duties and Responsibilities

Essential duties and other responsibilities include but are not limited to the following:

• Project Planning & Coordination
  • Participate in lead review meetings during Pre‑Sales and Initiation phases to assess project scope, risks, and resource needs.
• Prepare and maintain the IO Database (IODB) including PLC hardware, I/O, and tag mapping.
• Create submittal packages for PLC, SCADA, and network hardware.
• Draft Process Control Narratives (PCN) detailing control logic, alarms, and setpoints.
• Develop sample screens and standards for SCADA and operator interfaces.
• Conduct Radio Studies and prepare Radio Study Reports.
• Design Network Architecture Layouts.
• Software Development
  • Develop PLC programs based on PCN, IODB, and project standards.
  • Build OIT and SCADA applications including screen development, tag integration, and security settings.
  • Configure SCADA and networking equipment including hypervisors, switches, and reporting infrastructure.
  • Configure auxiliary equipment such as VFDs, power monitors, and smart devices.
• Testing & Validation
  • Prepare and customize software test plans.
  • Conduct witnessed and unwitnessed testing in factory and perform onsite commissioning.
  • Address punch‑list items and ensure system readiness.
• Support Activities
  • Attend and lead workshops and meetings.
  • Provide internal team support and warranty support as needed.
  • Address unanticipated scope changes with flexibility and professionalism.
  • Perform other related and associated duties as assigned by the Team Lead and Manager.

Qualifications

To perform this job successfully, an individual must be able to perform multiple tasks with minimal oversight and direction while showing growing competencies with other tasks.

• Required Knowledge, Experience, Skills, and Licenses
  • Knowledge of the Water and Wastewater Treatment Process.
  • Experience/Certifications in multiple PLC softwares including but not limited to:
    • Rockwell – Studio 5000
    • Schneider – Control Expert
    • Siemens – TIA Portal
    • Legacy PLC softwares
• Experience/Certifications in multiple SCADA platforms including but not limited to:
  • Inductive Automation – Ignition
  • Rockwell – Factory Talk
  • Aveva – System Platform
• Knowledge of networking practices and industrial networking protocols commonly used in OT environments (Ethernet/IP, Modbus TCP/RTU, Profinet, etc.).
• Working knowledge in Microsoft Operating Systems, Active Directory, virtualized environment (VMWare, HyperV), and other automation supporting software.
• Ability to read and interpret P&IDs, electrical schematics, and technical specifications.
• Strong troubleshooting and analytical thinking skills.
• Strong communication and collaboration skills working with cross‑functional engineering teams.
• Familiarity with industry standards, regulatory requirements, and quality systems, and lean manufacturing.
• Willingness to continuously expand automation skillset and keep current with latest technologies.

Required Education and Experience

• Bachelor's degree in electrical, controls, industrial, or computer engineering desired. Advanced degrees welcomed.

Certificates, Licenses, Registrations

• ISA Certifications such as ISA CAP and ISA CCST

Core Values and Competencies

• Empowering Employees: Builds and nurtures productive relationships across departments and with external partners. Shares knowledge and resources, values diverse perspectives, and contributes to a culture of mutual support and trust.
• Client Solutions: Maintains a service‑oriented mindset toward both internal and external stakeholders. Actively listens to understand needs, resolves issues efficiently, and ensures satisfaction with deliverables and interactions.
• Innovating Integration: Applies logical, structured approaches to problem‑solving. Identifies key variables, evaluates alternatives, and conducts cost‑benefit or risk analyses to support sound decision‑making.
• Effective Communication: Communicates clearly, consistently, and proactively across all levels of the organization.
• Integrity and Professionalism: Upholds the highest ethical standards in all actions and decisions. Demonstrates honesty, transparency, and respect for others.

Physical Demands

While performing the duties of this position, the employee is required to use hands to finger, handle, or feel, reach with hands and arms, talk, hear, taste, and smell. The employee is frequently required to stand, walk, climb or balance, stoop, kneel, crouch, and/or crawl. The employee is occasionally required to sit. The employee must frequently lift and/or move up to 50 pounds. Specific vision abilities required include close vision, distance vision, color vision, peripheral vision, depth perception and ability to adjust focus.

Work Environment

Office: The noise level is usually moderate.

Job Site: The employee is frequently exposed to moving mechanical parts, fumes or airborne particles, toxic or caustic chemicals, outside weather conditions, extreme cold, extreme heat, and vibration. The noise level is usually loud.

Equal Opportunity Employer

The Company is an affirmative action and equal opportunity employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, or protected veteran status, and will not be discriminated against on the basis of disability.