Automation Engineer (Infrastructure)

HSBMA; Kingston (GA); On-site; USD 75,000 - 95,000; Full time

Job summary

HSBMA in Kingston, Georgia is seeking an Automation (PLC & Logic) Engineer responsible for planning, designing, and maintaining automated systems. The ideal candidate will have a Bachelor's degree in a related field and 3-5 years of experience in manufacturing automation. Responsibilities include managing automation investments, providing technical support, and optimizing system performance. Bilingual proficiency in Korean is preferred. The position may require on-call support and involves working in various environments including office and production settings.

Qualifications

• At least 3-5 years of experience in manufacturing automation or process control.
• Certification in AVEVA or automation control (preferred).
• Bilingual proficiency in Korean preferred.

Responsibilities

• Lead planning and management of automation systems.
• Provide technical support and troubleshooting.
• Develop and manage automation investment plans.

Skills

PLC programming knowledge

SCADA systems familiarity

HMI experience

Problem-solving abilities

Project management skills

Education

Bachelor’s degree in Automation or related field

Tools

AVEVA Intouch HMI

Siemens TIA Portal

Rockwell RSLogix

Microsoft Office

Job description

Job Purpose

The Automation (PLC & Logic) Engineer is responsible for the planning, design, programming, installation, operation, maintenance, troubleshooting, and optimization of automated systems—including Programmable Logic Controllers (PLC), Human Machine Interfaces (HMI), SCADA, and associated control systems—across production and utility facilities. This role ensures that automation equipment and control logic for processing/manufacturing raw materials operate efficiently, safely, and reliably. The engineer leads technical projects and collaborates with various teams to resolve urgent and complex automation-related issues, provides technical support, and proactively identifies opportunities for system improvement and energy savings through automation. The position may require on-call support during off-hours as necessary.

Job Duties and Responsibilities

• Automation System Planning/Management
• Establish and manage annual maintenance plans and budgets for automation systems.
• Propose system upgrades or renovations; prepare and process purchase orders.
• Monitor and manage maintenance and system performance.
• Investment Planning/Management
• Develop and manage annual automation investment plans and associated budgets.
• Review system upgrade or expansion proposals.
• Review, understand, and modify control diagrams (I/O lists, wiring, P&ID relevant to controls).
• Create system specifications for new installations and repairs; prepare technical documentation.
• Request and evaluate quotations for new automation equipment; issue purchase orders.
• Track performance of automation-related investments.
• System Inspection and Technical Support
• Respond to service requests and troubleshoot automation/control system issues.
• Develop, manage, and update automation operation manuals and system documentation.
• Conduct regular inspections and preventive maintenance for PLC, HMI, SCADA, and related systems.
• Identify system abnormalities, analyze root causes, and implement corrective actions.
• Optimize process control logic and operational efficiency.
• Manage communication networks (Ethernet, Fieldbus, etc.) and interface with field devices.
• Process Optimization and Energy Savings
• Analyze energy consumption trends using automation data.
• Identify and implement opportunities for energy savings and operational improvements.
• Report and track the impact of automation improvements on efficiency.
• Compliance and Safety
• Ensure automation systems comply with relevant codes, industry standards, and regulations.
• Support and facilitate audits relating to control systems (e.g., PSM, ISO).
• Address and resolve non-conformities identified during audits.
• Construction Management/Supervising
• Supervise or coordinate automation-related construction or modification projects.
• Coordinate with vendors and contractors for installation and commissioning of automation systems.
• Inspect and verify materials and system installations.
• Emergency Planning & Response
• Develop and execute emergency response plans for control system failures, cybersecurity incidents, or power losses.
• Conduct periodic drills related to automation and controls.
• Other tasks as assigned

Qualifications

To perform this job successfully, an 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.

• Education:
  • Bachelor’s degree in Automation, Mechatronics, Computer Engineering, or a related field
• Experience: At least 3-5 years of relevant experience in manufacturing automation, process control, or related fields (such as automotive, EV battery, semiconductor, chemical, or industrial automation).
• Qualification/Certification/License:
  • (Preferred) Certification of AVEVA Certified Developer Program
  • (Preferred) Certifications in automation/control (e.g., Siemens, Rockwell/Allen‑Bradley, Schneider, Mitsubishi, LS Electric, etc.)
  • (Preferred) Experience with safety instrumented systems (SIS) and/or cybersecurity standards for industrial control systems.
• Working level of English (verbal, written, etc.)
• Bilingual proficiency in Korean (preferred)
• Advanced proficiency with AVEVA Intouch HMI
• Advanced proficiency with PLC programming software (e.g., Siemens TIA Portal, Rockwell RSLogix/Studio 5000, Mitsubishi GX Works2/3, LS Electric XG5000/Plus, etc.), HMI/SCADA configuration tools, and Microsoft Office.
• (Preferred) Familiarity with industrial networking (Ethernet/IP, Modbus, Profibus, etc.).
• (Preferred) Basic knowledge of AutoCAD for control wiring diagrams.
• Physical & Mental Demands:
  • Work in office, production environments, and on-site at automation panels.
  • Wear company‑provided uniform and necessary PPE (e.g., safety shoes, safety glasses, gloves, hard hat) at all times on the production floor.
  • Occasional work in cleanroom or high‑noise environments.
  • Exposure to risks related to electrical panels, moving machinery, and, rarely, hazardous materials.
• Usual office environment
• Risk of noise: Above 90 dB in compressor room
• Risk of high temperature: 104–122°F in boiler room, machine room, vacuum pump room
• Potential exposure to hazardous materials (heating medium oil, NMP, water treatment chemicals (boiler treatment compound, acidity regulator, etc.)) and various kinds of lubricating oils

Core Competencies

• Deep understanding of PLC, HMI, SCADA, and industrial control systems architecture.
• Practical experience with control system programming, troubleshooting, and optimization.
• Familiarity with process instrumentation and field devices (sensors, actuators, VFDs, etc.).
• Ability to read and interpret control system diagrams, electrical schematics, P&ID, and configure automation software.
• Understanding of safety and cybersecurity standards for industrial automation.
• Ability to independently manage projects, analyze costs, and coordinate stakeholders.
• Documentation skills: SOPs, manuals, technical reports, training materials.
• Overcome fear of failure and strives to keep trying with can‑do attitude and high level of enthusiasm
• Take ownership of the tacks and complete it responsibly.
• Work collaboratively with other teammates and departments to accomplish common goals and objectives
• Derive logical conclusions even in somewhat difficult situation or from limited number of options available
• Invest persistent and consistent efforts until the very end no matter how difficult the path gets
• Drive to outshine, by pushing one’s limit in order to show consistent improvement
• Treat everyone with respect and sensitivity to differences among individuals as a result of language, cultural background
• Influence others within the job area through explanation of facts, policies and practice by clearly conveying information and ideas in an engaging and easy‑to‑understand way
• Demonstrate an ability to take initiatives and seek responsibility without being forced or pushed to do so
• Work independently, with partial guidance, to accomplish job/team goals within the scope of assigned responsibilities
• Voluntarily identify areas of contribution within the assigned job/team and make suggestions for improvement by recognizing problems within existing ways of working
• Expertise
• Possess working knowledge/skills of the instructions/procedures/tools of the assigned job and be able to explain in detail
• Solve problems by exploring past cases with the advice from superiors
• Collaboration and Supervision
  • Build stable and collaborative relationships within and across teams
  • Provide practical coaching and advice for P1 and P level members