Automation Lead - Spray Dry Dispersion Systems

Kelly; Carolina (PR); Hybrid; USD 120,000 - 180,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Bi-weekly pay

Access to 3,000+ online training

Career guides

Extensive client network opportunities

Job summary

Kelly Engineering is seeking an Automation Technical Lead for Spray Dry Dispersion to join its Carolina-area team. You will lead automation for the Spray Dry Dispersion process, including primary and secondary dryers, automated weigh and dispense, and coordinating with IT/OT for cybersecurity and network architecture.

The role requires a strong background in Rockwell/Allen-Bradley platforms, OPC/EtherNet/IP, OT data collection, and design deliverables (URS/FRS, P&IDs, control narratives).

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in electrical, mechanical, or controls engineering (or equivalent).
• 8 years in industrial/facilities automation; 3+ years in a technical lead/senior engineer role.
• Hands-on with automation platforms (Rockwell/AB) and integrations/protocols (OPC, EtherNet/IP).
• Experience with data historians and OT data collection (OSIsoft/AVEVA PI).
• Strong understanding of Spray Dryer systems and automated weigh/dispense.
• Knowledge of OT networks, secure remote access, and IT/cybersecurity collaboration.
• Experience commissioning, startup, and troubleshooting in operating facilities.
• Strong communication and stakeholder management across facilities, operations, IT/OT, EPC, and vendors.

Responsibilities

• Technical lead for automation scope in Spray Dry Dispersion process (dryers, weigh/dispense, supporting systems).
• Define automation requirements: URS/FRS, control narratives, I/O lists, network architecture and cybersecurity needs with IT/OT.
• Develop/review design deliverables (P&IDs, control diagrams, operation sequences, panel designs).
• Lead vendor/integrator selection, bid evaluation, and scope-of-work; manage interfaces and RFI responses.
• Support commissioning readiness: review test protocols, FAT/SAT/IOQ, functional testing, punch lists, turnover packages.
• Coordinate cutovers and downtime planning; ensure operational readiness with Facilities/Operations; provide troubleshooting.
• Ensure compliance with standards and site procedures, documentation and validation deliverables.
• Mentor engineers/technicians; establish alarms, trending, graphics naming conventions, CMMS/EMS integrations.

Skills

Automation leadership

Control systems

OT/IT collaboration

Data historians

Commissioning

Vendor management

Cybersecurity basics

Education

Bachelor’s degree in Electrical/Mechanical/Controls Engineering

Tools

Rockwell Automation/Allen-Bradley

OPC

EtherNet/IP

OSIsoft PI

AVEVA PI

Job description

Kelly Engineering is seeking an Automation Technical Lead for Spray Dry Dispersion to join its Carolina-area team. You will lead automation for the Spray Dry Dispersion process, including primary and secondary dryers, automated weigh and dispense, and coordinating with IT/OT for cybersecurity and network architecture.

The role requires a strong background in Rockwell/Allen-Bradley platforms, OPC/EtherNet/IP, OT data collection, and design deliverables (URS/FRS, P&IDs, control narratives).