Automation Specialist

RigUp; Bowling Green (OH); On-site; USD 90,000 - 130,000; Full time

Job summary

RigUp seeks a Technical Specialist – Automation to lead automation systems for power infrastructure commissioning, energization, and handoff. You will validate control logic across PLC/DCS/SCADA/HMI, drive FAT/SAT activities, and manage high-risk milestones with a focus on safety and standards compliance.

The role requires 8+ years in energy infrastructure or industrial automation, with the ability to work a 12-hour rotating shift and lift up to 50 lbs as needed.

Qualifications

• Minimum 8 years of progressive experience in power generation or industrial automation.
• Experience validating control system logic and commissioning plans.
• Ability to work a 12-hour, 7-day on/off rotating shift with nights/weekends as needed.

Responsibilities

• Provide expert technical leadership for automation during commissioning, energization, and turnover.
• Develop and execute commissioning plans, FAT/SAT, and validation procedures.
• Manage high-risk milestones and punch-list closures with optimized resources.
• Validate PLC/DCS/SCADA/HMI configurations and alarm frameworks.
• Provide field troubleshooting and post-event analysis during energization.

Skills

PLC

DCS

SCADA

HMI

Industrial protocols

Commissioning workflows

Education

Bachelor’s degree in Engineering or related field

High School Diploma or GED

Tools

FactoryTalk AssetCentre

Job description

Professional Summary

The Technical Specialist – Automation plays a critical role in the Power Innovation Commissioning division, serving as an expert technical lead for the automation systems that support the commissioning, energization, and operational transition of energy infrastructure. This individual is responsible for driving safe, high-efficiency commissioning strategies, validating control system logic, and establishing standards across complex assets such as Battery Energy Storage Systems (BESS), substations, and generation facilities. Working cross-functionally with Engineering, Operations, Construction, and Original Equipment Manufacturers (OEMs), the position ensures full compliance with design requirements, operational safety, and system integration standards.

Core Responsibilities

• Execute technical oversight of automation systems supporting commissioning, startup, and operational handoff for power and energy infrastructure assets.
• Lead the development and execution of comprehensive commissioning plans, functional test protocols, and automation validation procedures.
• Manage high-risk commissioning milestones, including Factory Acceptance Testing (FAT), Site Acceptance Testing (SAT), systemization, and punch-list closure while optimizing resource utilization.
• Validate PLC, DCS, SCADA, and HMI control logic, startup/shutdown sequences, alarm management frameworks, and interface configurations.
• Deliver real-time field troubleshooting and diagnostic support for complex automation issues during energization and asset startup.
• Prepare and present technical briefings, commissioning readiness reviews, and post-event analytical summaries to project leadership and cross-functional teams.
• Ensure strict adherence to relevant industry standards, including NFPA 70E, IEEE, and NERC guidelines, prioritizing safety during high-risk field operations.
• Partner with cybersecurity teams to implement control system patching, configuration management, and hardware lifecycle refresh activities during commissioning phases.
• Maintain enterprise automation configuration management, backups, version control, and compliance documentation using systems such as AssetCentre or equivalent platforms.
• Evaluate vendor equipment performance to support the Approved Manufacturer List (AML) and integrate field lessons learned into future asset deployment standards.
• Facilitate knowledge transfer and operational readiness by supporting operator training programs and finalizing turnover documentation packages.

Required Qualifications

• High School Diploma or GED.
• Minimum of eight (8) years of progressive experience in power generation, energy infrastructure, industrial automation, or system commissioning.
• Advanced technical proficiency in Programmable Logic Controllers (PLC), Distributed Control Systems (DCS), SCADA, and HMI architectures.
• Demonstrated experience with industrial communication protocols, including Modbus, DNP3, and IEC 61850.
• Practical experience managing commissioning workflows, system turnover documentation, redline validation, and control system configuration tracking.
• Ability to work a 12-hour, 7-day on/off rotating shift schedule, including occasional nights, weekends, and holidays.
• Physical capability to lift up to 50 lbs, perform team lifts, stand, walk, climb, bend, and work in confined spaces, elevated areas, or extreme ambient temperatures.

Preferred Qualifications

• Bachelor’s Degree in Engineering, Engineering Technology, or a closely related technical field.
• Expertise in enterprise automation version control software (e.g., FactoryTalk AssetCentre).
• Formal certification or training in industrial electrical safety standards (e.g., NFPA 70E).
• Work Schedule: 12-Hour Rotating Shift (7 Days On / 7 Days Off; includes potential night and holiday coverage).
• Work Location: On-site / Field Infrastructure Facilities (Requires physical presence in varied industrial environments).
• Position Type: Full-Time Direct / Commissioning Support Operations.