Automation Specialist

Hargrove Engineers & Constructors; Bowling Green (OH); On-site; USD 90,000 - 130,000; Full time

Job summary

Hargrove Engineers & Constructors in Bowling Green, OH is seeking an Automation Specialist to supervise a team of designers in Power, Innovation, and Commissioning. You will act as a technical lead on complex automation design and commissioning projects.

Responsibilities include coordinating FAT/SAT, developing commissioning plans, and ensuring safety and reliability across PLC/DCS/SCADA/HMI systems while interfacing with Engineering, Construction, Operations, and OEMs.

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in Engineering, Engineering Technology, or related field preferred.
• 8+ years of relevant industrial experience in power generation, energy infrastructure, commissioning, or industrial automation.
• Strong knowledge of PLC, DCS, SCADA, and HMI interfaces.
• Experience supporting commissioning workflows and documentation tracking.

Responsibilities

• Supervise and provide technical direction to a team of designers in Power, Innovation, and Commissioning.
• Lead advanced design work as a technical specialist on complex assignments.
• Coordinate FAT/SAT activities, systemization, and punch-list closure.
• Develop commissioning plans and test protocols.
• Provide field troubleshooting during energization and startup.

Skills

PLC

DCS

SCADA

HMI

Education

Bachelor's degree in Engineering or related field

Job description

What You'll Be Doing

Job Scope

The Automation Specialist is generally responsible for supervision and technical direction over a team of designers in Power, Innovation, Commissioning. Duties may include performing advanced design work serving as a technical specialist for a complex design assignment. This level requires extensive progressive experience in electrical and instrumentation design and involves utilization of project controls for cost, schedule and quality of projects. This work will be performed under minimal supervision in Bowling Green, OH.

Primary Responsibilities Will Include But Not Be Limited To

• Demonstrate advanced technical expertise in automation systems supporting commissioning, startup, and operations for power and energy infrastructure (e.g., BESS, substations, generation assets)
• Apply specialized knowledge to support safe, efficient commissioning and system turnover, including coordination of FAT/SAT activities, systemization, and punch-list closure, while managing costs and field resources
• Support development and execution of commissioning plans, procedures, and automation test protocols
• Prepare and deliver technical briefings, commissioning readiness reviews, and post-event summaries to project leadership and cross-functional teams
• Maintain strong working knowledge of industry standards (NFPA 70E, IEEE, NERC where applicable), commissioning practices, and operational requirements
• Interpret and anticipate project risks, integration issues, and system performance gaps, providing solutions to improve reliability, commissioning efficiency, and long-term operability
• Collaborate with Engineering, Construction, Operations, and OEMs to: Ensure compliance with design and operational requirements, Develop corrective action plans, Support operator training and knowledge transfer
• Serve as a technical lead and custodian for commissioning-related automation standards, including: Control system configuration requirements, Startup and shutdown logic validation, Alarm management and SCADA integration, Documentation and turnover packages
• Support cybersecurity initiatives, control system patching, and hardware lifecycle/refresh activities during commissioning and operational transition
• Contribute to the Approved Manufacturer List (AML) by validating automation equipment performance, compatibility, and field lessons learned
• Provide field troubleshooting and real-time support for PLC/DCS/HMI-related issues during energization and startup
• Drive continuous improvement across commissioning processes, incorporating lessons learned into future projects
• Other duties as assigned

Ideal Background

Education

Bachelor’s Degree in Engineering, Engineering Technology, or related field is preferred

Experience

Requires 8 or more years of relevant industrial experience in power generation, energy infrastructure, commissioning, or industrial automation

Required Knowledge, Skills, And Abilities

• Strong organizational and interpersonal skills with safety as the top priority, especially during energization and high-risk commissioning activities
• Proficiency in Microsoft Office and standard field reporting tools
• Advanced knowledge of enterprise automation systems for configuration management, backups, version control, and compliance
• Solid understanding of: Programmable Logic Controllers (PLC), Distributed Control Systems (DCS), SCADA systems and HMI interfaces, Communication protocols (Modbus, DNP3, IEC 61850, etc., as applicable)
• Experience supporting commissioning workflows, including system turnover packages, redline validation, and documentation tracking

Physical Requirements

• 12 hour 7-day on/off rotating shifts
• Work in a variety of conditions, including extreme temperatures, loud areas, and confined spaces
• Lift up to 50 lbs and team-lift heavier loads
• Stand, walk, climb, bend, and squat for extended periods
• Work at elevated levels using ladders, scaffolding, or lifts with appropriate PPE
• Use hand tools and mechanical diagnostic equipment
• Occasional shiftwork on nights and holidays

Hargrove Culture

We work to create an environment founded on trust, personal integrity, and a “team mentality” so that each person understands the value of their contributions both on a project and company-wide level. We know that each person on our team contributes to the success of our company by pairing expertise and passion to meet and exceed the needs of the clients we serve across the globe.

Our safety culture protects and promotes the well-being of every person who works with us and every person touched by our work.

As a 100% Teammate owned company, we proudly offer a comprehensive benefits package including, paid holidays, personal paid time off, medical, dental, vision, life, and disability insurance, 401(k), and other benefits to eligible Teammates.

Equal Opportunity Employment Statement

Hargrove is an Equal Opportunity/Affirmative Action employer. We do not discriminate based upon race, color, national origin, religion, age, sex (including gender, sexual orientation, pregnancy, sexual identity, marital or family status), disability, military service or obligations, veteran status, or any other characteristic protected by law.

Hargrove is a drug‑free workplace.

The selected candidate must be authorized to work in the United States.