Automation Specialist I

Prime Controls Lp; Cedar Rapids (IA); On-site; USD 55,000 - 75,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Health, Dental, and Vision coverage

Flexible Spending Account(s)

Generous PTO

ESOP

401k matching and more!

Job summary

Prime Controls L.P. is seeking an Automation Specialist I to assist with system integration projects, including selecting components for PLC, network, and software, programming PLCs and HMIs, and testing functionality during start-up.

Responsibilities include reading drawings, developing BOMs, configuring networks, and supporting field testing at customer sites. The role requires travel and collaboration with engineers, customers, and vendors.

Qualifications

• Must read and interpret technical drawings, schematics, and documentation.
• Strong troubleshooting and problem-solving skills.
• Effective communication and ability to collaborate with technical teams and customers.
• Willingness to travel to customer and project sites as required.

Responsibilities

• Read and interpret electrical drawings, control diagrams, specifications, and other technical documentation.
• Develop BOMs, I/O lists, panel requirements, and system documentation.
• Develop PLC programs using ladder logic and related languages.
• Configure HMI applications for automation systems.
• Configure industrial networks, controllers, and instrumentation.
• Develop and execute hardware/software test plans for PLC/HMI functionality.
• Support startup, commissioning, and field testing at sites.
• Troubleshoot PLC, HMI, network, instrumentation, and hardware/software issues.
• Collaborate with engineers, customers, manufacturers, and vendors to resolve issues.
• Create and maintain project documentation and user manuals.
• Provide customer training on operation of automation systems.

Skills

Reading electrical drawings

Troubleshooting

Communication & teamwork

Willingness to travel

Education

Bachelor's degree in Electrical Engineering or related field

Associate degree or technical certification in automation/controls

Job description

About Prime

Introducing Prime Controls, L.P.

Established in 2004, Prime Controls, L.P. is a family-owned Systems Integration and I&C Construction firm dedicated to meeting clients’ industrial automation and control requirements. As a Main Automation Contractor, we offer comprehensive solutions, supported by our size,expertise, and extensive experience. With a professional team of 1000+ employees, Prime Controls serves customers nationwide from our Dallas, Texasheadquartersand offices throughout the United States. Our mission is to deliver the highest quality professional services while prioritizing our employees’ well-being and fostering an exceptional workplace environment.

Overview

Position Summary

As an Automation Specialist I you will assist with most aspects of system integration projects by identifying parts and components for PLC, network, computer, and software components; programming PLCs and HMIs; testing functionality of program logic and installed equipment; troubleshooting software and systems issues during start-up; developing and assembling required documentation and user manuals created during the development process.

Key Responsibilities

• Read and interpret electrical drawings, control diagrams, specifications, and other technical documentation.
• Assist with developing bills of materials (BOMs), I/O lists, control panel requirements, and system documentation.
• Develop and modify PLC programs using ladder logic, function block, and other related programming languages.
• Develop and configure human machine interface (HMI) applications.
• Assist with configuring industrial networks, computers, controllers, instrumentation, and other automation components.
• Develop and execute hardware and software test plans, including simulation logic used to validate PLC and HMI functionality.
• Support system startup, commissioning, and field testing at customer and project sites.
• Troubleshoot PLC, HMI, network, instrumentation, hardware, and software issues.
• Identify and resolve issues resulting from design changes, drawing discrepancies, instrumentation specifications, or field conditions.
• Work with engineers, project teams, customers, manufacturers, and vendors to resolve technical issues.
• Develop and maintain project documentation, operating procedures, and user manuals.
• Provide customers with training on the operation and use of completed automation systems.
• Respond to service requests and assist with diagnosing and resolving control system failures as needed.

Qualifications

Required

• Bachelor's degree in electrical engineering, Computer Engineering, Mechatronics Engineering, Automation Engineering, or a related technical discipline; OR an associate degree or technical certification in automation, controls, instrumentation, electronics, or a related field; OR equivalent industrial controls experience.
• Ability to read and interpret technical drawings, schematics, and documentation.
• Strong troubleshooting and problem-solving skills.
• Ability to communicate effectively and work collaboratively with technical teams and customers.
• Willingness to travel to customer and project sites as required.

Preferred

• Internship, co-op, academic, or professional experience working with industrial automation or control systems.

Benefits

What We Offer:

Full-time employees enjoy a great benefits package including, but not limited to:

• Health, Dental, and Vision coverage
• Flexible Spending Account(s)
• Generous PTO
• Numerous culture events
• ESOP
• 401k matching and more!

Work Environment & Physical Demands (Text Only)

Physical requirements and work environment expectations vary by position. Generally, roles at Prime Controls may involve moderate noise, occasional exposure to outdoor weather conditions, and, depending on the role, work at heights or around airborne particles and electrical components. Physical activities may include standing, walking, sitting, climbing, balancing, stooping, kneeling, crouching, or crawling, as well as the use of hands, arms, and voice communication. Some roles may require lifting and/or moving up to 50 pounds. Vision requirements may include close vision, distance vision, and the ability to adjust focus. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions of the job.

EEO

Prime Controls is an Equal Opportunity Employer/Affirmative Action/Veteran/Disabled employer.

As a federal contractor, Prime Controls is required to participate in the federal government’s E-Verify program, which confirms employment authorization of all newly hired employees and most existing employees through an electronic database maintained by the Social Security Administration and Department of Homeland Security. For new hires, the E-Verify process is completed in conjunction with the Form I-9 Employment Eligibility Verification on or before the first day of work. E-Verify is not used as a tool to pre-screen candidates.