Automation Technical Lead – Spray Dry Dispersion

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

Description

At Kelly® Science, Engineering, Technology & Telecom (SETT), we're passionate about helping you find a job that works for you. How about this one?
We're seeking an Automation Technical Lead - Spray Dry Dispersion to work with one of our top clients in the Carolina area. With us, it's all about finding a job that’s just right.

Job Summary:

Supports business maturity by continuously improving compliance processes, policies, and security risk dynamics. This role is responsible for the ITIL best practice technical control program and manages the risk assessment process for IT initiatives.

Essential Functions:

• Technical lead for automation scope supporting Spray Dry Dispersion process, including primary and secondary dryers, automated weight and dispense, supporting systems.


• Own automation technical requirements: URS/FRS, control narratives, I/O lists, points lists, network architecture, and cybersecurity requirements in coordination with IT/OT.


• Develop and review design deliverables (P&IDs, control diagrams, sequences of operation, panel designs, wiring schematics, and specifications) from integrators and EPC partners.


• Lead vendor/integrator selection support, technical bid evaluation, and scope-of-work definition; manage technical interfaces and clarify RFI responses.


• Drive commissioning readiness: review test protocols, support FAT/SAT/IOQ, oversee functional testing, manage punch lists, and ensure turnover packages are complete.


• Coordinate cutovers, downtime planning, and operational readiness with Facilities/Operations; provide troubleshooting support and root cause analysis.


• Ensure compliance with applicable standards and site procedures, including change control, documentation practices, and validation deliverables.


• Mentor engineers/technicians and establish standards for alarms, trending, graphics, naming conventions, and CMMS/EMS integrations.

Job Requirements:

• Bachelor’s degree in electrical/mechanical/Controls Engineering (or equivalent experience).


• 8 years of experience in industrial/facilities automation with at least 3 years in a technical lead or senior engineer role.


• Hands-on experience with automation platforms (e.g., Rockwell Automation/Allen Bradley) and integrations/protocols such as OPC, EtherNet/IP, (as applicable).


• Experience with data historians and OT data collection (e.g., OSIsoft/AVEVA PI), including tag standards, data quality, and basic analytics/trending.


• Strong understanding of Spray Dryer systems, automated weigh and dispense systems.


• Understanding of modularization impact on automation delivery


• Ability to produce/review sequences of operation, control narratives, and commissioning/functional test documentation.


• Knowledge of OT networks, segmentation, and secure remote access; ability to collaborate with IT/cybersecurity teams on standards and risk mitigations.


• Proven experience supporting commissioning, startup, and troubleshooting in operating facilities.


• Strong communication and stakeholder management skills; able to coordinate across Facilities, Operations, IT/OT, EPC, and vendors.

Salary Range: Negotiable

What happens next

Once you apply, you'll proceed to the next steps if your skills and experience look like a good fit. But don't worry—even if this position doesn't work out, you're still in our network. That means all our recruiters will have access to your profile, expanding your opportunities even more.
Helping you discover what's next in your career is what we're all about, so let's get to work.

Kelly PR Offers!

• Exposure to a variety of career opportunities because of our expansive network of client companies


• Career guides, information, and tools to help you successfully position yourself throughout every stage of your career


• Access to more than 3,000 online training courses through our Kelly Learning Center


• Bi-weekly pay


• Among other benefits!

Why Kelly^®^ Engineering?

Your engineering skills are in demand, but how do you find the right fit? Easy. At Kelly Engineering, our team creates expert talent solutions to solve the world’s most critical challenges. We connect you with leading organizations where you can collaborate on innovative projects, work with cutting-edge technologies and accelerate your growth. Whether you prefer the variety and flexibility of short-term projects or are looking for a long-term opportunity, we're here to guide you to the next step in your engineering career.

About Kelly

Work changes everything. And at Kelly, we're obsessed with where it can take you. To us, it's about more than simply accepting your next job opportunity. It's the fuel that powers every next step of your life. It's the ripple effect that changes and improves everything for your family, your community, and the world. Which is why, here at Kelly, we are dedicated to providing you with limitless opportunities to enrich your life—just ask the 300,000 people we employ each year.

Kelly is committed to providing equal employment opportunities to all qualified employees and applicants regardless of race, color, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, religion, national origin, disability, veteran status, age, marital status, pregnancy, genetic information, or any other legally protected status, and we take affirmative action to recruit, employ, and advance qualified individuals with disabilities and protected veterans in the workforce. Requests for accommodation related to our application process can be directed to the Kelly Human Resource Knowledge Center. Kelly complies with the requirements of California’s state and local Fair Chance laws. A conviction does not automatically bar individuals from employment. Kelly participates in E-Verify and will provide the federal government with your Form I-9 information to confirm that you are authorized to work in the U.S.

Kelly may use AI-powered tools during the recruitment and hiring process. For full details, including how Kelly uses AI, your rights, and how to request a reasonable accommodation, visit the Recruitment Artificial Intelligence Notice.