Industrial Automation Engineer

Baker Group; Des Moines (IA); On-site; USD 60,000 - 80,000; Full time

Job summary

A leading automation firm in Des Moines, Iowa, is seeking an experienced Automation Technician. Responsibilities include providing technical start-up, programming, and support for Building Automation systems. The ideal candidate should have 4–7 years of relevant experience, an associate degree, and the ability to lead projects. Knowledge of PLCs, networking protocols, and software applications is essential. The role requires strong interpersonal skills to work effectively with various teams and clients.

Qualifications

• 4-7 years of automation-related field experience.
• Associate degree in electronics, technology, or automation-related field or equivalent experience.

Responsibilities

• Provide technical start-up, checkout, and programming for Building Automation and Control Systems.
• Work collaboratively with internal staff and clients.
• Perform networking functions and troubleshooting of automation systems.
• Lead medium-to-large size projects across various control components.

Skills

Technical start-up and programming

PLC and DDC control components

Project management

Networking functions

Automation systems troubleshooting

Windows Office applications

Education

Associate degree in electronics or automation-related field

Tools

AutoCAD Electric

PLC software

HMI software

Oscilloscope

Job description

PURPOSE

Provide technical start-up, checkout, and programming for Building Automation and Control Systems. Maintain and grow the “Client for Life” concept for existing and new customers. Performs related work as required.

Essential Functions And Responsibilities

The following duties are typical for this job. These are not to be constructed as exclusive or all inclusive. Other duties may be required and assigned.

• Work collaboratively with design engineers, operation engineers, purchasers, and other internal staff
• Start-up of microprocessor-based control components including PLC and DDC controllers, sensors, actuators, transducers, and associated components
• Understand construction schedules and manage QA/QC checklists and commissioning logs
• Ability to interpret sequence of operations (SOO) and apply to program logic
• Ability to read and write code in ladder logic, structured text, and function block programming
• Mentor, train, and oversee Automation Technician I and II
• Ability to lead medium-to-large size projects
• Point-to-point checkout of wiring and components for proper grounding, polarity, communication, and power
• Set up and calibrate input and output devices such as temperature sensors, pressure transducers, etc.
• Upload, download, and modify control software and programs
• Perform networking functions such as setting up IP addresses, subnet masks, MAC addresses, and instance numbers
• Create and troubleshoot automation networks and communication protocols
• Identify and troubleshoot complex automation HVAC and electrical systems including psychometrics, refrigeration, building pressure controls, lifesafety systems, EPMS, process controls, steam heating, humidification, de‑humidification, and central heating and cooling systems
• Map control points into supervisory controller and add alarms and history extensions to supervisory controller points
• Map control points into graphical front end and link points to graphics
• Create automation system graphics and dashboards

Minimum Education & Experience Required To Perform Essential Functions

• Four (4) to seven (7) years of automation‑related field experience
• Associate degree in electronics, technology, or automation‑related field or equivalent on the job experience

Certificates, Licenses, Registrations

• Valid driver’s license

Mental And Physical Competencies Required To Perform Essential Functions

• Ability to perform all necessary duties unsupervised
• Knowledge of common Windows Office applications
• Knowledge of Microsoft SQL or other database applications (preferred but not required)
• Knowledge of Ethernet and serial network communication protocols and hardware configurations
• Understanding of basic process controls (PID control loops, motor control, commissioning of digital and analog measurement devices)
• Excellent interpersonal skills with ability to communicate effectively, both orally and in writing
• Ability to take direction and fulfill commitments
• Value and support company mission and culture
• Display honesty, integrity, sound reasoning, good judgment, values, and lead by example, while maintaining strong internal and external relationships at all levels
• Understanding of construction site safety and high awareness of surroundings
• Effectively prioritize and balance the “big picture” and immediate responsibilities
• Ability to listen effectively, value the opinions of others, and acknowledge contributions of others
• Ability to communicate and work well with others, specifically but not limited to electrical team members and project management staff at all levels
• Effectively train, mentor, and delegate work tasks to lower-level automation technicians
• Ability to effectively work with project team members to resolve issues promptly

Environmental Adaptability

At any given time, may be exposed to:

• Typical construction site and/or industrial site risks and environment

Equipment/Tools

• Laptop PC
• Electronic multimeter
• Magnehelic
• RS‑485 and RS‑232 serial adapters
• Hand tools / light power tools
• Manufacturer software
• AutoCAD Electric
• PLC software (Allen‑Bradley RSLogix 500, StudioLogix5000, or Modicon)
• HMI software (Wonderware or FactoryTalk View)
• DDC software (Schneider Electric Eco Struxure, Alerton Compass, or Tridium Niagara)
• Ladders and lifts
• Oscilloscope
• Wireshark
• Computer systems: Windows, Linux, command line

Baker Group is an Equal Opportunity Employer. In compliance with the Americans with Disabilities Act, Baker Group will consider reasonable accommodations for qualified individuals with disabilities and encourage prospective employees and incumbents to discuss potential accommodations with the Employer.