Industrial Automation Engineer - PLC & HMI Startup Expert

Simply Driven Executive Search; Indianapolis (IN); On-site; USD 90,000 - 130,000; Full time

Job summary

Simply Driven Executive Search is searching for an experienced industrial automation professional to lead and support control system projects from design through startup, primarily onsite. The role emphasizes PLC programming (IEC 61131-3), HMI/SCADA development, and hands-on troubleshooting of I/O, networks, and field devices.

You will translate P&IDs and customer specs into functional systems, participate in start-up activities, and interact with customers to ensure successful deployment of

Qualifications

• 6+ years in industrial automation, supporting or leading control system projects from design through startup (onsite).
• Proficient in PLC programming software with understanding of IEC 61131-3.
• Debug medium-to-complex PLC programs and build routines or basic systems from scratch.
• Proficient in HMI software — screen development, tag database creation, and basic HMI/SCADA development.
• Create functional specs from P&IDs, system diagrams, customer specs and stakeholder discussions.
• Experience configuring and troubleshooting I/O, remote I/O, VFDs, instrumentation, network switches, and other bus devices.
• Support system architecture and controls design for simple to moderately complex automation solutions.
• Experience with startup, commissioning, plant-floor troubleshooting, and customer site support.
• Strong customer interaction skills and the ability to work independently onsite.

Responsibilities

• Lead or support control system projects from design through startup and commissioning onsite.
• Debug PLC programs and develop routines or basic automation solutions.
• Develop screen-based HMIs and maintain tag databases for operator interfaces.
• Create functional specifications from P&IDs and customer requirements.
• Configure I/O and field devices, diagnose network issues and ensure robust communication.
• Support system architecture and controls design for medium complexity automation projects.
• Provide on-site startup support and customer-facing technical assistance.

Skills

PLC programming

IEC 61131-3

HMI/SCADA

P&ID to specs

I/O & networks

Startup & commissioning

On-site support

Industrial networks

Control system architecture

Troubleshooting

Tools

Allen-Bradley

Siemens PLC

Ignition

Wonderware

SCADA software

Job description

Simply Driven Executive Search is searching for an experienced industrial automation professional to lead and support control system projects from design through startup, primarily onsite. The role emphasizes PLC programming (IEC 61131-3), HMI/SCADA development, and hands-on troubleshooting of I/O, networks, and field devices.

You will translate P&IDs and customer specs into functional systems, participate in start-up activities, and interact with customers to ensure successful deployment of