Lead Automation Engineer - NorCal

E Tech Group; Vacaville (CA); On-site; USD 140,000 - 210,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

401k + match

Medical, Dental, Vision benefits

Paid time off

Training & growth opportunities

Job summary

E Tech Group in the Bay Area and beyond seeks a Lead Automation Engineer to drive hardware and software design for process automation projects. You will program PLC and SCADA, define software architecture, configure historian databases, tune control loops, and support startup, commissioning, and qualification activities.

The role emphasizes technical leadership across concept to commissioning, with customer interaction, documentation, and adherence to regulatory environments.

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in engineering or related field.
• 8+ years of experience in automation engineering.
• Proficiency in troubleshooting control systems.
• Experience delivering Rockwell and DeltaV/Inductive Automation projects.

Responsibilities

• Configure PLC/SCADA platforms for controls projects.
• Develop and evaluate system solutions to meet requirements.
• Modify logic across multiple subsystems.
• Interact with customers to understand business needs.
• Support project scope, plans, and deliverables.
• Lead teams through design, commissioning, and validation.

Skills

PLC programming

SCADA systems

Control systems troubleshooting

Instrument engineering basics

PI System / Asset Framework

Ignition

Rockwell / Allen-Bradley

Regulatory compliance (GMP, validation

Education

Bachelor's Degree in Engineering or related field

Tools

Rockwell Studio 5000

PlantPAx

FactoryTalk

DeltaV

Inductive Automation Ignition

Aveva PI

PI Vision

Ethernet & industrial networks

Job description

At E Tech Group, joining our team means joining a group of passionate and forward-thinking experts. We're one of the largest engineering and system integration firms in the United States providing value for our clients through IT automation and control solutions for more than 30 years to the Life Sciences, Mission Critical, Metals & Mining, Warehousing & Distribution, and CPG/Food & Beverage industries. Our national and global scale allows us to help our clients develop and implement standardized solutions at any of their facilities regardless of physical location or the local resources available at that site.

Lead Automation Engineer

We are seeking an Lead Automation Engineer to contribute to detailed hardware and software design of process automation control systems projects. This includes programming PLC and SCADA applications, defining software architecture requirements, developing detailed software design specifications, configuring thin client server applications, configuring process‑based historian databases, tuning control loops, providing control system startup and commissioning services, troubleshooting existing control systems and providing control system qualifications. This is a fantastic opportunity for overall technical responsibility and technical leadership on projects from concept through commissioning phases.

Location

Ideal candidate should be based in Bay Area/Sacramento.

You will

• Configure several programming platforms for PLC Controls and SCADA systems
• Provide application/control systems design and development for systems of varying complexity
• Develop and evaluate alternative system solutions that meet stated requirements
• Modify program/system logic involving multiple systems and subsystems
• Interact with customers to gain an understanding of the business environment.
• Support scope, plans, and deliverables for assigned work.
• Work successfully in a team environment; focused strongly on customer service and continuous improvement
• Enjoy going to local sites; appreciate the documentation and planning aspects of engineering in a regulated environment.
• Be an ambassador who embodies our Core Values, prioritizing the success of E Tech Group, our clients, and the professional development of our associates.

You have

• Bachelor's Degree in Engineering or related Engineering fields.
• 8+ years of experience, or equivalent combination of education
• Proficiency in troubleshooting control systems and an understanding of process controls
• Experience delivering any or a combination of the following:
  • Rockwell experience with products such as: ControlLogix, CompactLogix, PlantPAx, Factory Talk Software Suite, Studio 5000, PLC5, SLC500, RSView, PanelView Plus, etc.
  • DeltaV configuration/software development
  • Hands‑on experience with Inductive Automation Ignition (Perspective, Vision, SQL, Tag Historian, Scripting).
• Instrumentation experience
• Ability to develop PLC and HMI programs within one or more platforms.
• Aveva PI experience is a strongly preferred
  • 5+ years of experience designing and maintaining PI Systems, Experience integrating PI with PLC and DCS systems, Experience in using Asset Framework to create asset models
  • Experience in using PI Vision or other tools to create displays and reports for front end users to leverage the PI Data
• Experience implementing detailed control system electrical design packages
• Working knowledge of control system networks (Ethernet, ControlNet, DeviceNet, etc.)
• Understanding of Biopharmaceutical processes, GMP and validation
• Knowledge of S88 Batch standards and experience implementing batch systems
• Excellent written and verbal communication sk
• A DNA comprised of collaboration and teamwork

Benefits & Perks

• 401k + match + prompt enrollment. E Tech Group employees are 100% vested upon entry.
• Prompt enrollment into Medical, Dental, and Vision benefits.
• Generous paid time off that includes paid vacation, paid holidays, paid family leave and sick time off.
• Learning and growth are key parts of the E Tech culture. We provide you with training and continuing education from day one, so you can advance your career. As an E Tech associate, you can unlock your greatest potential through challenges and opportunities.

Equal Opportunity Employer

E Tech Group is an Equal Opportunity Employer. Applicants are considered for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, age, disability, military status, genetic information, gender identity, sexual orientation, citizenship status, or any other basis prohibited by law. E Tech Group will provide reasonable accommodations to qualified individuals with disabilities and for religious beliefs. E Tech Group is an affirmative action employer of individuals with disabilities and protected veterans.