Microgrid Automation Engineer

Solaris Oilfield Infrastructure, LLC; Houston (TX); On-site; USD 110,000 - 150,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Medical, Dental & Vision benefits

Disability Insurance

Company paid Life and AD&D insurance

401(k) retirement plan with company匹配

Paid time off and 10 holidays

Job summary

Solaris Oilfield Infrastructure, LLC is seeking a Microgrid Automation Engineer to design, configure, and commission automation systems for utility-scale microgrid power plants. You will interface with contractors, integrators, and operations teams across the project lifecycle, focusing on Ignition SCADA and DCS for high-availability operation.

The role requires hands-on work, field testing, and collaboration with electrical, mechanical, and IT teams, including travel to project sites for

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in Electrical/Control Systems or related field.
• 3–8 years in automation, control systems, or power/energy environments.
• Experience with Ignition SCADA and industrial DCS/PLC platforms.

Responsibilities

• Design, configure, and commission automation and control systems for microgrid projects.
• Develop and maintain SCADA/HMI interfaces using Ignition (Perspective/ Vision).
• Create scripts and automation tools in Python/Java for logic and reporting.
• Integrate field devices via OPC-UA, Modbus, MQTT, DNP3, Ethernet/IP.
• Assist FAT/SAT, document configurations, and support field commissioning.

Skills

Ignition SCADA

Python scripting

DCS configuration

PLC integration

SCADA troubleshooting

Education

Bachelor's degree in Electrical/Control Systems

Tools

Ignition Perspective/Vision

OPC-UA

Modbus

Git/SVN

Job description

About the Opportunity

The Microgrid Automation Engineer is responsible for the design, configuration, integration, and commissioning of automation and control systems for utility-scale and industrial microgrid power plants. This role serves as the technical interface with engineering contractors, system integrators, OEMs, and operations teams across the full project lifecycle from design review and EPC execution through field commissioning and ongoing operational support. This is a hands‑on technical role with a strong focus on Ignition SCADA (Inductive Automation) and Distributed Control Systems (DCS), supporting reliable, high‑availability operation of power systems including mission‑critical loads.

Essential Functions

• Assist in the development and maintenance of SCADA applications and HMI interfaces using the Ignition platform (Inductive Automation).
• Configure and maintain data points, alarms, trends, and dashboards within Ignition SCADA systems including Perspective and Vision modules.
• Develop scripts and automation tools using Python (Ignition scripting) or Java to support custom logic, event‑driven actions, and reporting.
• Create and optimize SQL queries for SCADA data storage, historian retrieval, and operational reporting.
• Support the integration of PLCs, RTUs, meters, and other field devices into the Ignition SCADA platform via OPC‑UA, Modbus TCP/RTU, MQTT, DNP3, and Ethernet/IP.
• Participate in system testing, commissioning, and troubleshooting of SCADA and HMI systems on‑site and remotely with third‑party system integrators.
• Monitor system performance and help resolve operational issues related to SCADA communications, data quality, and HMI functionality.
• Assist with system documentation, configuration management, and version control for all SCADA application changes.
• Collaborate with engineering, IT, and operations teams to support SCADA system deployments and continuous improvement initiatives.
• Support configuration, testing, and commissioning of DCS platforms for microgrid power plants.
• Assist in developing and reviewing control narratives, functional descriptions, and cause‑and‑effect matrices.
• Implement and verify protective interlocks, sequencing logic, and alarm rationalization in the DCS.
• Participate in Factory Acceptance Testing (FAT) and Site Acceptance Testing (SAT) for DCS and automation systems.
• Maintain and update DCS configuration documentation as per engineering change management processes.
• Interface with EPC contractors, system integrators, and OEM suppliers on automation and control system deliverables.
• Review and comment on contractor‑produced technical documents, including: SCADA network architecture and communication diagrams
• I/O lists, instrument datasheets, and loop diagrams
• Control narratives and functional design specifications
• FAT and commissioning test procedures
• Track and monitor contractor deliverable schedules and flag risks that may impact project milestones.
• Support the senior engineering team in enforcing owner‑side technical standards and requirements.
• Coordinate interface definitions between OEM package controllers, plant DCS, PMS, and Ignition SCADA.
• Support the operations team with automation system troubleshooting, configuration changes, and optimization.
• Assist in development of operator training materials related to SCADA and control system interfaces.
• Respond to operational issues that require control system investigation or configuration modification.
• Participate in post‑commissioning performance reviews and document lessons learned.

Qualifications:

Qualifications

Experience/Education

• Bachelor's degree in Electrical Engineering, Control Systems Engineering, Automation Engineering, or a related field.
• 3–8 years of experience in automation, instrumentation, or control systems engineering in the power or energy sector.
• Demonstrated experience with Ignition SCADA platform (Inductive Automation).
• Experience with industrial DCS and/or PLC platforms.
• Exposure to power plant environments such as gas turbine generators and BESS systems is an advantage.
• Proficiency in Ignition SCADA: Perspective/Vision modules, tag configuration, alarm management, and Python scripting.
• Working knowledge of industrial communication protocols: OPC‑UA, MQTT, Modbus TCP/RTU, DNP3, GOOSE, Profinet and Ethernet/IP.
• Familiarity with DCS/PLC configuration, function block programming, SFC, and ladder logic.
• Understanding of I&C fundamentals: loop diagrams, P&IDs, instrument datasheets, and cause‑and‑effect matrices.
• Experience with network architecture for industrial control systems (SCADA network segmentation, firewall concepts, cybersecurity basics).
• Familiarity with applicable industry standards including IEC 61511, IEEE standards, ISA‑18.2, and NFPA.
• Familiarity with software revision control tools such as GitHub, SVN.
• Strong analytical and problem‑solving skills with the ability to troubleshoot complex control system issues.
• Effective written and verbal communication skills for technical documentation and contractor engagement.
• Ability to work independently and manage multiple deliverables in a fast‑paced project environment.
• Collaborative team player with the ability to work cross‑functionally with electrical, mechanical, and operations teams.
• Willingness to travel to project sites for commissioning and field support activities.
• Detail-oriented with a strong commitment to safety, quality, and engineering best practices. Must be legally authorized to work in the U.S. without requiring sponsorship for employment visa status

Key Skills and Qualifications

• Exceptional communicator – direct and transparent, skilled problem‑solver with proven success in building coalitions and avoiding conflicts
• Total ownership mentality – proactively identifies and removes obstacles across numerous ongoing tasks
• Independent thinker – provides original thoughts and constantly asking "how can we do this better"
• Innovative thinker – willingness to consider novel solutions and ability to adapt to change
• Desirable teammate – impeccable character, humility, and collaborative
• Relentless – aspires to contribute and achieve his/her full potential

Additional Information

Our CREATORS Culture

At Solaris, we believe that staying true to our core beliefs improves our decision‑making, productivity and is key to our individual and collective achievements. Combining your innovative thinking with our core values that encourage C ommunication, R ecognition, E ntrepreneurship, A ccountability, T eamwork & T ransparency, O wnership, R esults and S afety, we become CREATORS.

**We value your hard work, integrity, and commitment to the Solaris “First in Service & Innovation” culture through competitive pay and benefits packages and ongoing career development. **

• Competitive compensation packages
• Medical, Dental & Vision benefits
• Disability Insurance
• Company paid Life and AD&D insurance with supplemental offerings
• Company matching 401(k) retirement plan
• Paid time off, including 10 paid holidays
• Career Progression
• Tuition Reimbursement

This job overview is not all inclusive. In addition, Solaris reserves the right to amend this job overview at any time. Solaris is an Equal Opportunity Employer.

Why Solaris

Join a company at the forefront of the energy infrastructure buildout powering data centers and industrial growth. We offer competitive compensation, benefits, and opportunities to grow alongside a high-performing team.