OT Utilities Automation Engineer (Control Systems)

Qcells North America; Cartersville (GA); On-site; USD 110,000 - 150,000; Full time

Job summary

Hanwha Q CELLS Georgia is seeking an Integration & Automation Engineer for Utilities to design, configure, and operate the plant's control systems. You will integrate PLC, DCS, SCADA/FMCS, HMI, and field instrumentation to create a single monitored utility network in a 24/7 manufacturing setting.

Responsibilities include maintaining backups, performing loop checks, developing interface specifications, and supporting expansion projects with EPCs and vendors.

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in Electrical, Electronics, Control/Instrumentation, Computer Engineering, or a closely related field.
• 5+ years of hands‑on experience in configuration, integration, commissioning, or maintenance of PLC, DCS, and/or SCADA systems in industrial, utility, or process plant environments.
• Working knowledge of industrial communication protocols (Modbus, OPC, Ethernet‑based fieldbuses) and industrial networking.
• Ability to read and interpret P&IDs, loop diagrams, control narratives, one‑line diagrams, and wiring diagrams.
• Familiarity with NEC, NFPA 70E, and OSHA electrical safety requirements.

Responsibilities

• Operate, maintain, and troubleshoot PLC, DCS, SCADA/FMCS, and HMI systems serving plant utilities (power distribution, chillers, compressed air, exhaust, UPW/wastewater, and bulk gas/chemical supply).
• Manage control system backups, program revision control, firmware/software updates, licenses, and spare hardware.
• Perform control loop checks, instrument calibration, and tuning of flow, pressure, temperature, level, and analyzer loops.
• Integrate package PLCs, power meters, switchgear, VFDs/MCCs, and third‑party equipment into FMCS/SCADA using Modbus TCP/RTU, OPC DA/UA, EtherNet/IP, PROFINET, BACnet, and serial (RS‑485/RS‑232) protocols.
• Develop and maintain I/O lists, point/tag mapping, alarm lists, and interface specifications; resolve communication and data quality issues between systems.
• Build and maintain HMI/SCADA graphics, alarms, trends, and historian data (e.g., OSIsoft/AVEVA PI) for operations and engineering use.
• Maintain the OT network architecture (switches, fiber, remote I/O, gateways) and its segregation from the IT network.
• Implement OT cybersecurity practices, including access control, system hardening, patch management, and remote access procedures, in coordination with the IT team.
• Maintain interlocks, emergency shutdown logic, and safety‑related control functions; support review of safety instrumented functions and proof testing where applicable.
• Support interfaces between the control system and fire alarm, gas detection, and toxic gas monitoring systems.
• Serve as first‑line technical responder for control system failures, communication losses, and nuisance trips; lead root cause analysis and corrective action reports.
• Participate in the on‑call rotation for after‑hours control and automation emergencies.
• Support plant capacity expansion and modification projects: develop control philosophy and functional design specifications, prepare RFQs and technical bid evaluations, review vendor submittals, and attend FAT/SAT.
• Oversee control system installation, loop checks, and commissioning (Level 3–5) through turnover; coordinate with EPC/controls contractors, system integrators, and equipment vendors.
• Maintain system architecture drawings, P&IDs, loop drawings, control narratives, network diagrams, and as‑built documentation.
• Provide technical guidance and training to automation and instrumentation technicians and operators.

Skills

Modbus

OPC

Industrial networking

P&IDs

English communication

Education

Bachelor's degree in Electrical/ Electronics/ Control/ Instrumentation/ Computer Engineering

Tools

OSIsoft PI

AVEVA PI

Job description

Hanwha Q CELLS Georgia is seeking an Integration & Automation Engineer for Utilities to design, configure, and operate the plant's control systems. You will integrate PLC, DCS, SCADA/FMCS, HMI, and field instrumentation to create a single monitored utility network in a 24/7 manufacturing setting.

Responsibilities include maintaining backups, performing loop checks, developing interface specifications, and supporting expansion projects with EPCs and vendors.