PLC/HMI Field Applications Specialist - VA/PA

Inframark; Winchester (VA); On-site; USD 80,000 - 105,000; Full time

Job summary

Inframark's Systems East division seeks a Field Automation Systems Engineer to support control system integration, commissioning, and customer service in water and wastewater projects. This hands-on role requires configuring, programming, testing, and troubleshooting industrial control systems, including SCADA, PLCs, HMIs, networking equipment, and instrumentation, primarily on customer sites.

The candidate will manage field installs, FAT/SAT, on-site training, and ongoing support, while

Qualifications

• Technical degree in engineering or 3+ years field service in instrumentation, control systems, or automation.
• Experience in the Water/Wastewater industry is highly preferred.

Responsibilities

• Review project requirements through meetings with the Project Manager and contract document analysis.
• Maintain clear communication with Project Managers, updating task status, milestones, and budgetary concerns.
• Produce accurate and timely documentation, including timesheets, trip reports, and system updates.
• Follow established Best Practices, Development Standards, and Procedures to ensure high-quality project execution.
• Set up system servers, workstations, operating systems, networks, and peripheral equipment at job sites.
• Develop System Control Narratives to define automation logic.
• Program PLCs and develop HMI applications according to contract specifications.
• Conduct FAT and SAT when required.
• Perform control panel commissioning, including field wiring and I/O checkout.
• Conduct system startups, integrating PLC, HMI, instrumentation, and networking equipment.
• Ensure hardware, network operation, SCADA functionality, and data collection align with project requirements.
• Provide on-site training for operators, supervisors, and administrative personnel.
• Provide on-call service support for customers, troubleshooting startup and warranty issues.
• Perform instrument installation and calibration services, including setup and wiring, commissioning, and documentation.
• Mark up control panel drawings to reflect final field modifications.
• Assist with integrating third-party systems and devices into automation networks.
• Participate in continuous improvement initiatives to enhance system efficiency.
• Mentor and train junior team members to develop a strong engineering workforce.
• Ensure all projects comply with safety and industry standards.

Skills

Control systems

PLC programming

SCADA applications

Networking basics

Electrical schematics

Field service

Communication

Problem solving

Team collaboration

Education

Technical degree in engineering

3+ years field service

Job description

Position Summary

Systems East, an Inframark company, is seeking aField Automation Systems (FAS) Engineer to play a crucial role in control system integration, commissioning, and customer support. This position involves configuring, programming, testing, and troubleshooting industrial control systems—including SCADA, PLCs, HMIs, networking equipment, and instrumentation—primarily in the Water/Wastewater Industry.

This is a hands-on field role that requires technical expertise, problem-solving skills, and a customer-focused approach. If you have experience with automation, control systems, and networking and enjoy working on-site to deliver innovative solutions, we encourage you to apply!

Key Responsibilities

Project Management & Coordination

• Review project requirements through meetings with the Project Manager and contract document analysis.
• Maintain clear communication with Project Managers, keeping them informed of task status, milestones, and budgetary concerns.
• Produce accurate and timely documentation, including timesheets, trip reports, and system updates.
• Follow established Best Practices, Development Standards, and Procedures to ensure high-quality project execution.

System Configuration & Programming

• Set up system servers, workstations, operating systems, networks, and peripheral equipment at job sites.
• Develop System Control Narratives to define automation logic.
• Program PLCs (Programmable Logic Controllers) and develop HMI (Human-Machine Interface) applications according to contract specifications.
• Conduct Factory Acceptance Testing (FAT) and Site Acceptance Testing (SAT) when required.

Field Installation & Commissioning

• Perform control panel commissioning, including field signal wiring, panel terminations, and I/O checkout.
• Conduct system startups, integrating PLC, HMI, instrumentation, and networking equipment.
• Ensure system hardware, network operation, SCADA functionality, and data collection align with project requirements.
• Provide on-site training for operators, supervisors, and administrative personnel on system operation and maintenance.

Technical Support & Documentation

• Provide on-call service support for customers, troubleshooting startup and warranty issues.
• Perform instrument installation and calibration services, including physical setup, wire terminations, commissioning, and documentation.
• Mark up control panel drawings to reflect final field modifications.
• Assist with integrating third-party systems and devices into automation networks.

Other Duties

• Participate in continuous improvement initiatives to enhance system efficiency.
• Mentor and train junior team members to develop a strong engineering workforce.
• Ensure all projects comply with safety and industry standards.

Qualifications & Skills

Education & Experience:

• Technical degree in an engineering-related field OR 3+ years of field service experience in instrumentation, control systems, or automation.
• Experience in the Water/Wastewater industry is highly preferred.

Technical Skills:

• Strong understanding of control systems, PLC programming, and SCADA applications.
• Knowledge of networking fundamentals, IP addressing, and communication protocols (Ethernet, Modbus, BACnet, etc.).
• Ability to read and interpret electrical schematics, P&ID diagrams, and contract documents.
• Hands-on experience with control panel integration, troubleshooting, and commissioning.

Soft Skills:

• Excellent communication skills to interact with customers, project managers, and team members.
• Strong problem-solving abilities and attention to detail.
• Ability to work independently while contributing to a collaborative team environment.

Work Environment & Physical Requirements

Work Locations:

• This job requires working in diverse environments, including:
  • Office settings for project planning and documentation.
  • Manufacturing shops and control panel assembly areas.
  • Customer jobsites (indoor and outdoor), including industrial and water treatment facilities.
  • Construction sites where physical tasks (lifting, climbing, working on ladders) may be required.

Work Conditions:

• May require extended periods of sitting, standing, and manual work.
• Exposure to varying weather conditions in field environments.
• On-call availability for system troubleshooting, startup, and warranty support.