Senior Automation Engineer

Helion Group; Charleston (WV); On-site; USD 65,000 - 95,000; Full time

Job summary

Helion Group is seeking an experienced Level 1 automation engineer for a major greenfield steel manufacturing facility. You will lead controls troubleshooting, develop PLC logic, and ensure successful startup and production readiness.

Collaborate with engineering, maintenance, operations, OEMs, and integrators to bring complex systems online and resolve controls issues. The role requires hands-on PLC programming, strong problem-solving across control logic, electrical systems, and field devices,

Qualifications

• Background in Level 1 industrial automation and controls.
• Hands-on PLC programming and troubleshooting experience.
• Experience leading commissioning or startup activities for manufacturing equipment.

Responsibilities

• Lead controls troubleshooting and issue resolution.
• Review PLC logic and HMI functionality.
• Coordinate with vendors and integrators to resolve punch-lists and deficiencies.
• Support equipment turnover and knowledge transfer to plant teams.

Skills

Level 1 automation

PLC programming

Troubleshooting

Team coordination

Tools

PLC & HMI tools

VFDs & motors

Job description

We’re looking for experienced Level 1 automation engineers to support commissioning, startup, and production readiness at a major greenfield steel manufacturing facility.You’ll work alongside engineering, maintenance, operations, equipment manufacturers, and integrators to bring complex systems online and resolve the controls issues that stand between equipment installation and reliable production.What you’ll own:Lead controls troubleshooting and drive technical issues through resolutionDevelop, review, and troubleshoot PLC logic and HMI functionalitySupport integration of VFDs, motor controls, instrumentation, and equipment interfacesExecute equipment checkout, functional testing, and commissioningTroubleshoot equipment sequences, permissives, interlocks, and process signalsCoordinate with OEMs and integrators to resolve deficiencies and close punch-list itemsSupport equipment turnover, controls documentation, and knowledge transfer to plant teamsWhat we’re looking for:A strong background in Level 1 industrial automation and controlsHands-on PLC programming and troubleshooting experienceExperience leading commissioning or startup activities for complex manufacturing equipmentAbility to diagnose problems across control logic, electrical systems, and field devicesConfidence working independently and coordinating technical decisions across multiple teamsSteel mill or comparable heavy industrial experience is highly valuableThis role is a fit for someone who can take ownership in the field, make sound technical decisions, and help move equipment from startup into dependable operation.