Automation Engineer - SCADA/PLC

About The Role

We are seeking a skilled Automation Engineer to support the design, operation, maintenance, and optimization of automation and control systems in water and wastewater infrastructure projects. This role involves working on SCADA, PLC, instrumentation, and communication systems to ensure safe, reliable, and efficient operation of plants, pumping stations, and distribution networks. The ideal candidate will have strong hands-on experience with industrial automation technologies and a solid understanding of process control in the utilities sector.

Key Responsibilities

• Operate, monitor, and maintain automation and control systems (SCADA/PLC/DCS) for water treatment plants, pumping stations, and distribution networks.
• Ensure uptime, reliability, and performance of automation systems to support operations and maintenance (O&M) activities.
• Conduct preventive maintenance, calibration, and diagnostics of PLCs, RTUs, HMIs, and field instrumentation.
• Troubleshoot and resolve hardware, software, and communication network issues within control systems.
• Develop, modify, test, and implement automation logic, control sequences, and configuration updates based on operational requirements.
• Optimize control strategies to improve energy efficiency, process stability, and overall plant performance.
• Prepare technical documentation, system reports, and standard operating procedures (SOPs).
• Collaborate with cross-functional teams including O&M, process engineering, and IT for system integration and upgrades.
• Ensure compliance with safety, cybersecurity, and regulatory standards in all automation systems.
  
  

Required Qualifications

• Bachelors degree in Electrical Engineering, Instrumentation, Automation, or related discipline.
• 47 years of hands-on experience with SCADA, PLCs (Siemens, Allen-Bradley, Schneider, etc.), RTUs, and field instrumentation.
• Strong knowledge of communication protocols (Modbus, Profibus, OPC, Ethernet/IP, etc.) and industrial networking.
• Experience with process automation in water/wastewater treatment or similar utilities/industrial sectors.
• Proficiency in troubleshooting, root cause analysis, and system performance optimization.
• Familiarity with control logic programming, HMI configuration, and data historian systems.
  
  

Preferred Skills

• Experience with cybersecurity practices in industrial control systems.
• Knowledge of DCS platforms and advanced process control.
• Hands-on exposure to energy management systems and performance monitoring.
• Certifications in automation, instrumentation, or industrial networking will be an advantage.
  
  

(ref:hirist.tech)