Technical Specialist - Power Automation & Commissioning

Job Description

Job Description

Our client is seeking a Technical Specialist – Automation to support commissioning, startup, and operational readiness for power and energy infrastructure projects, including battery energy storage systems (BESS), substations, and generation assets. This role provides advanced technical expertise in automation systems, ensures safe and efficient commissioning, and delivers field troubleshooting for PLC, DCS, SCADA, and HMI systems.

Onsite | No Visa Sponsorship | No Relocation Assistance

Contract Duration: 12 months | W2

Work Schedule: 6:30AM-6:30PM

Please Note: Local candidates will only be considered

Responsibilities:

Commissioning & Startup Support

• Deliver technical briefings, readiness reviews, and post‑event summaries.
• Develop and execute commissioning plans, procedures, and automation test protocols.
• Support commissioning, energization, and system turnover for power infrastructure projects.
• Coordinate FAT/SAT activities, systemization, punch‑list closure, and turnover documentation.

Automation Systems Expertise

• Validate startup/shutdown logic, alarm management, and SCADA integration.
• Provide field troubleshooting and real‑time support for PLC, DCS, SCADA, and HMI systems.
• Support configuration management, backups, version control, and compliance using enterprise automation tools.

Compliance & Standards

• Support cybersecurity initiatives, patching, and hardware lifecycle activities.
• Maintain strong working knowledge of NFPA 70E, IEEE, NERC, and commissioning best practices.

Cross‑Functional Collaboration

• Develop corrective action plans and support operator training and knowledge transfer.
• Contribute to Approved Manufacturer List (AML) evaluations based on field performance.
• Work with Engineering, Construction, Operations, and OEMs to ensure design compliance and operational readiness.

Continuous Improvement

• Incorporate lessons learned into future commissioning processes.
• Identify project risks, integration issues, and system performance gaps.

Qualifications (Must-Haves)

• Proficiency with Microsoft Office and field reporting tools.
• Advanced knowledge of enterprise automation systems for configuration management and compliance.
• Experience supporting commissioning workflows, turnover packages, redline validation, and documentation tracking.
• High school diploma or GED and 8+ years of progressive experience in power generation, energy infrastructure, commissioning, or industrial automation.
• Solid understanding of: Programmable Logic Controllers (PLC), Distributed Control Systems (DCS), SCADA systems and HMI interfaces and Communication protocols (Modbus, DNP3, IEC 61850)

Preferred Skills:

• Bachelor's degree in Engineering, Engineering Technology, or related field.

Work Schedule & Physical Requirements:

• 12‑hour rotating 7‑day on/off shifts.
• Lift up to 50 lbs. team‑lift heavier loads.
• Use hand tools and diagnostic equipment.
• Stand, walk, climb, bend, and squat for extended periods.
• Work at elevated levels using ladders, scaffolding, or lifts.
• Work in extreme temperatures, loud environments, and confined spaces.