Job Description
The Technical Specialist – Automation (Power Innovation Commissioning) leads commissioning, startup, and ongoing operations for energy infrastructure projects. The role requires advanced automation expertise, a safety-first approach, and collaboration across Engineering, Construction, Operations, and OEMs to ensure reliable, efficient performance.
Responsibilities
- Demonstrate advanced technical expertise in automation systems supporting commissioning, startup, and operations for power and energy infrastructure (e.g., BESS, substations, generation assets).
- Apply specialized knowledge to support safe, efficient commissioning and system turnover, including coordination of FAT/SAT activities, systemization, and punch-list closure, while managing costs and field resources.
- Support development and execution of commissioning plans, procedures, and automation test protocols.
- Prepare and deliver technical briefings, commissioning readiness reviews, and post-event summaries to project leadership and cross-functional teams.
- Maintain strong working knowledge of industry standards (NFPA 70E, IEEE, NERC where applicable), commissioning practices, and operational requirements.
- Interpret and anticipate project risks, integration issues, and system performance gaps, providing solutions to improve reliability, commissioning efficiency, and long-term operability.
- Collaborate with Engineering, Construction, Operations, and OEMs to:
- Ensure compliance with design and operational requirements
- Develop corrective action plans
- Support operator training and knowledge transfer
- Serve as a technical lead and custodian for commissioning-related automation standards, including:
- Control system configuration requirements
- Startup and shutdown logic validation
- Alarm management and SCADA integration
- Documentation and turnover packages
- Support cybersecurity initiatives, control system patching, and hardware lifecycle/refresh activities during commissioning and operational transition.
- Contribute to the Approved Manufacturer List (AML) by validating automation equipment performance, compatibility, and field lessons learned.
- Provide field troubleshooting and real-time support for PLC/DCS/HMI-related issues during energization and startup.
- Drive continuous improvement across commissioning processes, incorporating lessons learned into future projects.
- Other duties as assigned.
Education / Years of Experience
- Required: High School Diploma / GED and minimum eight (8) years of progressive experience in power generation, energy infrastructure, commissioning, or industrial automation.
- Preferred: Bachelor’s Degree in Engineering, Engineering Technology, or related field.
Other Requirements
- Strong organizational and interpersonal skills with safety as the top priority, especially during energization and high-risk commissioning activities.
- Proficiency in Microsoft Office and standard field reporting tools.
- Advanced knowledge of enterprise automation systems (e.g., AssetCentre or equivalents) for configuration management, backups, version control, and compliance.
- Solid understanding of:
- Programmable Logic Controllers (PLC)
- Distributed Control Systems (DCS)
- SCADA systems and HMI interfaces
- Communication protocols (Modbus, DNP3, IEC 61850, etc., as applicable)
- Experience supporting commissioning workflows, including system turnover packages, redline validation, and documentation tracking.
Work Schedule & Other Details
- 12 hour 7-day on/off rotating shifts
- Work in a variety of conditions, including extreme temperatures, loud areas, and confined spaces
- Lift up to 50 lbs and team-lift heavier loads
- Stand, walk, climb, bend, and squat for extended periods
- Work at elevated levels using ladders, scaffolding, or lifts with appropriate PPE
- Use hand tools and mechanical diagnostic equipment
- Occasional shiftwork on nights and holidays
Key Responsibilities & Years of Experience
- Lead and deliver end-to-end commissioning, startup, and system turnover for power/energy assets (examples called out: BESS, substations, generation). Deliverables include commissioning plans/procedures, FAT/SAT coordination, commissioning test protocols, commissioning readiness reviews, punch-list closure, and final turnover documentation. Required duration: minimum eight (8) years of progressive experience.
- Execute field commissioning activities and real-time troubleshooting during energization/startup, including management of field resources and cost-conscious execution. Deliverables: on-site PLC/DCS/HMI troubleshooting during energization, corrective action plans, operator training/knowledge transfer, and post-event summaries.
- Own commissioning workflow completion and documentation control for handover. Deliverables: system turnover packages, redline validation, documentation tracking, configuration/version control handoff, and contributions to AML validation.
