Automation Specialist

About this position

The Automation Specialist drives the development, implementation, standardization, and stewardship of automated systems and controls, and OT systems across the manufacturing network. This role bridges plant-floor controls with corporate IT to enhance operational efficiency through process improvements, system reliability while providing enhanced data visibility. Responsibilities include developing standards, leading small to mid-sized projects, mentoring site technicians, and troubleshooting/implementing PLC/HMI, SCADA, robotics and MES solutions. Working with engineers, IT, and operations, the Automation Specialist enables greater efficiency, connectivity, and reduced manual work across all facilities.

Essential Functions and Responsibilities

• Lead projects to connect machines and legacy equipment to SCADA/historian/MES systems (e.g., Ignition, FactoryTalk, Wonderware).
• Work with cross-functional teams to collect data, prepare reports, and document system processes.
• Assist with installation, configuration, and troubleshooting of automation and operational technology systems, including robotics, and machine controls.
• Support system monitoring and diagnostics to ensure uptime and reliability.
• Provide hands-on technical support for automation platforms, control systems, and related software.
• Integrate machines into OT data flows; enable OEE, Andon, and traceability use cases.
• Assist with integration of OT systems with IT infrastructure, including network connectivity and data flow.
• Create functional/design specs of OT systems, and participate in testing and rollout of new automation technologies
• Coordinate vendors and system integrators with appropriate business unit personnel.
• Recommend ideas for process improvements and efficiency.

• Collaborate with cross-functional teams to identify process improvement through automation.
• Stay current on emerging automation technologies and recommend upgrades where appropriate.
• Standardize tag naming and contextualization for historians and analytics; ensure data quality for KPIs

• Partner with IT to land OT data into enterprise platforms securely (e.g., data lake/warehouse)
• Help ensure compliance with data privacy, cybersecurity, and corporate technology standards.
• Document standard operating procedures, troubleshooting steps, and best practices for automation systems.
• Serve as point of escalation for OT project issues across multiple sites.

• Mentor and help upskill business unit operation teams; deliver instruction playbooks and determine recommended training
• Create an OT asset inventory (hardware/firmware/software) and determine lifecycle roadmaps
• Define and maintain corporate OT standards for PLC/HMI/SCADA, drives, networks, and data integration (e.g., naming, code templates, alarming, historian tags, change control).
• Establish and champion a Unified Namespace (UNS)/data model for shopfloor systems (utilizing OPC UA/MQTT Sparkplug) and align with ERP systems.
• Develop cybersecurity baselines for OT (network segmentation, hardening, patching cadence, account management, remote access, vendor management) in partnership with IT security.
• Define and implement change management procedures, version control, and backup processes for OT applications.
• Other duties as assigned.

Minimum Experience and Qualifications

Education and Experience

• Bachelor's degree in Information Technology, Computer Science, Engineering, or related field. Equivalent work experience will be considered in lieu of degree.
• 5 or more years experience in manufacturing industrial controls/automation, with strong handson PLC/HMI/SCADA experience.
• SCADA experience with one or more: Ignition, FactoryTalk, Wonderware, AVEVA Edge, Siemens WinCC.
• Proficiency with AllenBradley/Rockwell/Siemens systems and controls.
• Data connectivity acumen: OPC UA, MQTT/Sparkplug, Kepware/edge gateways; foundational knowledge of historians (tags, models, calculations, compression).
• Competent with SQL and scripting (e.g., Python) for troubleshooting, data checks, and light automation.
• Demonstrated knowledge of Industrial networking: EtherNet/IP, Profinet, Modbus TCP, legacy DeviceNet/ControlNet, managed switches, VLANs, NAT, routing.

Core Competencies

• Strong documentation, vendor coordination, and field troubleshooting skills; able to work safely in heavy industrial environments.
• Familiarity with IT/OT integration concepts such as networking, databases, and data flow.
• Strong troubleshooting and problem-solving skills.
• Ability to learn new technologies quickly and work in a fast-paced environment.
• Effective communication and teamwork skills to collaborate with IT, engineering, and operations staff.

Job Requirement

• Willingness to travel occasionally to manufacturing sites to provide on-site support. (Up to 20%)