Principal Automation Engineer

CV Submittal to be done in English

Principal Automation Engineer

Status: Exempt (salaried)

Department: Engineering – Electrical, Instrumentation & Controls

Position Summary

The Automation Engineer is a key member of the Electrolyzer engineering team and requires close interaction with the cross-discipline engineering, delivery, manufacturing, commissioning and service support teams. In this position the individual is responsible for the design, integration and testing of Package Controllers and Integrated Control & Safety systems of Plug’s hydrogen generation systems. By combining strong troubleshooting skills, quality focus, and collaboration with cross-functional teams, the Automation Engineer ensures system robustness, user satisfaction, and continuous improvement of the existing control and safety systems. The successful candidate must be self-motivated, able to handle multiple assignments and willing to learn and adapt in a fast-paced engineering organization.

Core Duties and Responsibilities

Responsible for technical design of Plug’s automation & control systems e.g. package control systems (PLC), Distributed Control & Safety Systems (DCS/ESD) and integrated control & safety systems (ICSS)

Develop basis of design and control system architectures for automation system and subsystem of next generation hydrogen generation systems considering cost reductions and reliability improvements

Ensure that interfaces with other engineering disciplines (e.g. process, instrumentation, functional safety and electrical) are consistent and aligned

Responsible for handling technical communication with external engineering parties, suppliers and where applicable to clients

Review documents prepared by sub-contractors to ensure quality and consistency

Provide support during the conceptual and basic design phase and help estimating costs of the project (hours, equipment and construction budgets)

Create system and subsystem specification/automation philosophy for procurement of automation systems

Assist in developing a project specific system design with all associated documentation (philosophies, layouts, specifications, block diagrams, Cause & Effect diagrams, etc.)

Ensure functional safety software/application design, development, testing, operation and maintenance will be in accordance with the IEC 61508 standards

Ensure cybersecurity requirements are embedded during system design and with secure access controls across PLC, SCADA and DCS environments

Participate in technical review meetings (P&ID review / HAZOP / SIL / LOPA / etc.)

Identify issues (problems, value improvement opportunities) and help clarify areas of complexity during all phases of the engineering design work

Provide frontline support for control system faults and subsystem communications issues on Electrolyzer systems in operation

Perform diagnostic and failure analysis on PLC/DCS-based systems

Assist in developing Functional Safety Management processes / procedures / instructions related to control systems

Assist in developing and implementation in an organization-wide IACS cybersecurity management system in line with the IEC 62443 standards

Is well-versed with (International) Codes & Standards, e.g. CE, IEC, ATEX, and ensures that designs comply with applicable codes & standards/legislation

Developing knowledge and skills to be able to address current and future project needs

Stay informed on the latest developments in industrial automation and IIoT/Edge solutions, OT cybersecurity and relevant codes & standards and ensure these developments are integrated into Plug’s control system designs and practices.

Proactively communicate technical risks, challenges, and scope changes to the Engineering Manager and escalate critical issues as needed to ensure timely resolution

Responsible for growing Automation knowledge & expertise within the team

Mentor team members on design work and act as senior technical resource for guidance

Always Represent Plug Power in a professional manner and in all interactions

Perform all other duties as assigned

Education and Experience

Bachelor's or Master's degree in industrial automation and relevant work experience

Has at least 10 years of experience as Automation engineer, preferably in renewable energy sector and/or product manufacturing and testing environment

Experience with Control System Hardware and Specification – I/O modules, ESD/SIS, BPCS, package control systems (PLC), Architecture Design, etc.

Knowledge and experience with various Package controllers (e.g. Siemens S7-1500, Schneider Electric M580, etc.) and SCADA-HMI systems

Knowledge and experience with various DCS based controllers (e.g. Emerson DeltaV, ABB 800xA, Honeywell Experion C300, Siemens PCS7, etc.)

Knowledge and experience with Functional Safety according to IEC 61511 or IEC 61508. Having a functional safety/machine safety certificate is a plus

Certified or proven expertise in OT cybersecurity and industrial networking for PLC/DCS/SCADA environments, with practical application of IEC 62443, and related standards (e.g. ISA/IEC 62443 Certificates, GICSP, TÜV programs), including deep knowledge of network architectures, segmentation, and industrial communication protocols (e.g. Profinet, Modbus, OPC UA, Ethernet/IP)

Possess solid hands-on approach to problem-solving and with ability to debug and troubleshoot automation control systems

Computer and software systems skills including but not limited to: Word, PowerPoint, Excel, and Outlook

Must be capable of working independently, in a fast-paced environment, with minimal supervision.

Sound organizational skills for completing tasks as scheduled

Strong communication skills both verbal and written for the purpose of explaining challenges and solutions internally

Good interpersonal skills to successfully interface other engineering disciplines and customers

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