AUTOMATION ENGINEER

Buist is an electrical, technology, and engineering company providing a comprehensive range of services to our customers. Our automation group specializes in designing, implementing, and commissioning control systems that improve production efficiency, reduce costs, and ensure safe, reliable operations. The position involves collaborating with cross-functional teams to develop, optimize, and maintain control systems, contributing to the technological advancement of the production process.

We are seeking an Automation Engineer with a few years of hands-on experience, ideally someone who has worked with a system integrator or machine builder and is ready to take the next step in their career. This role offers the opportunity to own projects end-to-end, deepen your technical expertise across platforms, and grow within a team that values collaboration, continuous learning, and doing the work right.

• Develop, configure, and deploy PLC control system software across platforms including Rockwell Automation (Studio 5000) and Siemens (TIA Portal)
• Program, tune, and troubleshoot motion control systems including servo drives, multi-axis coordination, and variable frequency drives (VFDs)
• Design and develop SCADA applications: screens, scripting, tag structures, alarming, historian, and database integration
• Develop HMI applications for operator interaction and process visualization
• Configure and troubleshoot industrial networks and fieldbus protocols: EtherNet/IP, Profinet, Profibus, Modbus TCP/RTU, IO-Link, OPC-UA, and MQTT
• Design and evaluate safety control circuitry and systems in compliance with applicable safety standards
• Develop electrical control designs
• Interpret mechanical drawings, P&IDs, and process flow diagrams to define control system requirements
• Develop bill of materials for electrical and control system components
• Work on automation projects from concept and design through fabrication, startup, and commissioning
• Provide timely and accurate communication on project status to internal teams and customers
• Review and check peer designs for accuracy and consistency with applicable standards
• Power up, commission, and validate control systems at customer facilities
• Troubleshoot and resolve issues with new and existing automation systems
• Provide technical support and training to both technical and non-technical audiences
• Conduct preventative and on-demand maintenance services as needed
• Develop and maintain technical documentation: functional specifications, I/O lists, network architecture diagrams, and system descriptions
• Ensure compliance with NEC, UL, and industry standards, and customer-specific requirements
• Work with electricians and technicians to review control system construction and wiring
• Always act with honesty and integrity

Education:

• Bachelor’s degree in Electrical Engineering, Mechanical Engineering, Computer Engineering, or a related field preferred
• Candidates with an associate’s degree, technical certification, or Journeyman electrical license, combined with equivalent hands-on experience will be given full consideration

Experience:

• 2–5 years of experience in industrial controls and automation engineering
• Background with a system integrator, automation firm, or machine builder is strongly preferred as well as demonstrated ability to work across multiple customers and project types
• Experience taking projects from initial design through commissioning and customer handoff

Technical Skills:

• PLC programming proficiency in Rockwell Automation (Studio 5000 / RSLogix 5000) and/or Siemens (TIA Portal)
• Motion control: servo drive configuration, axis coordination, and VFD setup
• Industrial networking and fieldbus protocols: EtherNet/IP, Profinet, Profibus, Modbus TCP/RTU, IO-Link
• SCADA development experience is strongly preferred as well as experience in the Ignition, FactoryTalk, and Wonderware platforms
• HMI development experience
• Ability to read and interpret electrical schematics, control panel drawings, and P&IDs
• Familiarity with National Electric Code and common electrical and safety standards

Professional Skills:

• Strong troubleshooting and analytical skills. Able to work through complex problems systematically.
• Self-directed and able to manage tasks and timelines without close supervision
• Clear verbal and written communication skills; comfortable interfacing directly with customers and cross-functional teams
• Team-oriented with a genuine willingness to share knowledge and support colleagues
• Organized, detail-oriented, and responsive. Able to manage multiple priorities in a dynamic project environment.
• Adaptability to new industries, processes, and technical challenges

• Hours are typically Monday through Friday
• Hours are typically first shift
• After-hours on-call rotation will be required

• Environment: A mix between an office setting and production areas, which may require the use of PPE.
• Physical Requirements: Ability to stand, walk, and occasionally lift up to 30 pounds.
• Travel: Infrequent travel may be required to attend training, visit vendors, or oversee commissioning at remote facilities.

Department Manager