Bachelor's degree in Electrical, Electronics, Control/Instrumentation, Computer Engineering, or a related field.
5+ years of hands-on experience with PLC, DCS, and/or SCADA systems in industrial environments.
Knowledge of industrial communication protocols like Modbus and Ethernet-based fieldbuses.
Ability to read and interpret P&IDs, loop diagrams, and wiring diagrams.
Familiarity with NEC, NFPA 70E, and OSHA electrical safety standards.
Proficiency in Microsoft Office, particularly Excel.
Effective communication skills in English with various stakeholders.
Responsibilities
Operate and troubleshoot PLC, DCS, SCADA/FMCS, and HMI systems for plant utilities.
Manage control system backups, program revisions, and firmware updates.
Integrate package PLCs and third-party equipment into FMCS/SCADA systems.
Develop and maintain I/O lists and resolve communication issues between systems.
Maintain OT network architecture and implement cybersecurity practices.
Support safety-related control functions and emergency shutdown logic.
Lead root cause analysis for control system failures and participate in on-call rotations.
Benefits
Opportunity to work in a cutting-edge solar manufacturing facility.
Engagement in critical projects for plant capacity expansion.
Hands-on experience with multi-vendor control systems.
Collaboration with a diverse team of engineers and technicians.
Potential for professional development and training opportunities.
Full Job Description
Description Integration & Automation Engineer, Utilities (Control Systems & OT Integration) Position Summary
Hanwha Qcells Georgia operates a vertically integrated solar manufacturing facility in Cartersville, GA, covering Ingot, Wafer, Cell, and Module production. The Integration & Automation Engineer is responsible for the design, configuration, integration, and reliable operation of the plant's utility control systems - including PLC, DCS, SCADA/FMCS, HMI, field instrumentation, and industrial networks - that connect electrical, mechanical, and process utility equipment into a single, monitored and controlled system in a 24/7 critical manufacturing environment. Key Responsibilities
Control System Operation & Maintenance
Operate, maintain, and troubleshoot PLC, DCS, SCADA/FMCS, and HMI systems serving plant utilities (power distribution, chillers, compressed air, exhaust, UPW/wastewater, and bulk gas/chemical supply).
Manage control system backups, program revision control, firmware/software updates, licenses, and spare hardware.
Perform control loop checks, instrument calibration, and tuning of flow, pressure, temperature, level, and analyzer loops.
System Integration & Communication
Integrate package PLCs, power meters, switchgear, VFDs/MCCs, and third-party equipment into FMCS/SCADA using Modbus TCP/RTU, OPC DA/UA, EtherNet/IP, PROFINET, BACnet, and serial (RS-485/RS-232) protocols.
Develop and maintain I/O lists, point/tag mapping, alarm lists, and interface specifications; resolve communication and data quality issues between systems.
Build and maintain HMI/SCADA graphics, alarms, trends, and historian data (e.g., OSIsoft/AVEVA PI) for operations and engineering use.
Industrial Network & OT Cybersecurity
Maintain the OT network architecture (switches, fiber, remote I/O, gateways) and its segregation from the IT network.
Implement OT cybersecurity practices, including access control, system hardening, patch management, and remote access procedures, in coordination with the IT team.
Safety & Protection Systems
Maintain interlocks, emergency shutdown logic, and safety-related control functions; support review of safety instrumented functions and proof testing where applicable.
Support interfaces between the control system and fire alarm, gas detection, and toxic gas monitoring systems.
Troubleshooting & Reliability
Serve as first-line technical responder for control system failures, communication losses, and nuisance trips; lead root cause analysis and corrective action reports.
Participate in the on-call rotation for after-hours control and automation emergencies.
Projects & Expansion
Support plant capacity expansion and modification projects: develop control philosophy and functional design specifications, prepare RFQs and technical bid evaluations, review vendor submittals, and attend FAT/SAT.
Oversee control system installation, loop checks, and commissioning (Level 3-5) through turnover; coordinate with EPC/controls contractors, system integrators, and equipment vendors.
Documentation & Technical Support
Maintain system architecture drawings, P&IDs, loop drawings, control narratives, network diagrams, and as-built documentation.
Provide technical guidance and training to automation and instrumentation technicians and operators.
Minimum Qualifications
Bachelor's degree in Electrical, Electronics, Control/Instrumentation, Computer Engineering, or a closely related field.
5+ years of hands-on experience in configuration, integration, commissioning, or maintenance of PLC, DCS, and/or SCADA systems in industrial, utility, or process plant environments.
Working knowledge of industrial communication protocols (Modbus, OPC, Ethernet-based fieldbuses) and industrial networking.
Ability to read and interpret P&IDs, loop diagrams, control narratives, one-line diagrams, and wiring diagrams.
Familiarity with NEC, NFPA 70E, and OSHA electrical safety requirements.
Proficiency in Microsoft Office, especially Excel.
Ability to communicate effectively in English with contractors, vendors, and plant personnel.
Preferred Qualifications
Experience integrating multi-vendor control systems (e.g., Allen-Bradley/Rockwell, Siemens, Yokogawa, Emerson, Honeywell) into a plant-wide SCADA/FMCS or historian platform.
Experience in semiconductor, high-purity chemical, solar, battery, or other mission-critical manufacturing facilities.
Experience with safety instrumented systems (SIS/ESD) and fire & gas systems; TÜV Functional Safety Engineer (IEC 61511/61508) certification.
Experience with OT cybersecurity standards and programs (e.g., ISA/IEC 62443).
Electrical system knowledge, including MCCs, VFDs, switchgear, UPS, and power monitoring.
Project management experience, including scope, schedule, budget, and contract management with EPC contractors and vendors.
Network certifications (e.g., CCNA) or equivalent industrial networking training.
OSHA 10/30 certification; NFPA 70E qualified person training.
Working Conditions
Work in a 24/7 manufacturing facility, including control rooms, electrical rooms, utility buildings, and outdoor areas.
Participation in on-call rotation and occasional after-hours, weekend, or shutdown work.
Required to wear PPE, including arc-rated clothing, as specified by task.
Ability to climb ladders, work in confined or elevated spaces, and lift up to 50 lbs.
