PLC/HMI Field Applications Specialist - VA/PA

Inframark

• $70K — $95K *
Energy & Utilities
Less than 5 years of experience
Job Overview by Ladders

Qualifications

  • Technical degree in an engineering-related field OR 3+ years of field service experience in instrumentation, control systems, or automation.
  • Experience in the Water/Wastewater industry is highly preferred.
  • Strong understanding of control systems, PLC programming, and SCADA applications.
  • Knowledge of networking fundamentals, IP addressing, and communication protocols (Ethernet, Modbus, BACnet, etc.).
  • Ability to read and interpret electrical schematics, P&ID diagrams, and contract documents.
  • Hands-on experience with control panel integration, troubleshooting, and commissioning.
  • Excellent communication skills to interact with customers, project managers, and team members.

Responsibilities

  • Review project requirements through meetings with the Project Manager and contract document analysis.
  • Maintain clear communication with Project Managers, keeping them informed of task status, milestones, and budgetary concerns.
  • Produce accurate and timely documentation, including timesheets, trip reports, and system updates.
  • Set up system servers, workstations, operating systems, networks, and peripheral equipment at job sites.
  • Develop System Control Narratives to define automation logic.
  • Program PLCs and develop HMI applications according to contract specifications.
  • Perform control panel commissioning, including field signal wiring, panel terminations, and I/O checkout.

Benefits

  • Opportunity to work in diverse environments including office, manufacturing, and various job sites.
  • On-site training and mentoring opportunities.
  • Involvement in continuous improvement initiatives.
  • Hands-on field role with customer interaction.
  • Variety of technical challenges to solve in the water/wastewater industry.
Full Job Description
Position Summary

Systems East, an Inframark company, is seeking a Field Automation Systems (FAS) Engineer to play a crucial role in control system integration, commissioning, and customer support. This position involves configuring, programming, testing, and troubleshooting industrial control systems-including SCADA, PLCs, HMIs, networking equipment, and instrumentation-primarily in the Water/Wastewater Industry.

This is a hands-on field role that requires technical expertise, problem-solving skills, and a customer-focused approach. If you have experience with automation, control systems, and networking and enjoy working on-site to deliver innovative solutions, we encourage you to apply!

Key Responsibilities

Project Management & Coordination
  • Review project requirements through meetings with the Project Manager and contract document analysis.
  • Maintain clear communication with Project Managers, keeping them informed of task status, milestones, and budgetary concerns.
  • Produce accurate and timely documentation, including timesheets, trip reports, and system updates.
  • Follow established Best Practices, Development Standards, and Procedures to ensure high-quality project execution.

🔧 System Configuration & Programming
  • Set up system servers, workstations, operating systems, networks, and peripheral equipment at job sites.
  • Develop System Control Narratives to define automation logic.
  • Program PLCs (Programmable Logic Controllers) and develop HMI (Human-Machine Interface) applications according to contract specifications.
  • Conduct Factory Acceptance Testing (FAT) and Site Acceptance Testing (SAT) when required.

âš¡ Field Installation & Commissioning
  • Perform control panel commissioning, including field signal wiring, panel terminations, and I/O checkout.
  • Conduct system startups, integrating PLC, HMI, instrumentation, and networking equipment.
  • Ensure system hardware, network operation, SCADA functionality, and data collection align with project requirements.
  • Provide on-site training for operators, supervisors, and administrative personnel on system operation and maintenance.

📑 Technical Support & Documentation
  • Provide on-call service support for customers, troubleshooting startup and warranty issues.
  • Perform instrument installation and calibration services, including physical setup, wire terminations, commissioning, and documentation.
  • Mark up control panel drawings to reflect final field modifications.
  • Assist with integrating third-party systems and devices into automation networks.

🛠 Other Duties
  • Participate in continuous improvement initiatives to enhance system efficiency.
  • Mentor and train junior team members to develop a strong engineering workforce.
  • Ensure all projects comply with safety and industry standards.

Qualifications & Skills
• Education & Experience:
  • Technical degree in an engineering-related field OR 3+ years of field service experience in instrumentation, control systems, or automation.
  • Experience in the Water/Wastewater industry is highly preferred.

• Technical Skills:
  • Strong understanding of control systems, PLC programming, and SCADA applications.
  • Knowledge of networking fundamentals, IP addressing, and communication protocols (Ethernet, Modbus, BACnet, etc.).
  • Ability to read and interpret electrical schematics, P&ID diagrams, and contract documents.
  • Hands-on experience with control panel integration, troubleshooting, and commissioning.

• Soft Skills:
  • Excellent communication skills to interact with customers, project managers, and team members.
  • Strong problem-solving abilities and attention to detail.
  • Ability to work independently while contributing to a collaborative team environment.

Work Environment & Physical Requirements

Work Locations:
  • This job requires working in diverse environments, including:
    • Office settings for project planning and documentation.
    • Manufacturing shops and control panel assembly areas.
    • Customer jobsites (indoor and outdoor), including industrial and water treatment facilities.
    • Construction sites where physical tasks (lifting, climbing, working on ladders) may be required.

Work Conditions:
  • May require extended periods of sitting, standing, and manual work.
  • Exposure to varying weather conditions in field environments.
  • On-call availability for system troubleshooting, startup, and warranty support.

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