*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 6 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, TV 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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