Automation Engineer

Job title: Automation Engineer (Drives)
Location: Augusta, GA
Industry: metals, complex processing, industrial manufacturing
Status of Hire: full-time, salaried, direct hire
Reports To: Reliability Manager
Pay: $130-160k depending on experience

Job Summary:
As the Automation / Drives Engineer, you will be responsible for operability, reliability and optimization of the plant’s automation and drives systems, with an emphasis on medium voltage drives but also PLC, including instrumentation, controls, and data management systems. You will work closely with the plant Maintenance, Reliability and Production teams to ensure that the automation / drives systems are delivered per design and optimized for long term reliability. You will leverage strong collaboration and communication skills to ensure systems are optimized for safety, efficiency, and reliability.

Responsibilities
Oversee the reliability, operability, and overall health of plant automation and drive systems
Optimize automation programming and control strategies to meet production, quality, and operational performance objectives
Lead troubleshooting and resolution of critical automation and drive system failures to minimize downtime
Develop and implement long-term reliability strategies for automation and drive systems.
Prepare technical specifications for new equipment installations, upgrades, and modernization projects
Support all Automation and Drives Management of Change (MOC) processes, ensuring compliance and successful implementation
Develop and oversee preventive and predictive maintenance programs, including spare parts and lifecycle management strategies
Provide advanced technical support for automation- and drive-related troubleshooting across the facility
Lead the technical development and training of maintenance craft personnel in automation and drive systems
Manage external engineering consultants and contractors as required to support automation and capital projects
Collaborate with equipment manufacturers and technical vendors to optimize system performance, reliability, and spare parts strategies
Partner with Production, Maintenance, Engineering, and other stakeholders to ensure automation systems support operational and business objectives
Maintain and oversee automation system documentation, standards, and technical records to support maintenance and operator training
Monitor automation system performance, identify opportunities for continuous improvement, and implement corrective actions
Support commissioning, startup, and validation activities for new and modified automation systems, ensuring successful project execution
Coordinate with cross-functional teams to improve equipment reliability, system availability, and overall plant performance

Requirements:
Bachelor’s degree in Electrical Engineering or a related field plus 3-5 years of experience in Instrumentation and Controls Engineering in an industrial manufacturing or complex processing environment (or a comparable combination of education and experience in the automation field)
Preferred Experience with medium voltage Rockwell Powerline 6000T, Siemens drives, soft starts, Simacode, TIA Portal, WinCC, Siemens PLC
Experience with OT/IT interface, OSI PI system
Experience with Server-Client architecture industrial communication Profinet, Modbus, OPCUA, etc.
Experience with automation software and hardware systems, such as PLCs, HMIs, and SCADA
Excellent problem-solving and troubleshooting skills
Strong leadership and management skills, with the ability to manage and motivate teams effectively
Excellent communication skills, with the ability to communicate clearly and effectively with a wide range of stakeholders
Comfort with a fast-paced, quickly changing environment

**Must be authorized to work in the United States, client is not able to offer sponsorship at this time
**Must be able to pass a pre-employment drug test and background check

We are an equal opportunity employer that recognizes the value of a diverse workforce. All qualified individuals will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, age, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, religion, national origin, disability, veteran status, genetic information, or any other criteria protected by governing law.

TRS Staffing Solutions are an equal opportunities employer, and we welcome you to provide OFCCP data voluntarily here