Principal Automation Engineer

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 – 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, TÜV 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

Plug Power, Inc. is committed to creating a diverse environment and is proud to be an equal opportunity employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, gender, gender identity or expression, sexual orientation, national origin, genetics, disability, age, or veteran status.