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Job Title: Automation Specialist

Job Description

The Automation Specialist designs, implements, and supports automation and control systems for critical facility infrastructure within a data center environment. This role develops and maintains PLC, HMI, and SCADA solutions, with a strong focus on Schneider Electric Modicon platforms and Ignition-based monitoring systems. The Automation Specialist ensures reliable, safe, and efficient operation of facility systems by leading commissioning activities, troubleshooting complex control issues, and collaborating closely with operations, maintenance, and engineering teams.

Responsibilities

• Design, implement, and support automation and control systems for critical facility infrastructure in a data center setting.
• Develop, modify, and maintain PLC programs using Ladder Logic, Function Block, and Structured Text programming languages.
• Program, troubleshoot, and maintain Schneider Electric Modicon PLC platforms to ensure reliable and continuous operation.
• Configure, test, and support HMI and SCADA applications, including Ignition, to provide intuitive operator interfaces and robust monitoring.
• Develop and maintain detailed control narratives, I/O lists, bills of materials (BOMs), and other automation documentation to support project execution and ongoing operations.
• Design and troubleshoot industrial communication networks utilizing Ethernet/IP and other industrial communication protocols to ensure secure and stable connectivity.
• Integrate PLCs, HMIs, building automation systems, instrumentation, drives, and facility equipment into cohesive, reliable control systems.
• Support data collection, visualization, alarming, and reporting through Ignition and related monitoring platforms to enhance operational awareness and decision-making.
• Perform system commissioning, startup, and validation activities for new and upgraded automation systems, ensuring they meet functional and performance requirements.
• Execute Factory Acceptance Tests (FAT), Site Acceptance Tests (SAT), loop checks, and functional testing to verify correct system operation and compliance with specifications.
• Troubleshoot hardware, software, instrumentation, controls, and network communication issues to quickly restore normal operations.
• Analyze system performance data and implement improvements to enhance reliability, efficiency, and overall system robustness.
• Work directly with facility operations and maintenance teams to optimize automation systems and support day-to-day operational needs.
• Coordinate with engineering, construction, and commissioning teams on capital improvement projects to ensure automation scope is clearly defined and properly implemented.
• Support preventive maintenance and lifecycle management of automation and control systems, including planning upgrades and replacements.
• Provide technical training and guidance to operations and maintenance personnel to improve their understanding and effective use of automation systems.
• Maintain compliance with site safety requirements and operational procedures while performing all automation-related activities.
• Support emergency response activities and rapidly troubleshoot control system issues that impact critical operations in the data center.

Essential Skills

• Proven experience in automation and controls engineering within critical facility environments such as data centers, mission-critical facilities, industrial plants, manufacturing facilities, or power generation sites.
• Hands-on experience with Schneider Electric Modicon PLC programming, including development, modification, and troubleshooting.
• Strong proficiency in PLC programming using Ladder Logic, Function Block, and Structured Text.
• Demonstrated experience with the Ignition software platform for HMI, SCADA, data visualization, alarming, and reporting.
• Experience configuring, programming, and maintaining HMI and SCADA systems in industrial or mission-critical environments.
• Practical experience in commissioning activities, including system startup, validation, FAT, SAT, loop checks, and functional testing.
• Strong troubleshooting skills for hardware, software, instrumentation, controls, and industrial network communication issues.
• Experience designing and troubleshooting industrial communication networks, including Ethernet/IP and other industrial protocols.
• Experience in controls engineering with the ability to integrate PLCs, HMIs, building automation systems, instrumentation, drives, and facility equipment.
• Ability to work effectively with operations, maintenance, engineering, construction, and commissioning teams to deliver reliable automation solutions.

Additional Skills & Qualifications

• Experience supporting automation systems in data centers or other mission-critical facilities.
• Exposure to automation in industrial facilities, manufacturing plants, or power generation environments.
• Familiarity with preventive maintenance and lifecycle management practices for automation and control systems.
• Experience developing and maintaining automation documentation, including control narratives, I/O lists, and bills of materials (BOMs).
• Ability to provide technical training and guidance to operations and maintenance personnel on control system operation and troubleshooting.
• Strong analytical and problem-solving skills, with a focus on improving system reliability and operational efficiency.
• Comfort working in fast-paced environments where rapid troubleshooting and response to critical issues is required.

This is a Contract position based out of Houston, TX.

The pay range for this position is $45.00 - $55.00/hr.

Individual compensation offered for this position within this range will depend on many factors, including qualifications, skills, relevant experience, job knowledge, geographic location, internal equity, and other pertinent job-related factors.

Eligibility requirements apply to some benefits and may depend on your job classification and length of employment. Benefits are subject to change and may be subject to specific elections, plan, or program terms. If eligible, the benefits available for this temporary role may include the following: • Medical, dental & vision • Critical Illness, Accident, and Hospital • 401(k) Retirement Plan – Pre-tax and Roth post-tax contributions available • Life Insurance (Voluntary Life & AD&D for the employee and dependents) • Short and long-term disability • Health Spending Account (HSA) • Transportation benefits • Employee Assistance Program • Time Off/Leave (PTO, Vacation or Sick Leave)

This is a fully onsite position in Houston,TX.

This position is anticipated to close on Sep 9, 2026.

About Actalent

Actalent is a global leader in engineering and sciences services and talent solutions. We help visionary companies advance their engineering and science initiatives through access to specialized experts who drive scale, innovation and speed to market. With a network of almost 20,000 consultants and 5,000 clients across the U.S., Canada, Asia and Europe, Actalent serves many of the Fortune 500. We are proud to be an Engineering News-Record (ENR) Top 500 Design Firm for our engineering design services and a ClearlyRated Best of Staffing® winner for both client and talent service.

The company is an equal opportunity employer and will consider all applications withoutregard to race, sex, age, color, religion, national origin, veteran status, disability,sexual orientation, gender identity, genetic information or any characteristic protectedby law.

If you would like to request a reasonable accommodation, such as the modification oradjustment of the job application process or interviewing process due to a disability,please email actalentaccommodation@actalentservices.com for other accommodation options.

San Francisco Fair Chance Ordinance:Pursuant to the San Francisco Fair Chance Ordinance, for all positions located in thecity and county of San Francisco, we will consider for employment qualified applicantswith arrest and conviction records.

Massachusetts Lie Detector:It is unlawful in Massachusetts to require or administer a lie detector test as acondition of employment or continued employment. An employer who violates this lawshall be subject to criminal penalties and civil liability.

Use of Artificial Intelligence (AI):We may use Artificial Intelligence (AI) to support parts of our hiring process,including sourcing, screening, and evaluating candidates. AI helps assess applicationsand qualifications, but final decisions are made by our hiring team. By applying, youacknowledge and agree that your application may be reviewed using AI tools.