Senior Automation Engineer

Key Responsibilities And Accountabilities

• Lead the automation architecture definition and technology roadmap for ESS, microgrid, hybrid generation, and power conversion products.
• Develop advanced control algorithms, plant-level energy management functions, grid-forming/grid-following controls, and system operating strategies.
• Define automation requirements and system architecture for next-generation ESS products and subsystems.
• Drive standardization of software platforms, reusable code libraries, communication frameworks, and engineering tools across product families.
• Evaluate emerging technologies including advanced EMS platforms, AI-assisted controls, cybersecurity solutions, digital twins, and predictive diagnostics.
• Collaborate with global R&D teams to transfer technologies, harmonize platforms, and industrialize new automation features.
• Support certification strategies for automation-related functions, grid interconnection requirements, and utility compliance.
• Contribute to long-term product roadmaps and innovation initiatives aligned with business growth objectives.
• Act as technical lead for complex customer projects involving ESS, microgrids, utility interconnections, and multi-site deployments.
• Define project-specific automation architectures, network topology, communication strategies, and operational philosophies.
• Lead technical discussions with customers, utilities, consultants, EPCs, AHJs, and system integrators.
• Develop advanced PLC, SCADA, EMS, HMI, and site controller configurations for customer applications.
• Resolve complex integration challenges involving PCS, BMS, relays, generators, PV inverters, MV equipment, and third-party systems.
• Provide technical oversight for FAT, SAT, commissioning, and site acceptance activities.
• Support root-cause investigations of critical field issues and lead corrective action implementation.
• Ensure technical consistency, software configuration management, cybersecurity compliance, and documentation control throughout project execution.
• Own the strategy, development, and continuous improvement of ESS automation validation platforms.
• Lead the development of Hardware-in-the-Loop (HIL), Software-in-the-Loop (SIL), Digital Twin, and automated regression testing environments.
• Establish product validation methodologies covering functionality, reliability, performance, interoperability, and cybersecurity testing.
• Define and execute validation plans for new product releases, firmware updates, and customer-specific solutions.
• Develop automated test scripts, validation tools, and test data management processes to improve coverage and efficiency.
• Lead root-cause investigations of software, controls, network, and system-level failures.
• Support certification, compliance, and utility test programs through development of representative test environments.
• Establish laboratory standards, best practices, KPIs, and governance processes for automation testing activities.
• Support customer demonstrations, performance benchmarking, and technology proof-of-concept testing.
• Serve as the principal automation subject matter expert for ESS activities across North America.
• Provide technical leadership, coaching, and mentorship to automation engineers, technicians, and project teams.
• Establish engineering standards, development guidelines, coding practices, and validation procedures.
• Lead technical design reviews, architecture reviews, hazard analyses, and design freeze activities.
• Support sales, proposal teams, service organizations, manufacturing, and executive leadership with high-level technical expertise.
• Develop and deliver technical training programs for internal teams, channel partners, and customers.
• Drive continuous improvement initiatives focused on quality, reliability, productivity, cybersecurity, and customer satisfaction.
• Represent Socomec in technical committees, standards organizations, industry conferences, and customer workshops.
• Lead collaboration between NAM automation teams and Global R&D organizations to ensure technical alignment and platform standardization.
• Coordinate technology transfer, product localization, and deployment of automation solutions across regions.
• Participate in global product development governance and portfolio review activities.
• Contribute to technology strategy, automation roadmaps, and investment planning.
• Drive cross-functional collaboration among R&D, certification, project management, manufacturing, service, quality, and supply chain teams.
• Support development of global engineering processes, best practices, and standard work methodologies.
• Provide regular executive-level reporting on technology development, project status, technical risks, and resource planning.
• Champion innovation, knowledge sharing, and continuous improvement across the global ESS organization.