Title: 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 systems and subsystems of next‑generation hydrogen generation systems, considering cost reductions and reliability improvements.
* Ensure that interfaces with other engineering disciplines (process, instrumentation, functional safety and electrical) are consistent and aligned.
* Handle technical communication with external engineering parties, suppliers and, where applicable, clients.
* Review documents prepared by sub‑contractors to ensure quality and consistency.
* Provide support during the conceptual and basic design phase and help estimate project costs (hours, equipment and construction budgets).
* Create system and subsystem specifications and automation philosophy for procurement of automation systems.
* Assist in developing a project‑specific system design with associated documentation (philosophies, layouts, specifications, block diagrams, cause‑effect diagrams, etc.).
* Ensure functional safety software/application design, development, testing, operation and maintenance are in accordance with the IEC 61508 standards.
* Embed cybersecurity requirements during system design and ensure secure access controls across PLC, SCADA and DCS environments.
* Participate in technical review meetings (PID review, HAZOP, SIL, LOPA, etc.).
* Identify issues and help clarify areas of complexity during all phases of engineering design work.
* Provide frontline support for control system faults and subsystem communication issues on Electrolyzer systems in operation.
* Perform diagnostic and failure analysis on PLC/DCS‑based systems.
* Assist in developing Functional Safety Management processes, procedures and instructions related to control systems.
* Assist in developing and implementing an organization‑wide IACS cybersecurity management system in line with IEC 62443 standards.
* Ensure designs comply with applicable codes, standards and legislation (International, CE, IEC, ATEX).
* Develop knowledge and skills 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 and standards, and integrate them into Plug’s control system designs and practices.
* Communicate technical risks, challenges and scope changes to the Engineering Manager and, if needed, to senior management to ensure timely resolution.
* Support the growth of automation knowledge expertise within the team.
* Mentor team members on design work and act as senior technical resource.
* Represent Plug Power professionally in all interactions.
* Perform all other duties as assigned.
Education and Experience
* Bachelor’s or Master’s degree in industrial automation.
* At least 10 years of experience as an Automation Engineer, preferably in the renewable energy sector or product manufacturing/testing environment.
* Experience with control system hardware and specifications (I/O modules, ESD/SIS, BPCS, package control systems (PLC), architecture design, etc.).
* Knowledge of various package controllers (e.g., Siemens S7‑1500, Schneider Electric M580) and SCADA‑HMI systems.
* Knowledge of various DCS based controllers (e.g., Emerson DeltaV, ABB 800xA, Honeywell Experion C300, Siemens PCS7).
* Experience with functional safety according to IEC 61511 or IEC 61508; certification in functional or machine safety 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 (ISA/IEC 62443 Certificates, GICSP, TÜV programs). Must possess deep knowledge of network architectures, segmentation and industrial communication protocols (Profinet, Modbus, OPC UA, Ethernet/IP).
* Strong problem‑solving, debugging and troubleshooting skills for automation control systems.
* Computer and software proficiency (Word, PowerPoint, Excel, Outlook).
* Able to work independently in a fast‑paced, low‑supervision environment.
* Organizational skills to complete tasks on schedule.
* Strong verbal and written communication skills for explaining challenges and solutions internally.
* Good interpersonal skills for interfacing with 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.
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