Automation and Controls Specialist​/Engineer

Job Title

Automation and Controls Specialist/Engineer

Texas - Houston

CDM Smith is seeking a Mid-level to Senior Automation Specialist/Engineer to support our Automation service offerings in Houston, TX. The successful candidate will be a proven self-starter and work to independently develop solutions for automation projects with senior level oversight and guidance and provide mentorship to junior level engineers. This role requires an individual who is passionate about SCADA Design and Programming, Process Control Systems, OT Networks, Instrumentation with a desire to further enhance their skills and our Automation practice.

• Creating basic to moderately complex instrumentation and control system designs by developing Piping and Instrumentation Diagrams (P&IDs), control system architectures, network diagrams, specifications and written control descriptions under the supervision of a senior staff member.
• Programming, testing, commissioning and training of SCADA systems which includes some, if not all, of the following: PLC packages (Rockwell Studio 5000 and Schneider Electric Unity), HMI packages (GE iFIX, Rockwell Factory Talk, and AVEVA InTouch for System Platform), configuration of SCADA servers, workstations, network and server configuration, wireless communication systems (i.e. cellular, radio, Wi-Fi), and development of SCADA reports (Dream Reports, XL Reporter, or Hach WIMS).
• Traveling to client sites for project workshop meetings, control system troubleshooting and commissioning activities.
• Preparing control system preliminary design reports (PDRs) under limited supervision.
• Reviewing basic to moderately complex level shop drawings consisting of control system components and panel wiring diagrams.
• Providing responses to contractor requests for information (RFIs) under limited supervision.
• Performing field acceptance testing (FATs) and field inspections to ensure contractor conformance with contract requirements.
• Preparing Automation‑specific project budgets and construction cost estimates.
• Under general supervision, preparing proposal sections and client presentations.
• Mentoring junior staff and adapting to different learning styles.
• Performing other duties as required.
• Travel is expected (approximately 20% of time).

• Bachelor's degree or equivalent.
• 5 years of related experience (or equivalent directly related experience considered in lieu of a degree).
• Domestic and/or international travel may be required.

• Experience in municipal water and wastewater systems highly preferred.
• Experience recommending or implementing cybersecurity solutions for firewalls, VPNs, DMZs, and VLAN segmentation.
• Experience with design of control systems including development of P&IDs, control system architectures, custom project specifications, and process control descriptions.
• Strong communication skills, both verbally and written, with ability to communicate to a technically diverse team and client base that is geographically dispersed.
• EIT or PE certification highly preferred.
• Strong technical writing skills.
• Strong time management skills and ability to multi‑task and prioritize assignments to meet schedules and budgets.
• Ability to travel to project sites for client meetings, control system troubleshooting, and start‑up of control systems primarily within Texas.
• Knowledge or experience with applying cybersecurity protocols to the design and/or programming of SCADA systems following industry standards is a plus.

• Strong knowledge of instrumentation, controls and related systems designs.
• Excellent verbal and written communication skills.
• Strong knowledge of Microsoft Office suite of programs.
• Knowledge of 3D and 4D CAD drafting.
• Knowledge of control hard‑wired circuits, basic loop diagrams, and installation requirements for instrumentation and control systems.
• PLC and HMI programming with various vendor packages.

We attract the best people in the industry, supporting their efforts to learn and grow. We strive to create a challenging and progressive work environment. We provide career opportunities that span a variety of disciplines and geographic locations, with projects that our employees plan, design, build and operate as diverse as the needs of our clients. CDM Smith is an Equal Opportunity/Affirmative Action employer
. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex (including pregnancy, pregnancy related conditions, childbirth and related medical conditions, sexual orientation, gender identity or gender expression), national origin, age, marital status, disability, veteran status, citizenship status, genetic information or any other characteristic protected by applicable law.