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Automation Technical Lead

Primary Roles and Responsibilities: Technical lead for automation scope supporting Utilities and Building Management Systems (BMS), including HVAC, central plant, critical utilities monitoring, and facility integration points. Own automation/BMS technical requirements: URS/FRS, control narratives, I/O lists, points lists, network architecture, and cybersecurity requirements in coordination with IT/OT. Develop and review design deliverables (P&IDs, control diagrams, sequences of operation, panel designs, wiring schematics, and specifications) from integrators and EPC partners. Lead vendor/integrator selection support, technical bid evaluation, and scope-of-work definition; manage technical interfaces and clarify RFI responses. Drive commissioning readiness: review test protocols, support FAT/SAT/IOQ, oversee functional testing, manage punch lists, and ensure turnover packages are complete. Coordinate cutovers, downtime planning, and operational readiness with Facilities/Operations; provide troubleshooting support and root cause analysis. Ensure compliance with applicable standards and site procedures (e.g., GMP where applicable), including change control, documentation practices, and validation deliverables. Mentor engineers/technicians and establish standards for alarms, trending, graphics, naming conventions, and CMMS/EMS integrations. Qualifications: Bachelor’s degree in Electrical/Mechanical/Controls Engineering (or equivalent experience). 8+ years of experience in industrial/facilities automation with at least 3 years in a technical lead or senior engineer role. Hands-on experience with BMS and automation platforms (e.g., Siemens Desigo, Rockwell Automation/Allen‑Bradley) and integrations/protocols such as BACnet/IP, Modbus TCP/RTU, OPC, EtherNet/IP, DeviceNet, and Fieldbus (as applicable). Experience with data historians and OT data collection (e.g., OSIsoft/AVEVA PI), including tag standards, data quality, and basic analytics/trending. Strong understanding of HVAC systems, central utilities, and building systems (AHUs, chillers, boilers, pumps, VFDs, cooling towers, steam, compressed air, WFI/RO where applicable). Ability to produce/review sequences of operation, control narratives, and commissioning/functional test documentation. Knowledge of OT networks, segmentation, and secure remote access; ability to collaborate with IT/cybersecurity teams on standards and risk mitigations. Proven experience supporting commissioning, startup, and troubleshooting in operating facilities. Strong communication and stakeholder management skills; able to coordinate across Facilities, Operations, IT/OT, EPC, and vendors. Additional Preferences: Experience in regulated environments (GMP, GxP), including validation (CSV), commissioning & qualification (C&Q), and data integrity practices. Experience integrating BMS to SCADA/EMS, historians, CMMS, or energy management platforms; KPI dashboards and analytics. Familiarity with ISA-95/ISA-88 concepts and Purdue model; industrial cybersecurity frameworks (IEC 62443, NIST). Ability to develop or review BMS graphics/HMI standards and alarm management best practices. PE license, PMP, or relevant vendor certifications (nice-to-have). Availability to Travel/Expected Travel: Up to 10–25% (site visits, vendor FAT/SAT support as needed) Work Location: In person