Automation Specialist

Role Summary
This position requires an experienced automation specialist with expertise in power and energy infrastructure systems, including battery energy storage systems (BESS), substations, and generation assets. The role entails supporting commissioning, startup, and operational activities, ensuring safety, efficiency, and compliance throughout project execution. The incumbent will lead technical efforts, troubleshoot issues, and collaborate across teams to facilitate successful system handover and long-term reliability.

Responsibilities

• Demonstrate advanced technical expertise in automation systems supporting commissioning, startup, and operations for power and energy infrastructure projects.
• Support safe, efficient commissioning and system turnover, including coordination of Factory Acceptance Testing (FAT), Site Acceptance Testing (SAT), punch-list resolution, and system documentation.
• Develop and execute commissioning plans, procedures, and automation test protocols aligned with industry standards and project requirements.
• Prepare and deliver technical briefings, commissioning readiness reviews, and post-event summaries to project leadership and cross-functional teams.
• Maintain knowledge of relevant industry standards (e.g., NFPA 70E, IEEE, NERC) and apply best practices in commissioning and operational procedures.
• Collaborate with engineering, construction, operations, and OEMs to ensure design compliance, develop corrective action plans, and facilitate operator training and knowledge transfer.
• Serve as a technical lead for automation standards, including control system configuration, startup/shutdown logic validation, alarm management, SCADA integration, and documentation.
• Support cybersecurity initiatives, control system patching, and hardware lifecycle management during commissioning and operational transitions.
• Troubleshoot PLC/DCS/HMI issues during energization and startup, providing real-time support to minimize downtime.
• Drive continuous improvement by incorporating lessons learned into future commissioning projects and processes.

Qualifications

• High School Diploma or GED with a minimum of 8 years of progressive experience in power generation, energy infrastructure, commissioning, or industrial automation.
• Preferred: Bachelor's Degree in Engineering, Engineering Technology, or related field.
• Strong organizational and interpersonal skills with a focus on safety, particularly during energization and high-risk activities.
• Proficiency in Microsoft Office Suite and standard field reporting tools.
• Advanced knowledge of enterprise automation systems such as AssetCentre or equivalents for configuration management, backups, and compliance.
• Solid understanding of programmable logic controllers (PLCs), distributed control systems (DCS), SCADA, HMI interfaces, and communication protocols including Modbus, DNP3, and IEC 61850.
• Experience supporting automation workflows, including system turnover, redline validation, and documentation tracking.
• Ability to work on 12-hour rotating shifts, including nights, holidays, and in various conditions such as extreme temperatures, loud environments, and confined spaces.
• Capable of lifting weights up to 50 lbs and performing tasks at elevated levels using ladders, scaffolding, or lifts with appropriate PPE.

Publishing Pay Range: $30.00 - $35.00 hourly

This position is based in the office and requires employee to work on-site.

About GDH:
At GDH, we believe in the power of people and the importance of caring. Our culture statement, "We care about people," isn't just a tagline - it's the core of everything we do. GDH is a premier staffing and talent solutions company dedicated to helping businesses find the best talent and assisting job seekers in finding their dream jobs.

Who We Are:
GDH, founded in 2001, has grown into a leader in providing staffing solutions across various industries. We specialize in IT across several sectors, connecting top talent with leading enterprises. As a Best of Staffing firm recognized for excellence in client, employee, talent, and women's services, we pride ourselves on our commitment to quality and service.

GDH Benefits

GDH offers a range of employee benefits that are designed to promote well-being and help maintain a healthy work-life balance. These comprehensive benefits cover various aspects of an employee's life and aim to enhance their overall experience with the company. Our health benefits include three medical insurance options with access to KISx Card, Zero Card, and HealthJoy concierge services. Other plan offerings include dental, vision, life, disability, supplemental insurance, and pet insurance plans. Enjoy additional perks like holiday pay, 401(k) plan, direct deposit, an employee referral program, work-life balance benefits, a Wellbeats membership, a discounted gym membership program, and more! For more detailed information on benefits, please go to GDH's website under the tab for candidates.

GDH provides equal employment opportunities (EEO) to all employees and applicants for employment and prohibits discrimination and harassment of any type without regard to race, color, religion, gender, sex (including pregnancy), sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, age, disability, genetic information, marital status, ancestry, protected veteran status, military or uniformed service member status, or any other status or characteristic protected by applicable federal, state, and local laws. Applicants with disabilities who require an accommodation or assistance in applying and/or for interviewing, please contact our HR Department.

Please visit our notice of collection for California applicants.