Automation Engineer

Cephas Consultancy Services Private Limited

United States, Arkansas, Little Rock

Positions: 2 | Full time

Experience: 3–15 years

Compensation details: Relocation assistance up to $5,000

Job Description

Position: Automation Engineer – Siemens PLCs and Drives

Position Overview

We are seeking an experienced Automation Engineer with strong expertise in Siemens PLC systems, HMI/SCADA, industrial communication networks, and variable frequency drives (VFDs). The successful candidate will design, program, commission, troubleshoot, and maintain industrial automation and motion-control systems.

The ideal candidate will have hands-on experience with Siemens TIA Portal, S7-1200/S7-1500 and S7-300/400 PLCs, Siemens drives, HMIs, and industrial Ethernet/PROFINET networks, and be able to troubleshoot electrical and automation systems in a production environment.

Key Responsibilities

  • Develop, modify, and troubleshoot Siemens PLC programs using TIA Portal.
  • Program and maintain Siemens S7-300/400, S7-1200, and S7-1500 PLCs.
  • Develop and modify HMI applications using WinCC.
  • Configure, commission, and troubleshoot Siemens VFDs and servo drives, including parameter setup, drive commissioning, fault diagnostics, and motor control.
  • Troubleshoot PLC, HMI, drive, I/O, sensor, actuator, and communication-related issues.
  • Configure and troubleshoot PROFINET, PROFIBUS, Ethernet/IP, Modbus TCP/RTU, and other industrial communication systems as required.
  • Perform PLC hardware configuration, I/O mapping, device integration, and network configuration.
  • Support machine installation, startup, commissioning, and production ramp-up.
  • Read and interpret electrical schematics, control panel drawings, P&IDs, and machine documentation.
  • Develop and maintain electrical and automation documentation, PLC backups, I/O lists, network drawings, and software revision records.
  • Analyze machine faults and implement permanent corrective actions to improve equipment reliability.
  • Work with electrical, mechanical, manufacturing, and maintenance teams to resolve automation issues.
  • Perform preventive and predictive maintenance on automation equipment.
  • Support machine upgrades, controls retrofits, and continuous-improvement projects.
  • Follow electrical, machine-safety, and company standards during installation and troubleshooting.
  • Provide technical support and training to maintenance technicians and operators.

Required Qualifications

  • Bachelor’s or associate degree in Electrical Engineering, Automation Engineering, Controls Engineering, Mechatronics, or a related field.
  • Strong hands-on experience with Siemens PLCs and TIA Portal.
  • Experience with Siemens S7-300/400 and S7-1200/S7-1500 PLC platforms.
  • Strong knowledge of Siemens VFDs and drives, including setup, programming, commissioning, and troubleshooting.
  • Experience with WinCC HMI development and troubleshooting.
  • Good understanding of industrial control panels, PLC I/O, sensors, relays, contactors, motors, and control circuits.
  • Ability to troubleshoot using electrical schematics, PLC diagnostics, and test equipment.
  • Knowledge of industrial communication protocols, particularly PROFINET and PROFIBUS.
  • Understanding of three-phase motors, motor starters, VFDs, encoders, and basic motion-control systems.

Preferred Qualifications

  • Experience with Siemens SINAMICS G120, G120C, S120, or V20 drives.
  • Experience with Siemens servo systems and motion control.
  • Experience with Safety PLCs, Siemens ET 200 systems, and safety I/O.
  • Knowledge of Siemens Safety Integrated systems.
  • Experience with SCADA systems and industrial data collection.
  • Knowledge of OPC UA and industrial networking.
  • Experience with machine vision, robotics, or automated material-handling systems.
  • Familiarity with AutoCAD Electrical or EPLAN.
  • Experience with industrial Ethernet network troubleshooting.
  • Knowledge of machine safety standards and lockout/tagout procedures.

Technical Skills

  • PLC: Siemens S7-1200, S7-1500, TIA Portal, PLC diagnostics, troubleshooting, and structured programming.
  • HMI/SCADA: Siemens WinCC, HMI configuration, alarm management, trends, and user interfaces.
  • Drives and Motion: Siemens SINAMICS V20/G120/G120C/S120, VFD commissioning, motor control, servo systems, parameterization, and fault diagnostics.
  • Networks: PROFINET, PROFIBUS, Industrial Ethernet, Modbus TCP/RTU, and device integration.
  • Electrical: Control panels, MCCs, motor starters, relays, contactors, sensors, actuators, and electrical schematics.
  • Troubleshooting: PLC logic, I/O faults, drive faults, communication faults, sensor/actuator problems, and machine downtime.

Work Environment

This position may require working in a manufacturing or industrial environment, including production floors, control rooms, and electrical/control panels. The engineer may be required to support equipment commissioning, troubleshooting, and production issues outside normal working hours when necessary.

Ideal Candidate

The ideal candidate is a hands-on controls professional who can independently troubleshoot a machine from the electrical panel through the PLC, network, HMI, drive, motor, and field device. Strong Siemens PLC and drive experience, analytical troubleshooting skills, and the ability to work effectively with maintenance and production teams are essential.