Summary

Automation Systems Technicians install, repair, and maintain computer-based control systems that monitor and control any number of electrical and mechanical systems ranging from a building's mechanical and electrical equipment including heating, ventilation, and air conditioning (HVAC), and energy management systems to process controls, water distribution equipment and wastewater collection systems.

They apply knowledge of various trades, such as electrical, mechanical, industrial, telecommunications and information systems networks, to computer-based control systems, building automation, environmental control, energy systems, and SCADA utilized in in commercial and industrial buildings and facilities. They interface with customers, architects, engineers, and contractors to install and service automation systems, including project start‐up and commissioning, in office buildings and industrial facilities.

Essential Duties and Responsibilities

· Creating control programming for projects based on design, sequence of operation, and project requirements

· Loading and configuring software for field and network level controllers

· Conducting commissioning and system diagnostics for all levels of system controllers and end devices, such as sensors and actuators

· Completing necessary commissioning documentation and keeping management, contractor or customer informed of job progress and any issues encountered

· Regularly work with mechanical, electrical, and low voltage controls components and instrumentation

· Calibrate system devices using basic electronic test and calibration equipment

· Managing administrative tasks, including time sheets, expense reports, and on-site documentation

· Documenting changes and providing information for as-built documentation

· Handles emergency service calls as directed during the workday and after hours if on-call

· Responds to customer service calls (on-site or on-line); checks indicated points of trouble; analyzes full requirements of system; checks and tests system components

· Diagnoses trouble or defect; determines corrective action and repairs system

· Performs preventative maintenance and diagnostics on automation system and components according to contract scope of work and service agreements as applicable

· Tests and verify system readings ensuring an optimal system operation

· Generates drawings and schematics for the project by using computer aided design (CAD) software

· Generates graphics and populates database required for the project

· Programs controls using a wide variety of third-party and proprietary software

· Develops or modifies electronic devices, circuits, or systems according to specifications

· Reads electrical drawings and electrical schematics

· Sets up and tests communications devices for the systems (i.e., cell modems, wireless radios, fiber, or internet connection)

· Works with sub-contractors to install system components

· Performs onsite start-up and check-out of the control systems

· Observes functioning of installed equipment or system to detect hazards and need for adjustments, relocation, or replacement

Qualifications

To perform this job successfully, an individual must be able to perform each essential duty satisfactorily. The requirements listed below are representative of the knowledge, skill, and/or ability required. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.

Education, Skills, Knowledge, and Experience

· Associate degree or equivalent from a two-year college or technical school; or six months to one-year related experience and/or training; or equivalent combination of education and experience

· Minimum of 3 years’ experience in controls and automation, including troubleshooting, diagnosis, and repair of process control and/or digital control systems.

· Minimum of two year’s experience with PLCs (AB/Rockwell Automation preferred)

· Experience with Ignition or VTSCADA HMI software is a plus

· BACnet, TCP/IP, SQL and Modbus protocols experience.

· Excellent verbal and written communication and customer relationship skills; team player

· Must possess a valid driver's license with satisfactory driving record

· Must pass a background screening for work on a federal installation

· Time management; organizational skills

· Adaptability; dependability; flexibility; integrity

Certificates, Licenses, Registrations

Current Driver’s License. Electrical License preferred.

Language Skills

Ability to read and interpret documents such as safety rules, operating and maintenance instructions, and procedure manuals. Ability to write routine reports and correspondence. Ability to speak effectively before groups of customers or employees of an organization.

Travel/On-Call

May require occasional or extended travel out-of-town based on project need. The employee will have unrestricted on-call duties in this position.

Mathematical Skills

Ability to add, subtract, multiply, and divide in all units of measure, using whole numbers, common fractions, and decimals. Ability to compute rate, ratio, and percent and to draw and interpret bar graphs.

Computer Skills

To perform this job successfully, an individual should have knowledge of Excel Spreadsheet software, Word Processing software and Outlook Internet software.

IT and Networking Skills

Basic understanding of networking principles; specifically networking connectivity and the ability to troubleshoot networking links and field-verify IT equipment. Competency certificates are not required (i.e., A Networking, Cisco System certification, etc.) but are helpful in determining level of technical aptitude for IT troubleshooting capability.

Equipment/Systems

Ability to operate standard office machines such as copier, computer, fax, calculator, etc. and proficient in typical office technologies such as computers, tablet devices, and associated software.

Confidential Data

Work with some confidential data of major importance such as development or research projects or profit margins which, if disclosed, may be detrimental to the company’s interest.

Security Clearance

Ability to pass government background check for restricted area access.

Supervisory Responsibilities

This job has no supervisory responsibilities.

Mental/Visual/Auditory Demand

Flow of work and character of duties involves normal mental and visual attention much or all the time. Ability to solve practical problems and deal with a variety of concrete variables in situations where only limited standardization exists. Ability to interpret a variety of instructions furnished in written, oral, diagram, or schedule form.

Complexity of Duties

Wide variety of duties involving an overall general knowledge of inter-related company operations, policies, and procedures and their application to cases not previously covered. Duties require considerable judgment, originality, and creative thinking to work independently towards general results; to apply logical thought processes to define problems, collect and interpret data, establish facts, and draw valid conclusions; to devise new and modify and adapt existing methods, techniques, and procedures to meet new or unusual requirements and to make related decisions guided by precedent and within limits of established policies.

Supervision Received

Under general direction working from company policies and general objectives with little functional guidance. Rarely refers specific cases to supervisor unless clarification or interpretation of company policies is involved.

Physical Demands

The physical demands described here are representative of those that must be met by an employee to successfully perform the essential functions of this job. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions. While performing the duties of this Job, the employee is frequently required to stand; walk; sit; use hands to finger, handle, or feel and talk or hear. The employee is occasionally required to reach with hands and arms; climb or balance; stoop, and kneel, crouch, or crawl. The employee is frequently required to navigate a tight working space and work above shoulders for an extended time.

The employee must regularly lift and/or move up to 25 pounds, frequently lift and/or move up to 50 pounds and occasionally lift and/or move more than 50 pounds using two or more people to lift the load or with the aid of mechanical assistance devices (i.e., dollies, carts, lifts). Specific vision abilities required by this job include close vision, distance vision, color vision, peripheral vision, depth perception and ability to adjust focus.

Work Environment

The work environment characteristics described here are representative of those an employee encounters while performing the essential functions of this job. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions. While performing the duties of this job, the employee is frequently exposed to outside weather conditions and the risk of electrical shock.

The employee is occasionally exposed to wet and/or humid conditions; moving mechanical parts; fumes or airborne particles; extreme cold; extreme heat and vibration. The noise level in the work environment is usually moderate. Risk of occupational exposure to potentially infectious materials and radio frequency emissions.