Commissioning engineer, Plant Automation

Wärtsilä • Houston, TX

1d • Remote

About The Position

Wärtsilä is seeking a Commissioning Engineer, Plant Automation, to commission plant-level automation systems in new-build power plants. The role brings plant control systems into operation, including PLC automation, HMI/SCADA platforms, servers, industrial networks, OT cybersecurity, and interfaces with electrical systems and third-party equipment. Its focus is plant-level automation and verification of interfaces to engine and equipment control systems. The position is based in the United States, with Houston, Texas preferred; remote work from other U.S. locations is also possible.

The engineer tests and commissions automation systems, supports installation and site commissioning, verifies plant interfaces, troubleshoots and tunes control systems, and prepares commissioning documentation. The work is performed in power plant and other industrial site environments and includes adherence to quality procedures and site safety requirements.

Requirements

• BSc or MSc degree in automation, electrical engineering, or a related field.
• At least 5 years of hands-on experience commissioning plant automation, engine automation, or process automation systems in power plants, process industries, or comparable industrial environments.
• Strong practical experience with PLC programming, HMI/SCADA systems, and industrial communication networks.
• Expert-level knowledge of automation processes and control-loop tuning and adjustments.
• Ability to work independently in dynamic and demanding site environments.
• Excellent written and spoken English.

Nice To Haves

• Experience with PLC platforms such as Siemens Step 7, Siemens TIA Portal V13 or higher, Modicon Unity/EcoStruxure Control Expert, B&R, or comparable systems.
• Experience programming, testing, and troubleshooting PLC logic; reading P&IDs, electrical schematics, single-line diagrams, automation layouts, I/O lists, and control-loop drawings; and working with control loops, sequences, and interlocks.
• Experience configuring, testing, and troubleshooting server-based HMI/SCADA and plant control systems.
• Experience with server environments and virtualization, including Microsoft Hyper-V, thin clients, Windows Server, and Active Directory.
• Experience with engineering workstations, reporting and archiving solutions such as Dream Report, and backup and restore procedures.
• Knowledge of IP networks, VLANs, managed switches, ring topologies, routers, firewalls such as Fortinet, VPN, and NTP time synchronization.
• Knowledge of CAN bus, Modbus RTU/TCP, Profibus, OPC UA, and network diagnostic tools such as Wireshark.
• Knowledge of OT cybersecurity practices, including network segmentation, device hardening, least-privilege access management, backups, and logging; awareness of IEC 62443 and, where applicable to North American projects, NERC CIP requirements.
• Experience with plant-level signal exchange with engine controls and third-party equipment, power plant operating processes, and balance-of-plant systems such as fuel, cooling, and ventilation.
• Knowledge of protection relays, automatic voltage regulators, power monitoring units, variable frequency drives, MV/LV switchgear, and DC/UPS systems.
• Experience with secure remote connectivity solutions, gateways, and remote diagnostics.
• Knowledge of commissioning procedures, quality and test documentation, punch-list management, and formal validation and sign-off processes.
• Experience with test equipment such as multimeters, clamp meters, loop/process calibrators, network test equipment, and fibre inspection tools.
• Knowledge of EHS practices including Permit to Work, lockout/tagout, job safety and environmental analysis, NFPA 70E, and site-specific safety rules.
• Commissioning experience with plant automation and control systems from major industrial automation suppliers.
• Relevant network certifications such as Cisco or Fortinet, and safety certifications such as OSHA 10/30 or equivalent.

Responsibilities

• Test and commission plant automation systems, including PLCs, HMI/SCADA platforms, servers, and industrial networks.
• Carry out I/O and loop checks, functional testing of sequences and interlocks, and integrated plant-level testing.
• Supervise installation of plant automation equipment and support commissioning activities at power plant sites.
• Verify plant-level interfaces with engine control systems, electrical systems, and third-party equipment.
• Troubleshoot automation faults, tune control loops, and contribute to improvements based on site and warranty feedback.
• Prepare accurate internal and external commissioning reports in accordance with project procedures and quality standards.

What This Job Offers

• Job Type: Full-time
• Career Level: Senior