Lead Automation Specialist - Military veterans preferred

Cannon Corp

Description:

You’ll Come for a Job…But You’ll Stay for an Exciting Career! Engineering and Designing Reliable, Responsive, Solutions.

SINCE 1976, CANNON has provided creative solutions to clients in the energy industry, water resources, public infrastructure, and commercial and residential development. We work hard. We play hard. We have fun.

JOIN CANNON as a LEAD AUTOMATION SPECIALIST in SAN LUIS OBISPO. San Luis Obispo is on the beautiful central coast of California, has temperate weather, scenic beaches, is surrounded by the wine country, and offers endless recreational opportunities.

PROJECTS INCLUDE: Water Treatment, Wastewater Treatment, Water Reclamation and Recovery Facilities (WRRF), Water Distribution, Wastewater Collections, Oil & Gas, Aerospace, Food & Beverage, and Industrial Processes. 

LEAD AUTOMATION SPECIALIST JOB SUMMARY

The Lead Automation Specialist will independently address industrial electrical and control systems with a focus on functional analysis, technical evaluation, design goals, and solution development. This role includes designing, implementing, and enhancing automated systems and processes within manufacturing and industrial environments. Responsibilities cover system design, integration, testing, troubleshooting, project management, and client coordination. The position requires working in both office settings and onsite within heavy industrial environments.

LEAD AUTOMATION SPECIALIST JOB DUTIES

• Leads or supports integration projects, including scope development, budgeting, scheduling, and procurement.
• Assists in the development and cost estimation for proposals tailored to client requirements.
• Interfaces with clients to ensure successful project coordination, system performance, and client satisfaction.
• Designs and programs automated systems: PLCs, sensors, actuators, control panels, and HMI interfaces.
• Creates and troubleshoots PLC code (Rockwell, Modicon preferred) and HMI applications for industrial processes.
• Integrates new automation systems with existing processes and equipment.
• Oversee and train others to test, validate, and calibrate automated systems to ensure compliance, reliability, and safety.
• Identifies opportunities for process improvements to enhance efficiency, reduce costs, and increase system reliability.
• Maintains detailed documentation (schematics, SOPs, backups) for all automation systems.
• Specifies and commissions SCADA systems, including server/client setup, network architecture, and instrumentation.

REQUIREMENTS

• Minimum 6 years of experience integrating automation and electrical systems in industrial environments.
• Strong knowledge of PLC systems (Rockwell Automation, Modicon), HMI programming, and SCADA integration.
• Proficiency in industrial wiring diagrams, ladder schematics, and logic drawings.
• Programming experience in ladder logic, function block diagrams, and object-oriented structured text programming languages and SQL.
• Experience with process instrumentation and final control elements (VFDs, control valves, transmitters, sensors).
• Skilled with configuration tools, such as handheld HART communicators and computer-based configurators.
• Familiarity with industrial communication protocols (Ethernet/IP, RS232, RS485, HART, Serial/Ethernet radios).
• Proven project management experience across automation lifecycle phases.
• Strong problem-solving, documentation, and collaboration skills.
• Effective written and verbal communication in English.
• Ability to perform basic circuit and instrument calculations and apply mathematical concepts in engineering tasks.
• Certified Electrician license preferred; C10 License a plus.
• Valid driver’s license, proof of auto insurance and clean driving record required.

WE OFFER competitive salaries, an excellent benefits package, remote work flexibility, and an active and positive team-building work environment.

Cannon is an equal opportunity employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to status as a protected veteran or a qualified individual with a disability, or other protected status such as race, religion, color, national origin, sex, age. 

PI278368623