Integration & Automation Engineer (Utility)

Qcells

Cartersville, GA

Estimated pay: Est. $26–$39/hr (market estimate, not employer-stated)

**Description**

**Integration & Automation Engineer, Utilities (Control Systems & OT Integration)**

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**Position Summary**

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Hanwha Qcells Georgia operates a vertically integrated solar manufacturing facility in Cartersville, GA, covering Ingot, Wafer, Cell, and Module production. The Integration & Automation Engineer is responsible for the design, configuration, integration, and reliable operation of the plant's utility control systems — including PLC, DCS, SCADA/FMCS, HMI, field instrumentation, and industrial networks — that connect electrical, mechanical, and process utility equipment into a single, monitored and controlled system in a 24/7 critical manufacturing environment.

**Key Responsibilities**

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**Control System Operation & Maintenance**

• Operate, maintain, and troubleshoot PLC, DCS, SCADA/FMCS, and HMI systems serving plant utilities (power distribution, chillers, compressed air, exhaust, UPW/wastewater, and bulk gas/chemical supply).
• Manage control system backups, program revision control, firmware/software updates, licenses, and spare hardware.
• Perform control loop checks, instrument calibration, and tuning of flow, pressure, temperature, level, and analyzer loops.

**System Integration & Communication**

• Integrate package PLCs, power meters, switchgear, VFDs/MCCs, and third-party equipment into FMCS/SCADA using Modbus TCP/RTU, OPC DA/UA, EtherNet/IP, PROFINET, BACnet, and serial (RS-485/RS-232) protocols.
• Develop and maintain I/O lists, point/tag mapping, alarm lists, and interface specifications; resolve communication and data quality issues between systems.
• Build and maintain HMI/SCADA graphics, alarms, trends, and historian data (e.g., OSIsoft/AVEVA PI) for operations and engineering use.

**Industrial Network & OT Cybersecurity**

• Maintain the OT network architecture (switches, fiber, remote I/O, gateways) and its segregation from the IT network.
• Implement OT cybersecurity practices, including access control, system hardening, patch management, and remote access procedures, in coordination with the IT team.

**Safety & Protection Systems**

• Maintain interlocks, emergency shutdown logic, and safety-related control functions; support review of safety instrumented functions and proof testing where applicable.
• Support interfaces between the control system and fire alarm, gas detection, and toxic gas monitoring systems.

**Troubleshooting & Reliability**

• Serve as first-line technical responder for control system failures, communication losses, and nuisance trips; lead root cause analysis and corrective action reports.
• Participate in the on-call rotation for after-hours control and automation emergencies.

**Projects & Expansion**

• Support plant capacity expansion and modification projects: develop control philosophy and functional design specifications, prepare RFQs and technical bid evaluations, review vendor submittals, and attend FAT/SAT.
• Oversee control system installation, loop checks, and commissioning (Level 3–5) through turnover; coordinate with EPC/controls contractors, system integrators, and equipment vendors.

**Documentation & Technical Support**

• Maintain system architecture drawings, P&IDs, loop drawings, control narratives, network diagrams, and as-built documentation.
• Provide technical guidance and training to automation and instrumentation technicians and operators.

**Minimum Qualifications**

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• Bachelor's degree in Electrical, Electronics, Control/Instrumentation, Computer Engineering, or a closely related field.
• 5+ years of hands-on experience in configuration, integration, commissioning, or maintenance of PLC, DCS, and/or SCADA systems in industrial, utility, or process plant environments.
• Working knowledge of industrial communication protocols (Modbus, OPC, Ethernet-based fieldbuses) and industrial networking.
• Ability to read and interpret P&IDs, loop diagrams, control narratives, one-line diagrams, and wiring diagrams.
• Familiarity with NEC, NFPA 70E, and OSHA electrical safety requirements.
• Proficiency in Microsoft Office, especially Excel.
• Ability to communicate effectively in English with contractors, vendors, and plant personnel.

**Preferred Qualifications**

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• **Experience integrating multi-vendor control systems (e.g., Allen-Bradley/Rockwell, Siemens, Yokogawa, Emerson, Honeywell) into a plant-wide SCADA/FMCS or historian platform.**
• Experience in semiconductor, high-purity chemical, solar, battery, or other mission-critical manufacturing facilities.
• Experience with safety instrumented systems (SIS/ESD) and fire & gas systems; TÜV Functional Safety Engineer (IEC 61511/61508) certification.
• Experience with OT cybersecurity standards and programs (e.g., ISA/IEC 62443).
• Electrical system knowledge, including MCCs, VFDs, switchgear, U