Principal Automation Engineer
Status:
Exempt (salaried)
Department:
Engineering – Electrical, Instrumentation & Controls
Position Summary
The Automation Engineer is a key member of the Electrolyzer engineering team and requires close interaction with the cross-discipline engineering, delivery, manufacturing, commissioning and service support teams. In this position the individual is responsible for the design, integration and testing of Package Controllers and Integrated Control & Safety systems of Plug's hydrogen generation systems. By combining strong troubleshooting skills, quality focus, and collaboration with cross-functional teams, the Automation Engineer ensures system robustness, user satisfaction, and continuous improvement of the existing control and safety systems. The successful candidate must be self-motivated, able to handle multiple assignments and willing to learn and adapt in a fast-paced engineering organization.
Core Duties and Responsibilities
Responsible for technical design of Plug's automation & control systems e.g. package control systems (PLC), Distributed Control & Safety Systems (DCS/ESD) and integrated control & safety systems (ICSS)
Develop basis of design and control system architectures for automation system and subsystem of next generation hydrogen generation systems considering cost reductions and reliability improvements
Ensure that interfaces with other engineering disciplines (e.g. process, instrumentation, functional safety and electrical) are consistent and aligned
Responsible for handling technical communication with external engineering parties, suppliers and where applicable to clients
Review documents prepared by sub-contractors to ensure quality and consistency




Provide support during the conceptual and basic design phase and help estimating costs of the project (hours, equipment and construction budgets)
Create system and subsystem specification/automation philosophy for procurement of automation systems
Assist in developing a project specific system design with all associated documentation (philosophies, layouts, specifications, block diagrams, Cause & Effect diagrams, etc.)
Ensure functional safety software/application design, development, testing, operation and maintenance will be in accordance with the IEC * standards
Ensure cybersecurity requirements are embedded during system design and with secure access controls across PLC, SCADA and DCS environments
Participate in technical review meetings (P&ID; review / HAZOP / SIL / LOPA / etc.)
Identify issues (problems, value improvement opportunities) and help clarify areas of complexity during all phases of the engineering design work
Provide frontline support for control system faults and subsystem communications issues on Electrolyzer systems in operation
Perform diagnostic and failure analysis on PLC/DCS-based systems
Assist in developing Functional Safety Management processes / procedures / instructions related to control systems




Assist in developing and implementation in an organization-wide IACS cybersecurity management system in line with the IEC * standards
Is well-versed with (International) Codes & Standards, e.g. CE, IEC, ATEX, and ensures that designs comply with applicable codes & standards/legislation
Developing knowledge and skills to be able to address current and future project needs
Stay informed on the latest developments in industrial automation and IIoT/Edge solutions, OT cybersecurity and relevant codes & standards and ensure these developments are integrated into Plug's control system designs and practices.
Proactively communicate technical risks, challenges, and scope changes to the Engineering Manager and escalate critical issues as needed to ensure timely resolution
Responsible for growing Automation knowledge & expertise within the team
Mentor team members on design work and act as senior technical resource for guidance
Always Represent Plug Power in a professional manner and in all interactions
Perform all other duties as assigned
Education and Experience
Bachelor's or Master's degree in industrial automation and relevant work experience
Has at least 10 years of experience as Automation engineer, preferably in renewable energy sector and/or product manufacturing and testing environment
Experience with Control System Hardware and Specification – I/O modules, ESD/SIS, BPCS, package control systems (PLC), Architecture Design, etc.
Knowledge and experience with various Package controllers (e.g. Siemens S**, Schneider Electric M580, etc.) and SCADA-HMI systems
Knowledge and experience with various DCS based controllers (e.g. Emerson DeltaV, ABB 800xA, Honeywell Experion C300, Siemens PCS7, etc.)
Knowledge and experience with Functional

📌 Principal Automation Engineer (España)
🏢 Plug Power
📍 España