Automation Specialist I

About Prime

Introducing Prime Controls, L.P. 

 

Established in 2004, Prime Controls, L.P. is a family-owned Systems Integration and I&C Construction firm dedicated to meeting clients’ industrial automation and control requirements. As a Main Automation Contractor, we offer comprehensive solutions, supported by our size, expertise, and extensive experience. With a professional team of 1000+ employees, Prime Controls serves customers nationwide from our Dallas, Texas headquarters and offices throughout the United States. Our mission is to deliver the highest quality professional services while prioritizing our employees’ well-being and fostering an exceptional workplace environment. 

Overview

Position Summary

This is a field-based role requiring approximately 75% travel to customer and project sites. Candidates must be comfortable with frequent overnight travel and working in industrial environments while supporting system startups, commissioning activities, troubleshooting, and customer support.

 

As an Automation Specialist I, you will assist with most aspects of system integration projects by identifying parts and components for PLC, network, computer, and software systems; programming PLCs and HMIs; testing functionality of program logic and installed equipment; troubleshooting software and system issues during startup and commissioning; and developing documentation and user manuals created throughout the project lifecycle. This role involves significant time at customer facilities supporting installation, startup, commissioning, testing, and troubleshooting of industrial automation systems.

Key Responsibilities

• Read and interpret electrical drawings, control diagrams, specifications, and other technical documentation.
• Assist with developing bills of materials (BOMs), I/O lists, control panel requirements, and system documentation.
• Develop and modify PLC programs using ladder logic, function block, and other related programming languages.
• Develop and configure Human Machine Interface (HMI) applications.
• Assist with configuring industrial networks, computers, controllers, instrumentation, and other automation components.
• Develop and execute hardware and software test plans, including simulation logic used to validate PLC and HMI functionality.
• Support system startup, commissioning, field testing, and troubleshooting at customer and project sites.
• Travel extensively to customer locations to assist with installation, startup, commissioning, maintenance, and support activities.
• Troubleshoot PLC, HMI, network, instrumentation, hardware, and software issues.
• Identify and resolve issues resulting from design changes, drawing discrepancies, instrumentation specifications, or field conditions.
• Work with engineers, project teams, customers, manufacturers, and vendors to resolve technical issues.
• Develop and maintain project documentation, operating procedures, and user manuals.
• Provide customers with training on the operation and use of completed automation systems.
• Respond to service requests and assist with diagnosing and resolving control system failures as needed.
• Maintain a high level of professionalism and customer service while working at client facilities.

Travel Requirements

• Approximately 75% travel is required.
• Frequent overnight travel should be expected.
• Work will primarily be performed at customer facilities, industrial plants, manufacturing sites, and project locations.
• Travel schedules may vary based on project assignments, startup schedules, customer needs, and service requirements.
• Valid driver's license and ability to travel independently are required.

Qualifications

Required

• Bachelor's degree in Electrical Engineering, Computer Engineering, Mechatronics Engineering, Automation Engineering, or a related technical discipline; OR an associate degree or technical certification in automation, controls, instrumentation, electronics, or a related field; OR equivalent industrial controls experience.
• Ability to read and interpret technical drawings, schematics, and documentation.
• Strong troubleshooting and problem-solving skills.
• Ability to communicate effectively and work collaboratively with technical teams and customers.
• Ability and willingness to travel approximately 75% of the time, including frequent overnight travel.
• Valid driver's license and acceptable driving record.

Preferred

• Internship, co-op, academic, or professional experience working with industrial automation or control systems.
• Exposure to PLC programming, HMI development, industrial networking, instrumentation, or system commissioning.
• Experience working in manufacturing, industrial, utility, water/wastewater, or process automation environments.
• Strong mechanical aptitude and willingness to learn new automation technologies.

 

 

Benefits

What We Offer: 

 

Full-time employees enjoy a great benefits package including, but not limited to: 

• Health, Dental, and Vision coverage 

• Flexible Spending Account(s) 

• Generous PTO 

• Numerous culture events 
• ESOP

• 401k matching and more! 

Work Environment & Physical Demands (Text Only)

Physical requirements and work environment expectations vary by position. Generally, roles at Prime Controls may involve moderate noise, occasional exposure to outdoor weather conditions, and, depending on the role, work at heights or around airborne particles and electrical components. Physical activities may include standing, walking, sitting, climbing, balancing, stooping, kneeling, crouching, or crawling, as well as the use of hands, arms, and voice communication. Some roles may require lifting and/or moving up to 50 pounds. Vision requirements may include close vision, distance vision, and the ability to adjust focus. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions of the job.

EEO

Prime Controls is an Equal Opportunity Employer/Affirmative Action/Veteran/Disabled employer.

 

As a federal contractor, Prime Controls is required to participate in the federal government’s E-Verify program, which confirms employment authorization of all newly hired employees and most existing employees through an electronic database maintained by the Social Security Administration and Department of Homeland Security. For new hires, the E-Verify process is completed in conjunction with the Form I-9 Employment Eligibility Verification on or before the first day of work. E-Verify is not used as a tool to pre-screen candidates.