Commissioning engineer, Plant Automation

Wärtsilä is an innovative technology company known for being a forerunner in the Marine and Energy markets. Every day, we – Wärtsilians - put our hearts and minds into turning Wärtsilä's purpose of enabling sustainable societies through innovation in technology and services into reality. Our ultimate aim is to provide increased value to both our customers and society. New, game-changing ideas and continuous improvement have been part of our DNA since 1834. Together, we can create new business opportunities and more sustainable future that we can all be proud of. 

We want to transition the world towards a decarbonised and sustainable future. By pushing the boundaries of engineering and technology, we can make it work. We are always on the lookout for future-oriented talent – want to join the ride?

Commissioning Engineer, Plant Automation

Location: United States | Houston, TX preferred; open to remote work from other U.S. locations

This role focuses on commissioning plant-level automation systems in new-build power plants. You will bring plant control systems to life, including PLC automation, HMI/SCADA platforms, servers, industrial networks, OT cybersecurity, and interfaces with electrical systems and third-party equipment. The position focuses on plant-level automation and the verification of interfaces to engine and equipment control systems.

Your work will focus on these 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 the 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.

To be able to succeed in the position, we expect you to have

Required

• 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, control-loop tuning and adjustments.
• Proven ability to work independently in dynamic and demanding site environments.
• Excellent written and spoken English.

Nice to have knowledge in:

PLC and control systems

• PLC platforms such as Siemens Step 7, Siemens TIA Portal (V13 or higher), Modicon Unity / EcoStruxure Control Expert, B&R or comparable systems.
• PLC logic programming, testing and troubleshooting; reading P&IDs, electrical schematics, single-line diagrams (SLDs), automation layouts, I/O lists and control-loop drawings.
• Automation process knowledge, including control-loop tuning, sequences and interlocks.

HMI, servers and virtualization

• Server-based HMI/SCADA and plant control systems, including configuration, testing and troubleshooting.
• Server environments and virtualization (Microsoft Hyper-V), thin clients, Windows Server and Active Directory.
• Engineering workstations, reporting and archiving solutions (e.g., Dream Report), and backup and restore procedures.

Industrial networks and communication

• IP networks, VLANs, managed switches, ring topologies, routers, firewalls (e.g., Fortinet), VPN and NTP time synchronization.
• Industrial communication protocols such as CAN bus, Modbus (RTU/TCP), Profibus and OPC UA; network diagnostic tools such as Wireshark.

OT cybersecurity

• Network segmentation (DMZ and security zones), device hardening, least-privilege access management, backups and logging.
• Awareness of IEC 62443 and, where applicable to North American projects, NERC CIP requirements.

Plant interfaces and electrical systems

• Plant-level signal exchange with engine control and third-party equipment, including power plant operating processes and balance-of-plant systems (fuel, cooling and ventilation).
• Protection relays, automatic voltage regulators (AVRs), power monitoring units, variable frequency drives (VFDs), MV/LV switchgear and DC/UPS systems.
• Secure remote connectivity solutions, gateways and remote diagnostics.

Commissioning methods, tools and safety

• Commissioning procedures, quality and test documentation, punch-list management, and formal validation and sign-off processes.
• Test equipment such as multimeters, clamp meters, loop/process calibrators, network test equipment and fibre inspection tools.
• EHS practices, including Permit to Work (PTW), lockout/tagout (LOTO), job safety and environmental analysis (JSEA), NFPA 70E and site-specific safety rules.

Additional experience and certifications

• Commissioning plant automation and control systems from major industrial automation suppliers.
• Relevant network certifications (e.g., Cisco or Fortinet) and safety certifications (e.g., OSHA 10/30 or equivalent).

Last application date: 27/11/2026 

At Wärtsilä we value, respect and embrace all our differences, and are committed to diversity, inclusion and equal employment opportunities; everyone can be their true self and succeed based on their job-relevant merits and abilities. 

Please note that according to Wärtsilä policy, voluntary consent for a security check may be required from candidates being considered for this position, depending on the applicable country.

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