Electrical Technician - Automation & Controls - Houston

Sr. Automation & Controls Technician

ERock is a leader and innovator in distributed energy. ERock has responded to long-term trends in electricity by becoming the first smart-grid supplier to US energy consumers. The company installs, operates, and integrates its highly flexible, low-cost, and quick-response distributed generation to increase reliability and stability, reduce costs and decrease carbon footprint.

At ERock, our backup generators ensure that customers will never be without power, allowing their business to operate normally when there is an outage in the area. Our innovative approach provides customers with highly reliable, ultra-clean backup generation at a fraction of the cost of traditional backup solutions. We seek those who share our commitment to customer service, innovation, and ingenuity.

How You'll Make an Impact:

As a Sr. Automation & Controls Technician, you will serve as a hands-on technical leader responsible for the installation, commissioning, troubleshooting, and maintenance of electrical and control systems that support safe, reliable, and efficient power generation operations. You will leverage deep field expertise across PLCs, protective relays, generator controllers, and communication networks while mentoring junior technicians and supporting engineers in design and integration efforts.

Role:

This role requires a strong blend of field expertise, technical depth, and the ability to lead by example in complex environments. In this role, you will:

• Perform installation, commissioning, and troubleshooting of PLCs, HMIs, SCADA systems, protective relays, and generator controllers.
• Program and modify logic in Ladder Logic on platforms including industrial PLCs, DeepSea controllers (8610, 8660, 8680), and ComAP controllers (InteliMain 1010, InteliGen 1000) for genset control applications.
• Configure and commission SEL Relays (SEL-351, SEL-751, SEL-735, SEL-787) including protection settings, logic, and communications.
• Diagnosing and resolving complex faults across electrical generation, protection, and automation systems.
• Read, interpret, and redline electrical drawings, one-lines, wiring diagrams, control schematics, and P&IDs.
• Perform loop checks, functional testing, and pre-commissioning verification in accordance with project specifications.
• Support and lead FAT (Factory Acceptance Testing) and SAT (Site Acceptance Testing) activities.
• Troubleshoot communication networks including Modbus TCP/IP, Ethernet/IP, DNP3, and CAN bus.
• Mentor and guide Automation & Controls Technicians, providing technical direction and quality oversight.
• Collaborate with engineers to review and improve programming logic, system designs, and commissioning procedures.
• Maintain accurate as-built documentation, test records, and maintenance logs.
• Conduct and participate in risk assessments and always enforce site safety protocols.
• Operate effectively across both shop and field environments, including remote generation sites.

Required Qualifications That Enable Your Success:

High school diploma or equivalent required; Associate degree or technical certification in Electrical, Electronics, Instrumentation, or Automation preferred.

3 to 5+ years of hands-on experience in electrical or automation systems, with a focus on power generation or industrial control environments.

Proven experience programming and modifying PLC logic in Structured Text and Ladder Logic.

Demonstrated ability to configure and commission SEL protective relays and genset controllers (DeepSea, ComAP, or equivalent).

Strong working knowledge of Modbus TCP/IP, Ethernet/IP, DNP3, and CAN bus communication protocols.

Ability to read, interpret, and redline electrical schematics, wiring diagrams, one-lines, and control documentation.

Experience with loop checking, functional testing, and FAT/SAT commissioning processes.

Strong troubleshooting skills with the ability to work independently in high-pressure field conditions.

Demonstrated experience mentoring technicians or providing technical directions to others in shop and field settings.

Working knowledge of NFPA 70E and safe work practices around energized electrical equipment.

Valid driver's license and ability to travel to project sites, including remote generation sites (approximately 90% travel).

Preferred Qualifications That Drive You Forward:

Familiarity with SCADA systems and historian platforms.

OSHA 10 or OSHA 30 certification.

Experience with AutoCAD or similar electrical design tools.

Knowledge of IEEE standards applicable to protection and generation equipment.

Experience commissioning microgrid or distributed generation installations.

Do you have what it takes to join the ERock team? Send us your cover letter and resume today.

The physical demands described here are representative of those that must be met by an employee to successfully perform the essential functions of this job. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.

ERock is committed to creating a diverse environment and is proud to be an equal opportunity employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, gender, gender identity or expression, sexual orientation, national origin, genetics, disability, age, or veteran status.

At ERock, we embrace diversity, including all the unique characteristics that make us human: race, age, sexual orientation, gender identity, religion, disability, and education to name a few. We understand and recognize that diverse backgrounds and perspectives strengthen our teams and our business. The foundation of our diversity efforts is closely tied to our core values specifically our value of "The Team" which includes "Mutual Respect, Openness, and Honesty."