Lead Automation Technician Commissioning Specialist

Working at Knobelsdorff

Along with building state-of-the-art projects, we build meaningful careers, lasting opportunities, and teams of dedicated individuals who truly own their work. As a leading turnkey specialty contractor specializing in Automation, Electric, Energy, and Power Services, our team tackles challenging, cutting-edge projects that provide opportunities to build new skills, confidence, and gain valuable hands-on experience in a variety of different industries. We tackle industrial electrical installations, advanced automation systems, and renewable energy solutions.

Since our founding as a family-owned company in 1988, we've grown while staying true to our core value. Starting your career with Knobelsdorff means joining a culture that values your contributions, moves quickly, takes calculated risks, and celebrates team members who step up and own their work.

If you're ready to join a team where your voice matters, your growth is supported, and your impact is celebrated, Knobelsdorff (KE) is the place for you.

Job Purpose

The Lead Automation Technician – Commissioning supports the goals of the Automation division by leading onsite commissioning and startup activities for industrial and mission‑critical automation systems. This role plays a key part in delivering high‑quality, reliable control systems by ensuring automation, instrumentation, and industrial networks are installed, tested, and validated to project specifications.

You’ll be responsible for leading field commissioning efforts that directly impact system performance, project schedules, and customer confidence. Success in this role means delivering systems that are ready for operation, mentoring technicians in the field, and upholding KE’s commitment to Safety, People, Passion, and Performance. If you thrive in fast‑paced environments and take pride in technical leadership and ownership, this role is built for you.

What You’ll Do

You’ll be part of a team that gets things done and takes pride in the results. Your responsibilities may include:

• Lead onsite commissioning activities for automation and control systems, ensuring work aligns with project schedules and specifications
• Perform I/O checkout, loop verification, and point‑to‑point wiring verification for sensors, actuators, and instrumentation
• Support and guide PLC configuration, startup, and troubleshooting efforts (Allen‑Bradley, Siemens, or similar platforms)
• Configure, install, and validate automation devices including VFDs, motor starters, remote I/O, IO‑Link devices, and control panels
• Configure and troubleshoot industrial networks (EtherNet/IP, Profinet, Modbus TCP), including IP addressing and communication verification
• Install and support managed/unmanaged Ethernet switches, fiber optics, and structured cabling
• Lead troubleshooting efforts to identify and resolve complex control system and network issues
• Coordinate daily commissioning activities and provide technical direction to technicians onsite
• Serve as the primary technical point of contact during commissioning activities
• Document commissioning results, deficiencies, system configurations, and network/IP schemes
• Communicate progress, risks, and system readiness to project teams and customers
• Ensure all work complies with safety requirements, project standards, and KE quality expectations

What You Bring

You’re someone who shows up ready to lead, solve problems, and support the team. Successful candidates typically bring:

• 5–10+ years of hands‑on experience in industrial automation, controls, electrical systems, or commissioning environments
• Strong working knowledge of PLC‑based control systems, field instrumentation, and electrical fundamentals
• Proven experience with:
  • I/O checkout and system commissioning
  • PLC configuration, startup, and troubleshooting
  • Industrial networking and IP addressing
• Ability to read and interpret electrical schematics, loop drawings, and network diagrams
• Experience with Ethernet switches, gateways, distributed I/O, and networked field devices
• Strong troubleshooting skills and ability to drive issues to resolution
• Prior experience mentoring technicians or acting as a technical lead in the field

Preferred Qualifications

• Experience leading commissioning activities onsite
• Experience with IO‑Link systems (devices, masters, and gateways)
• Experience in data centers or other mission‑critical facilities
• Knowledge of fiber optics, VLANs, and industrial network design
• OSHA 10, OSHA 30, or equivalent safety certifications

Pay Range

We believe in paying for the value you bring to the team, and we aim to be competitive in every market we hire in.

Pay Range: $49/hr- $53/hr

Total Rewards Statement

As a full-time employee at Knobelsdorff, you'll have access to a comprehensive benefits package designed to support your health, wellbeing, and future.

• 100% employer-paid health and dental coverage for employees
• HSA contributions to support your medical expenses
• Company-paid life insurance and disability coverage
• 401(k) with competitive company match
• Profit sharing and performance-based incentives
• Paid weekly with competitive wages
• PTO, six paid holidays, and education reimbursement
• Exclusive employee discounts through Working Advantage

We believe your work should be rewarded with more than just a paycheck. At KE, we invest in your total wellbeing.

Physical Requirements

The physical demands described here are representative of those that must be met to successfully perform the essential functions of this job. Reasonable accommodation may be provided for individuals with disabilities.

Typical requirements may include:

• Ability to sit, stand, walk, kneel, and stoop for extended periods
• Ability to lift and carry up to 50 lbs
• Ability to work in close proximity to team members in a production environment

Accessibility: If you need accommodations as part of the employment process, please contact Knobelsdorff Human Resources at HR@KEway.com.

Equal Opportunity Employer (EEO)

Knobelsdorff (KE) is an EEO to all employees and applicants without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, age, disability, marital status, citizenship, veteran status, or any other protected characteristic under applicable federal, state, or local law.

Applicants have rights under Federal Employment Laws:

• EEO is the Law (English/Spanish)

KE participates in E-Verify and will provide the federal government with your Form I-9 information to confirm that you are authorized to work in the United States. For more information about E-Verify, please review the E-Verify Participation and Right to Work posters.

If you need accommodation during the hiring process, let us know and we’ll work with you.