Senior Automation Engineer

About the Role

You will lead complex automation and control system projects from scope development and cost estimation through technical design, documentation, and implementation. Your work will cover electrical design of industrial automation systems, detailed drawing packages, and the creation and integration of robust process control software. You will engage internal and external stakeholders to ensure clear communication, support field instrumentation specifications, and design industrial communications infrastructure, while also participating in system checkout and start‑up activities to meet safety, efficiency, and regulatory standards. • Conduct data collection and analysis to uncover key themes and trends. • Recommend technical developments that improve quality and meet client needs. • Build personal capabilities through training, coaching, and professional accreditation. • Deliver small‑ to medium‑scale projects within a program management framework. • Create complex engineering drawings to support solution communication and implementation. • Analyze and specify process design steps, equipment, and systems for manufacturing or materials processes. • Design engineering solutions and validation processes that satisfy functionality, performance, aesthetics, cost, and regulatory standards. • Manage relationships with small clients and assist senior staff with larger key clients. • Lead automation and control system projects from scope and cost estimation through design, documentation, and implementation. • Perform electrical design of industrial automation systems and develop detailed drawing packages. • Develop and integrate robust process control software. • Engage stakeholders to define field instrumentation specifications and design industrial communications infrastructure. • Participate in system checkout and start‑up activities to ensure safety, efficiency, and compliance. • Design OT/IT communications infrastructure, including Ethernet/IP, Modbus TCP, copper/fiber, wireless, and cellular networks. • Specify and install computer hardware, virtualization, networking, and server/client configurations, integrating on‑premise and cloud IT systems. • Apply cybersecurity design and implementation practices. • Travel up to 25 % of the time to job sites across the U.S., with occasional trips to Canada.

Key Responsibilities

• ▸automation design
• ▸control systems
• ▸electrical design
• ▸process software
• ▸ot/it networking
• ▸data analysis

What You Bring

Our Northeast Engineering Design Organization (EDO) is seeking a Senior Automation Engineer for the I&C/Automation team in King of Prussia, PA. This role is ideal for an innovative thinker who enjoys exploring new system‑design approaches and re‑imagining existing processes. As a key member of the growing automation group, you will collaborate with experienced engineers and multidisciplinary partners across the region and North America, requiring strong communication and interpersonal skills to support client needs and deliver impactful engineering solutions. At GHD, we commit to empowering our people to make a positive impact on the world's toughest challenges. We combine deep technical expertise with client and partner capabilities to address complex issues in water, energy, and urbanisation, supporting your career growth and lasting impact. • Hold a Bachelor’s or Master’s degree in Electrical Engineering. • Bring 15–20 years of industrial automation experience, preferably in municipal water or wastewater. • Possess a Professional Engineering (PE) license (preferred). • Demonstrate proficiency in industrial communications, control panel design, and PLC/HMI/SCADA systems. • Experience with Allen‑Bradley and/or Modicon platforms; Ignition or I‑Fix SCADA a plus. • Communicate effectively with management, technical, and field personnel; exhibit strong analytical and problem‑solving abilities.

Requirements

• ▸electrical engineering
• ▸pe license
• ▸industrial automation
• ▸plc
• ▸scada
• ▸problem solving

Benefits

Help us build the future and we’ll help you build a rewarding and purposeful career. Our global network is made up of architects, designers, planners, engineers, and environmental scientists all working towards the same goal. Join a team that brings inspirational architecture, landscapes, townscapes and places to our world, and we’ll provide you unlimited space to grow. Our hybrid work model combines in‑office collaboration with flexibility; you are expected to work three days per week in the office to contribute, connect, and excel in our vibrant environment. • Work in a hybrid model, attending the office three days per week for collaboration.

Work Environment

Hybrid