Automation Engineer I

Summary

Direct Companies is currently seeking an Automation Engineer I to join our team. This role is responsible for supporting the installation, configuration, and maintenance of automation and process control systems while ensuring project execution aligns with customer expectations, quality standards, and operational excellence.

Responsibilities

• Support the installation and configuration of automation and control systems in alignment with project specifications
• Respond to customer project needs independently and in collaboration with team members and leadership
• Complete assigned tasks efficiently while meeting Direct Automation standards of excellence
• Accurately document work activities and effectively utilize company tools and platforms
• Perform routine system management activities to validate performance and anticipate potential issues
• Travel to customer sites as needed to support project execution and system implementation (approximately 25–40%)
• Develop and demonstrate effective communication skills with internal teams and external stakeholders
• Build technical knowledge in automation, controls, and industrial systems through training and hands-on experience
• Leverage internal resources and collaborate with team members to enhance project outcomes
• Support team members and contribute to a cooperative, customer-focused work environment
• Proactively communicate potential or existing project issues to project leadership
• Participate in identifying and implementing process improvements to enhance operational efficiency
• Contribute to improving customer experience through proactive problem-solving and collaboration

Skills

• Bachelor's degree in Engineering, Automation, Electrical, or related field OR technical degree with relevant experience
• 0–2 years of experience in automation, controls, or industrial environments
• Foundational knowledge of automation and process control systems (PLC, SCADA, DCS, HMI, or networking)
• Basic understanding of industrial systems and troubleshooting practices
• Strong communication and interpersonal skills with the ability to interact with team members, clients, and vendors
• Ability to manage multiple tasks and work both independently and as part of a team
• Experience with control systems such as ABB, Emerson DeltaV, Rockwell, or Siemens PCS7
• Exposure to industrial communication networks and control panel design
• Experience working in industrial or manufacturing environments
• Familiarity with system documentation, configuration tools, or project tracking platforms
• Internship or hands-on experience in automation or controls engineering

Qualifications

Must Haves

• Bachelor's degree in Engineering, Automation, Electrical, or related field OR technical degree with relevant experience
• 0–2 years of experience in automation, controls, or industrial environments
• Foundational knowledge of automation and process control systems (PLC, SCADA, DCS, HMI, or networking)
• Basic understanding of industrial systems and troubleshooting practices
• Strong communication and interpersonal skills with the ability to interact with team members, clients, and vendors
• Ability to manage multiple tasks and work both independently and as part of a team

Nice to Haves

• Experience with control systems such as ABB, Emerson DeltaV, Rockwell, or Siemens PCS7
• Exposure to industrial communication networks and control panel design
• Experience working in industrial or manufacturing environments
• Familiarity with system documentation, configuration tools, or project tracking platforms
• Internship or hands-on experience in automation or controls engineering