Lead Automation Technician Commissioning Specialist

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.

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.

• 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 (Ether Net/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

• 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
• Proven experience with PLC configuration, startup, and troubleshooting
• Proven experience with 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

• Experience leading commissioning activities onsite
• Experience with IO‑Link systems (devices, masters, and gateways)
• Experience in data centers or other mission‑critical facilities
• Knowl…