Senior Automation Engineer

Socomec Group (Socomec) is a global leader in electrical equipment engineering and manufacturing, specialized in low voltage energy performance. Socomec North America (NAM) is Socomec’s organization overseeing all operations in North America. About This Role The Senior Automation Engineer serves as the technical authority for automation, controls, communications, and system integration within the Energy Storage Solutions (ESS) organization. The role is responsible for leading the architecture, development, validation, and deployment of advanced automation solutions supporting energy storage systems, microgrids, power conversion systems, and distributed energy resource applications. The position provides technical leadership across product development, complex customer projects, laboratory and Hardware-in-the-Loop (HIL) validation environments, and global engineering initiatives. It drives the standardization of automation platforms, software frameworks, communication architectures, and validation methodologies to ensure reliable, scalable, and high-performance ESS solutions. The position collaborates closely with engineering, R&D, project management, certification, as well as marketing, sales, services, and global teams to deliver innovative, reliable, and scalable automation solutions that support business growth and customer success. Key Responsibilities And Accountabilities Lead the automation architecture definition and technology roadmap for ESS, microgrid, hybrid generation, and power conversion products. Develop advanced control algorithms, plant-level energy management functions, grid-forming/grid-following controls, and system operating strategies. Define automation requirements and system architecture for next-generation ESS products and subsystems. Drive standardization of software platforms, reusable code libraries, communication frameworks, and engineering tools across product families. Evaluate emerging technologies including advanced EMS platforms, AI-assisted controls, cybersecurity solutions, digital twins, and predictive diagnostics. Collaborate with global R&D teams to transfer technologies, harmonize platforms, and industrialize new automation features. Support certification strategies for automation-related functions, grid interconnection requirements, and utility compliance. Contribute to long-term product roadmaps and innovation initiatives aligned with business growth objectives. Act as technical lead for complex customer projects involving ESS, microgrids, utility interconnections, and multi-site deployments. Define project-specific automation architectures, network topology, communication strategies, and operational philosophies. Lead technical discussions with customers, utilities, consultants, EPCs, AHJs, and system integrators. Develop advanced PLC, SCADA, EMS, HMI, and site controller configurations for customer applications. Resolve complex integration challenges involving PCS, BMS, relays, generators, PV inverters, MV equipment, and third-party systems. Provide technical oversight for FAT, SAT, commissioning, and site acceptance activities. Support root-cause investigations of critical field issues and lead corrective action implementation. Ensure technical consistency, software configuration management, cybersecurity compliance, and documentation control throughout project execution. Own the strategy, development, and continuous improvement of ESS automation validation platforms. Lead the development of Hardware-in-the-Loop (HIL), Software-in-the-Loop (SIL), Digital Twin, and automated regression testing environments. Establish product validation methodologies covering functionality, reliability, performance, interoperability, and cybersecurity testing. Define and execute validation plans for new product releases, firmware updates, and customer-specific solutions. Develop automated test scripts, validation tools, and test data management processes to improve coverage and efficiency. Lead root-cause investigations of software, controls, network, and system-level failures. Support certification, compliance, and utility test programs through development of representative test environments. Establish laboratory standards, best practices, KPIs, and governance processes for automation testing activities. Support customer demonstrations, performance benchmarking, and technology proof-of-concept testing. Serve as the principal automation subject matter expert for ESS activities across North America. Provide technical leadership, coaching, and mentorship to automation engineers, technicians, and project teams. Establish engineering standards, development guidelines, coding practices, and validation procedures. Lead technical design reviews, architecture reviews, hazard analyses, and design freeze activities. Support sales, proposal teams, service organizations, manufacturing, and executive leadership with high-level technical expertise. Develop and deliver technical training programs for internal teams, channel partners, and customers. Drive continuous improvement initiatives focused on quality, reliability, productivity, cybersecurity, and customer satisfaction. Represent Socomec in technical committees, standards organizations, industry conferences, and customer workshops. Lead collaboration between NAM automation teams and Global R&D organizations to ensure technical alignment and platform standardization. Coordinate technology transfer, product localization, and deployment of automation solutions across regions. Participate in global product development governance and portfolio review activities. Contribute to technology strategy, automation roadmaps, and investment planning. Drive cross-functional collaboration among R&D, certification, project management, manufacturing, service, quality, and supply chain teams. Support development of global engineering processes, best practices, and standard work methodologies. Provide regular executive-level reporting on technology development, project status, technical risks, and resource planning. Champion innovation, knowledge sharing, and continuous improvement across the global ESS organization. Essential Qualifications, Experience, And Skills Bachelor's Degree in Automation Engineering, Electrical Engineering, Mechatronics Engineering, Controls Engineering, or related discipline (Master’s degree preferred). 10-15 years of experience in industrial automation, power systems automation, microgrids, renewable energy integration, or battery energy storage systems. Demonstrated leadership of complex automation projects from concept through commissioning. Extensive experience with PLC programming, HMI development, EMS/PMS systems, SCADA platforms, communication protocols and network architectures. Experience with utility-scale Battery Energy Storage Systems (BESS). Experience managing HIL simulation platforms. Experience supporting certification programs (UL9540, UL9540A, UL1741SB, CSA, IEEE, NFPA). Professional Engineer (P.Eng.) designation or eligibility. Advanced knowledge of automation system architecture, controls engineering, and power management systems for utility-scale Battery Energy Storage Systems (BESS), microgrids, and distributed energy resources (DER). Expert-level experience with PLC programming, HMI/SCADA development, site controllers, Energy Management Systems (EMS), and industrial automation platforms. Strong expertise in industrial networking, cybersecurity, and communication protocols including Modbus TCP/IP, Modbus RTU, Ethernet/IP, DNP3, IEC 61850, SunSpec, BACnet, OPC-UA, VPNs, and network infrastructure design. Extensive experience integrating power conversion systems (PCS), battery management systems (BMS), protection relays, generators, photovoltaic systems, meters, switchgear, and third-party equipment into complex energy solutions. Demonstrated experience developing and deploying Hardware-in-the-Loop (HIL), Software-in-the-Loop (SIL), simulation, and automated validation environments. Strong understanding of electrical power systems, utility interconnection requirements, protection and control philosophies, grid-support functions, and microgrid operation. Experience with factory acceptance testing (FAT), site acceptance testing (SAT), commissioning, troubleshooting, root-cause analysis, and field support of mission-critical systems. Knowledge of relevant industry standards and certifications including UL 9540, UL 9540A, NFPA 855, IEEE, CSA, NEC, and utility-specific requirements. Ability to lead complex technical projects, develop engineering standards, and provide technical direction across multidisciplinary engineering teams. Strong analytical, problem-solving, and system-level troubleshooting capabilities with the ability to assess technical risks and develop practical solutions. Availability for frequent travels to national & international destinations (e.g., USA and Europe). Must possess and maintain a valid passport for international travel. Compensation: $120,000 to $150,000 CAD Upon request, we will provide reasonable accommodation for disabilities to support participation of candidates in all aspects of the recruitment process. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex or national origin. All applications are reviewed directly by the Socomec North America Talent Acquisition team and other human reviewers. No automated or AI‑based systems are used to make decisions in the application review process. We thank all those who apply. However, only those candidates selected for an interview will be contacted. #LI-ZDG