Principal Automation Engineer

Water & Wastewater | SCADA, PLC & Telemetry | SEQ Asset Exposure | Technical Leadership

Queensland / NSW Project Portfolio

At Principal level, the interesting part of automation engineering is no longer simply writing code.

It is being trusted to shape the architecture, solve the difficult problems and make complex systems work reliably across real operating assets.

We’re partnering with our client, a specialist automation and electrical engineering business delivering control, telemetry and electrical solutions across metropolitan and regional Queensland and New South Wales.

They are seeking a Principal Automation Engineer who can take technical ownership of complex control system projects while remaining genuinely hands-on with clients, systems and delivery.

The Opportunity

You will take a senior technical role across automation, control systems and telemetry projects, with a particularly strong focus on water and wastewater infrastructure.

The role will see you involved across:

• SCADA, PLC, RTU and HMI system architecture, design and implementation
• Telemetry and remote communications systems
• Functional specifications and control philosophies
• PLC, RTU and SCADA programming and configuration
• Integration and upgrade of existing and legacy control systems
• Factory and site acceptance testing
• Commissioning, troubleshooting and operational support
• Ethernet, radio and other industrial communications networks
• Technical reviews and design assurance
• Client engagement, project scoping and technical problem solving
• Supporting estimates, proposals and project planning
• Mentoring and providing technical guidance to other engineers

Projects range from metropolitan infrastructure through to regional and remote assets, so there will be a combination of office-based engineering and client/site work.

What We’re Looking For

Water industry experience is particularly important for this appointment.

We’re interested in speaking with senior automation and control systems engineers who bring:

• Significant control systems and industrial automation experience
• Experience within water and wastewater infrastructure
• Exposure to South East Queensland water and wastewater assets, utilities or delivery environments
• Strong SCADA, PLC and RTU capability
• Experience delivering projects from design through testing, commissioning and ongoing support
• The ability to understand existing systems and develop practical upgrade or integration solutions
• Strong client-facing communication skills
• The confidence to provide technical leadership while remaining hands-on
• Current RPEQ registration

Technical Experience

Experience across some of the following will be highly regarded:

• Rockwell, Siemens, Schneider or Omron PLC platforms
• Schneider, Brodersen, Kingfisher or comparable RTU platforms
• GeoSCADA / ClearSCADA, Citect or comparable SCADA platforms
• DNP3 and industrial communications protocols
• Digital radio, Ethernet, mobile and remote communications networks
• Telemetry systems
• Industrial networking
• OT and control system integration
• Water and wastewater treatment, pumping, network and associated infrastructure

Qualifications

• Relevant engineering degree or equivalent recognised qualification
• Current RPEQ registration is mandatory

Why This Role Stands Out

You will not be restricted to one small part of the project lifecycle.

Our client works across design, development, implementation, commissioning and ongoing support, giving you visibility of whether the solution you designed actually works in the field.

You will also gain exposure to a diverse water-sector portfolio across South East Queensland, broader Queensland and New South Wales.

For an experienced control systems engineer who wants greater technical ownership, strong water-sector exposure and the ability to influence how solutions are actually delivered, this is worth a confidential conversation.

To apply or request further information, contact James Foden at Telos Co for a confidential conversation.