Automation Specialist III, or Senior

Position Function:

Mississippi State University is seeking a senior-level Automation Specialist to assist companies with the assessment design implementation and maintenance of automation systems that improve productivity quality and safety. The role also includes delivering technical training to support workforce development and industry innovation.

Salary Grade: 17 or 18

Please see Staff Compensation Structure or Skilled Crafts and Service Maintenance Compensation Schedule for salary ranges. For salary grade UC these positions are Unclassified and salary ranges are determined by the hiring department.

Department Profile:

The Center for Advanced Vehicular Systems Extension (CAVS-E) headquartered in Canton MS maintains a strong interaction with industry and is focused on providing engineering services to manufacturing-based industries. Major activities include teaching professional development workshops conducting on-site projects and technology transfer. The Centers ultimate objective is to assist the state in technology based economic development through projects and training with MS companies.

Area of Specialization:

Automation Systems

Essential Duties and Responsibilities:

1. Perform activities in support of industrial clients and the needs of other key public sector stakeholders to support expanding economic development activities within the state and region.
2. Candidate must have expertise in technology discipline with a strong emphasis on the application of technology principles within the context of advanced manufacturers.
3. Design program and troubleshoot industrial automation systems including PLCs HMis robotics and sensors.
4. Support the integration of smart manufacturing technologies such as IIoT machine vision and data acquisition systems.
5. Collaborate with manufacturers to assess needs develop solutions and implement process improvements.
6. Assist in developing and delivering technical training for industry partners and workforce development programs.
7. Manage multiple projects through successful completion. This includes the use of project and resource planning techniques to ensure projects are completed timely and efficiently.
8. Plan schedule conduct or coordinate detailed phases of the work on major projects or provide a supporting role to others on projects.
9. Document system designs programming logic and project outcomes.
10. Remain current with emerging technologies and industry best practices in automation and controls.
11. Provide technical support and mentorship to junior staff and interns.
12. May initiate new project concepts and seek funding.
13. Develop technical proposals and make presentations to potential customers and sponsors.
14. Participate in major funding proposal preparation.
15. Perform other duties as assigned.

Minimum Qualifications:

Level III: Bachelors degree in Industrial Technology Mechatronics Engineering or a related field plus 8 years or relevant experience. For promotions must meet degree requirement and have at least three years of satisfactory performance at the preceding level.

Senior: Bachelors degree in Industrial Technology Mechatronics Engineering or a related field plus 10 years of relevant experience. For promotions must meet degree requirement and have at least three years of satisfactory performance at the preceding level.

Substitution allowed:
Any equivalent combination of education and experience can be approved by Human Resources Management.

Preferred Qualifications:

Experience with PLC programming (e.g. Allen-Bradley Siemens Mitsubishi).
Familiarity with robotics motion control and industrial communication protocols.
Knowledge of SCADA systems HMI development and data logging.
Experience with CAD software and electrical schematics.
Understanding of safety standards (e.g. NFPA 70E OSHA ISO 13849).
Certifications such as Certified Automation Professional (CAP) or equivalent.
Proficiency in programming/scripting languages such as Python Ladder Logic or Structured Text.

Knowledge Skills and Abilities:

Comfortable working in industrial environments and engaging with clients
Strong problem-solving and troubleshooting skills
Strong written and oral communication skills
Strong analytical and technical skills with attention for detail and accuracy
Strong organizational skills and the ability to self-direct efforts to complete planning and documentation requirements
Ability to manage multiple projects and meet deadlines
Self-motivated and collaborative with a commitment to continuous learning and continuous improvement
Ability to work both independently and in a team-oriented collaborative environment

Working Conditions and Physical Effort

Frequent external imposed deadlines; set and revised beyond ones control; interruptions influence priorities; difficult to anticipate nature or volume of work with certainty beyond a few days
Meeting of deadlines and coordination of unrelated activities are key to position; may involve conflict-resolution.
Work may involve exposure to industrial environments including noise machinery and occasional lifting of equipment up to 40 pounds.
Travel to client sites is required; may include overnight travel as needed.
Job frequently requires walking standing reaching and handling tools or equipment.

Instructions for Applying:

Link to apply: online at by submitting a cover letter resume two letters of recommendation and copy of your current transcripts. Any social security numbers included on requested transcripts should be redacted prior to submitting online.

Restricted Clause:

Position is contingent upon continued availability of funding.

Equal Employment Opportunity Statement:

Mississippi State University is an equal opportunity institution. Discrimination is prohibited in university employment programs or activities based on race color ethnicity sex pregnancy religion national origin disability age sexual orientation genetic information status as a U.S. veteran or any other status to the extent protected by applicable law. Questions about equal opportunity programs or compliance should be directed to the Office of Civil Rights Compliance 231 Famous Maroon Band Street P.O. 6044 Mississippi State MS 39762 .

What do I do if I need an accommodation

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