Automation Controls Specialist I

Requisition Number: 2734

Job Title: Automation Controls Specialist I

Date Opened: 10/14/2025

Location: Houston, LA

Industry: Technology and Automation

Department: Engineering

Employment Type: FT Regular

Part-Time Available: No

Eligible for US Work Authorization Sponsorship: No

FLSA Exemption: Exempt (Eligible for Straight-Time Overtime)

Job Summary:

We are seeking an experienced and detail-oriented Automation Control Specialist to oversee the design, implementation, maintenance, and optimization of control systems at a Mineral and Chemical Processing Facility near Winnemucca, Nevada. The successful candidate will ensure the safe, efficient, and reliable operation of automated processes, instrumentation, and distributed control systems (DCS) while adhering to industry standards and regulatory requirements. This role requires strong leadership, technical expertise, and a proactive approach to problem-solving in a fast-paced industrial environment.

This position will start through employment with EDG, Inc. who are acting as the Main Automation Contractor (MAC) for the project then transfer their employment to Lithium Americas to support ongoing operations. The successful candidate will initially work in Houston with the MAC team and then transfer to Winnemucca, NV in late 2026. Depending on the location of the candidate, some remote work may be acceptable. The goal is for the Automation Control Specialist to be fully immersed in the design, configuration, and testing of the process automation systems before transferring to site to support the implementation and ongoing operations

Job Duties and Responsibilities:

- Project Implementation: Perform design, configuration, and testing of the process automation system as part of the MAC team.

- System Oversight: Manage and maintain the plant’s control systems, including Distributed Control Systems (DCS), Programmable Logic Controllers (PLCs), and related instrumentation.

- Role Structure: Work with Electricians and Instrumentation Technicians within the Instrument and Electrical team to maintains the systems.

- Project Management: Lead the design, installation, and commissioning of control system modifications or upgrades.

- Process Optimization: Collaborate with process engineers to analyze system performance, identify inefficiencies, and implement improvements to enhance productivity and safety.

- Maintenance & Troubleshooting: Develop and oversee preventive maintenance schedules for control systems, diagnose complex issues, and coordinate repairs to minimize downtime.

- Safety & Compliance: Ensure all control systems comply with safety standards (e.g., OSHA, EPA, ISA), chemical industry regulations, and company policies.

- Documentation: Maintain accurate records of system configurations, maintenance activities, and standard operating procedures (SOPs).

- Vendor Coordination: Work with external vendors and contractors for equipment procurement, technical support, and system upgrades.

- Emergency Response: Work with technical experts during plant emergencies to ensure rapid resolution of control system-related issues.

- Commissioning: Support operations commissioning during as required.

- Additional duties as assigned by EDG/LAC Management.

Qualifications (Knowledge, Skills and Abilities):

- Bachelor’s degree in Chemical Engineering, Electrical Engineering, Control Systems Engineering, Computer Science/Engineering or related field;

- Zero to one (1) year experience designing and implementing control systems in industrial facilities;

- Understanding of DCS technology (e.g., Emerson DeltaV, Yokogawa, ABB, Honeywell) and/or PLCs (e.g., Allen-Bradley, Siemens);

- Familiarity with process instrumentation

o Knowledge of related engineering systems, engineering calculations, application of engineering and construction methods and materials, and engineering application of computer software specially related to complexities of upstream, downstream, midstream, chemical facilities of all types.

o Soft Skills: Communication, and organizational skills; ability to work under pressure and manage multiple priorities.

Working Conditions:

- Work is primarily conducted in an office environment (Private or Semi-Private Office) but also requires occasional travel to off-site work locations;

- Field duties require some outdoor work in a construction site type atmosphere;

- Interaction with other team members, as well as supervisors and client personnel;

- Working on a construction site or in plant and/or shop areas around production machinery with extreme noise levels

- Must be able to wear safety equipment as required by the safety department for personal protection;

- May be at more than one job site in a day and must be able to tolerate climate changes;

- May be required to travel out of town on a periodic basis.

Physical Requirements (With or without Reasonable Accommodation):

- Must be able to lift and carry twenty (20) pounds;

- Sufficient clarity of speech and hearing or other communication capabilities which permits employee to communicate effectively;

- Ability to sit for prolonged periods of time;

- Sufficient vision or other powers of observation which permits employee to conduct analysis and investigations;

- Sufficient manual dexterity which permit the employee to perform routine office duties;

- Sufficient personal mobility and physical reflexes to perform office duties and travel when necessary to off-site locations.

This job description is intended to indicate the kinds of tasks and levels of work difficulty required of the position given this title and shall not be construed as declaring what the specific duties and responsibilities of any particular position shall be. It is not intended to limit or in any way modify the right of management to assign, direct and control the work of employees under supervision. The listing of duties and responsibilities shall not be held to exclude other duties not mentioned that are of similar kind or level of difficulty.

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