Senior Automation Specialist at Cannon Corp – San Luis Obispo, California

SINCE 1976, CANNON has provided creative solutions to clients in the energy industry, water resources, public infrastructure, and commercial and residential development. We work hard. We play hard. We have fun.

JOIN CANNON as a Senior Automation Specialist in SAN LUIS OBISPO. San Luis Obispo is on the beautiful central coast of California, has temperate weather, scenic beaches, is surrounded by the wine country, and offers endless recreational opportunities.

PROJECTS INCLUDE Instrumentation and Controls/SCADA, Water Resources, Transportation, Recreational Facilities, Solar Facilities, Oil Field Applications, Agriculture, Food Processing.

SENIOR AUTOMATION SPECIALIST JOB SUMMARY

A successful Senior Automation Specialist will be able to independently approach industrial electrical and control systems from the viewpoint of functional analysis, technical evaluation, design objectives, and solution development. They will be involved in designing, implementing, and improving industrial automated systems and processes within a manufacturing or industrial setting including but not limited to system design, integration, testing, and troubleshooting, as well as project management and client coordination. Will work in both the office and heavy industrial environments, onsite.

SENIOR AUTOMATION SPECIALIST JOB DUTIES

• Lead or support integration projects, including scope development, budgeting, scheduling, and procurement.
• Assist in the development and cost estimation for proposals tailored to client requirements.
• Interface with clients to ensure successful project coordination, system performance, and client satisfaction.
• Design and program automated systems: PLCs, sensors, actuators, control panels, and HMI interfaces.
• Create and troubleshoot PLC code (Rockwell, Modicon preferred) and HMI applications for industrial processes.
• Integrate new automation systems with existing processes and equipment.
• Oversee and train others to test, validate, and calibrate automated systems to ensure compliance, reliability, and safety.
• Identify opportunities for process improvements to enhance efficiency, reduce costs, and increase system reliability.
• Maintain detailed documentation (schematics, SOPs, backups) for all automation systems.
• Specify and commission SCADA systems, including server/client setup, network architecture, and instrumentation.

• 8+ years’ experience integrating automation and electrical systems in industrial environments.
• Strong knowledge of PLC systems (Rockwell Automation, Modicon), HMI programming, and SCADA integration.
• Proficiency in industrial wiring diagrams, ladder schematics, and logic drawings.
• Programming experience in ladder logic, function block diagrams, and object-oriented structured text programming languages and SQL.
• Experience with process instrumentation and final control elements (VFDs, control valves, transmitters, sensors).
• Skilled with configuration tools, such as handheld HART communicators and computer-based configurators.
• Familiarity with industrial communication protocols (Ethernet/IP, RS232, RS485, HART, Serial/Ethernet radios).
• Proven project management experience across automation lifecycle phases.
• Strong problem-solving, documentation, and collaboration skills.
• Effective written and verbal communication in English.
• Ability to perform basic circuit and instrument calculations and apply mathematical concepts in engineering tasks.
• Certified Electrician is a plus.
• Valid driver’s license and proof of insurance required.

WE OFFER competitive salaries, relocation assistance, excellent benefits package, remote work flexibility, and an active and positive team building, work environment.

Cannon is an equal opportunity employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to status as a protected veteran or a qualified individual with a disability, or other protected status such as race, religion, color, national origin, sex, age.