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 Center's 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: Bachelor's 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: Bachelor's 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 pr