Automation Engineer II/III/Expert

The Automation Engineer II/III/Expert role owns the full lifecycle of automation and control systems across EQT’s natural gas facilities — from initial design through commissioning, ongoing maintenance, and continuous improvement. This is a high-impact technical role that bridges engineering, operations, and cybersecurity, with direct visibility into how our infrastructure performs.

This position offers a clear career progression path, with opportunities to grow from Engineer II to Advisor Engineer through expanded project leadership, increasing technical ownership, and cross-functional influence.

• Lead full lifecycle management of EQT’s automation infrastructure: strategy, design, programming, commissioning, change management, and ongoing device maintenance.
• Generate complete automation project design documentation in accordance with EQT standards, including I/O lists, network architecture diagrams, panel layouts, control narratives, and Cause & Effect (C&E) matrices.
• Commission new facilities and implement modifications to existing sites, conducting thorough site acceptance testing including point-to-point I/O verification and control logic validation; collaborate with the SCADA team to ensure all required data points are correctly mapped and transmitted for display and monitoring purposes.
• Collaborate with engineering teams to translate proposed process designs into detailed automation logic; develop, test, and validate control sequences for new automated processes from initial concept through deployment.
• Manage automation and control hardware/software assets, including firmware version management and end-of-life planning.

• Lead hardware selection for automation projects, evaluating PLCs, HMIs, I/O modules, power supplies, networking components, and field instrumentation against project requirements, site conditions, and EQT standards; provide specifications for ancillary components.
• Provide technical input on the selection and specification of field measurement devices.
• Collaborate with the electrical design and drafting team to ensure control panels are designed to meet site-specific automation requirements.

• Design and implement industrial Ethernet network architectures for automation systems, including topology selection, switch configuration, and network segmentation in accordance with cybersecurity best practices.
• Design and commission Remote I/O (RIO) fiber ring networks utilizing Allen Bradley Device Level Ring (DLR) protocol, integrating with ControlLogix/CompactLogix architectures.
• Configure and troubleshoot EtherNet/IP, Modbus TCP/RTU, RS232/485, and other industrial protocols across PLCs, HMIs , VFDs, and instrumentation.
• Develop and maintain network documentation including topology diagrams, IP address schemas, and device registers.

• Develop and execute Factory Acceptance Test (FAT) procedures for control panels and automation systems prior to shipment; document results and manage punch list resolution with panel fabricators and vendors.
• Lead Site Acceptance Testing (SAT) and commissioning activities at new and modified facilities, including loop checks, point-to-point I/O verification, logic functional testing, and SCADA display validation.
• Coordinate pre-startup safety reviews and ensure automation systems meet all interlock and shutdown logic requirements prior to placing facilities in service.
• Provide detailed commissioning documentation and as-built redlines upon project completion.

• Develop deep understanding of all control logic within assigned facilities and leverage that knowledge to:
  • Evaluate and implement approved change requests
  • Participate in Process Hazard Assessments (PHAs)
  • Provide advanced troubleshooting support for complex control and network issues
• Participate in the development and implementation of automation cybersecurity policies.
• Assist field personnel in diagnosing and resolving process control and instrumentation issues.
• Provide technical guidance and recommendations on PLC and HMI best practices, system improvements, and standardization; collaborate cross-functionally to develop and maintain automation standards.
• Identify and champion opportunities where automation can improve operational performance — including safety, environmental compliance, efficiency, and security.
• Evaluate emerging oil and gas production and automation technologies for potential adoption.
• Provide training and technical knowledge transfer to instrumentation technicians and automation support staff.

• Bachelor’s degree in Chemical, Civil, Electrical, Mechanical, or Petroleum Engineering (or equivalent) from an accredited institution.
• 2+ years of relevant industrial experience in controls and automation, including design, testing (FAT/SAT), deployment, and commissioning.
• Ability to manage work plans and meet deadlines with minimal oversight.
• Valid driver’s license required; ability to travel to field sites across EQT’s PA, OH, and WV asset footprint.

• 5–8+ years of increasing responsibility in automation and controls, with demonstrated project leadership, panel design ownership, and cross-functional influence.
• Experience in the natural gas or oil and gas industry strongly preferred.
• Strong analytical capability with a proven ability to translate functional requirements into detailed control logic; must be detail oriented.
• Excellent collaboration and interpersonal skills; able to bridge engineering, operations, and field teams across the organization.

• Knowledge and demonstrated experience with the following hardware, software, and protocols:
  • PLCs: Schneider Electric Modicon M340/M580,; Rockwell Automation Allen Bradley ControlLogix/CompactLogix
  • Programming Languages: Ladder Logic, Function Block Diagram (FBD), Structured Text (ST), Sequential Function Chart (SFC)
  • HMIs: Red Lion, Beijer, Allen Bradley PanelView
  • VFDs: Eaton, ABB, Allen Bradley, Nidec Control Techniques
  • Communications & Networking: EtherNet/IP, RS232/485, Ethernet, Modbus TCP/RTU, Allen Bradley Device Level Ring (DLR) architectures

Work Location: This position is based out of one of EQT’s PA, OH, or WV offices. Flexible work arrangements will be considered. Regular travel to field sites across the asset footprint is required.