About the role
SWJ Technology specializes in providing engineering, planning, and project management services across various industries. We are currently seeking a BAS Engineer – Building Automation & Utilities a client in the automotive industry, specializing in car manufacturing. This role is a contractor to direct hire position based in Blythewood, SC that requires onsite presence. If you’re eager to grow your career and make a meaningful impact on exciting projects, we look forward to your application. PURPOSE: This position is responsible for the engineering, programming, integration, troubleshooting, and continuous improvement of Building Automation Systems (BAS) supporting critical facility and utility systems. The role focuses on Ignition for monitoring, control, alarms, data collection, dashboards, trending, and system integration. The position supports systems including electrical power, chilled and hot water, compressed air, HVAC, pumps, boilers, cooling towers, and utility monitoring while working closely with engineering, maintenance, IT/OT, contractors, and suppliers.
RESPONSIBILITIES: * Develop, configure, maintain, and troubleshoot BAS applications using Ignition. * Develop SCADA screens, dashboards, alarms, trends, reports, and historical data solutions. * Configure tags, UDTs, alarm systems, historians, gateways, and user access. * Integrate PLCs, meters, sensors, and controllers using OPC UA, Modbus, Ethernet/IP, BACnet, MQTT, and related protocols. * Troubleshoot BAS, PLC, HMI, instrumentation, and industrial network issues. * Support automation and monitoring of electrical power, chilled/hot water, compressed air, HVAC, and other utility systems. * Develop and optimize control strategies, equipment sequencing, alarms, and utility performance. * Collaborate with Controls and IT/OT teams on system architecture, networking, cybersecurity, servers, backups, and access control. * Coordinate technical requirements with contractors, suppliers, OEMs, and system integrators. * Support commissioning, startup, FAT/SAT, point-to-point checks, functional testing, and system handover. * Analyze utility data to identify opportunities for energy efficiency, predictive maintenance, and equipment optimization. * Maintain BAS documentation including architecture, I/O and point lists, control narratives, alarm matrices, network diagrams, and backup procedures. * Support continuous improvement and reliability projects related to facility automation and utilities.
QUALIFICATIONS: * Bachelor’s degree in Electrical, Controls, Automation, Mechanical, Computer Engineering, or a related field. * 3–7+ years of experience in BAS, SCADA, controls, automation, facilities engineering, or industrial utilities. * Hands-on experience with Ignition strongly preferred. * Experience of working with industrial equipment, controls systems, suppliers, contractors, or system integrators. * Ability to read electrical schematics, P&IDs, control drawings, and network diagrams.
REQUIRED SKILLS: * Strong BAS/SCADA and Ignition knowledge. * Experience with OPC UA, Modbus, Ethernet/IP, BACnet, and MQTT. * Understanding of PLC-based control systems and industrial automation. * Knowledge of electrical power distribution and utility systems.
* Understanding of chilled water, hot water, compressed air, HVAC, and related systems. * Strong troubleshooting skills across controls, instrumentation, BAS, PLCs, and industrial networks. * Knowledge of IT/OT infrastructure and industrial cybersecurity. * Strong analytical, communication, commissioning, and problem-solving skills. * Ability to work hands-on in a manufacturing environment.
PREFERRED SKILLS: * Ignition certification or advanced hands-on Ignition experience. * Experience with Ignition Perspective/Vision. * Python scripting and SQL/database experience. * Experience with Rockwell/Allen-Bradley, Siemens, Mitsubishi, or Schneider PLCs. * Industrial Ethernet and managed switch experience. * Automotive or other high-volume manufacturing experience. * Knowledge of HVAC/BMS, energy-management systems, or CMMS. * Knowledge of ISA-95 / ISA-62443 and industrial cybersecurity. * Experience with high-availability SCADA/BAS architectures.
PHYSICAL REQUIREMENTS: * Work is normally performed in an office, laboratory, manufacturing floor, or machine shop setting where physical work includes, but is not limited to sitting, standing, reaching, kneeling, bending, and lifting up to 25 lbs. * Must be able to understand and comply with all relevant safety practices.
FLSA STATUS/WORKING SCHEDULE: * Location: Blythewood, SC * Schedule: Day shift, 40h/w, weekend as required * Overtime: as required * Duration: 6 months contract with the option to extend or to be hired directly * Assignment Start: ASAP
DISCLAIMER: This job description is a high-level overview of general expectations of this position. It is not intended to list every responsibility of the position, nor does it represent an employment contract of any kind.