Position Summary
The Controls Quality Assurance (QA) Specialist is responsible for ensuring that building automation systems (BAS), industrial control systems, PLCs, SCADA systems, instrumentation, and related controls installations comply with project specifications, industry standards, client requirements, and quality management procedures. The position supports design reviews, installation inspections, testing, commissioning, and documentation activities throughout the project lifecycle.
Required Qualifications
- Associate’s or Bachelor’s degree in Engineering, Engineering Technology, Automation, Electrical Technology, or related field.
- Typically 5+ years of experience with industrial controls, automation systems, commissioning, or quality assurance.
- Experience with PLC, DCS, SCADA, BAS, or industrial automation systems.
- Knowledge of control system installation standards and commissioning processes.
- Ability to read and interpret:
- P&IDs
- Electrical schematics
- Control panel drawings
- Network diagrams
- Sequence of operations
Preferred Qualifications
- ISA Certified Automation Professional (CAP)
- ISA Certified Control Systems Technician (CCST)
- ASQ Certified Quality Engineer (CQE)
- ASQ Certified Quality Auditor (CQA)
- NICET Certification
- OSHA 30 or OSHA 500
- Commissioning certifications (CxA, CBCP, CCP)
Key Responsibilities
Quality Assurance & Compliance
- Develop and implement controls quality assurance plans, inspection procedures, and testing protocols.
- Verify compliance with project specifications, contract documents, codes, and applicable standards.
- Conduct audits of controls installation, programming, wiring, instrumentation, and network infrastructure.
- Review quality records, inspection reports, and test documentation for completeness and accuracy.
- Identify non-conforming work and track corrective actions through resolution.
Design & Documentation Review
- Review controls drawings, control narratives, sequences of operation, I/O lists, network architecture, and submittals.
- Verify that design documents align with project requirements and operational objectives.
- Participate in design reviews and constructability assessments.
- Ensure document control procedures are followed throughout the project.
Field Inspections
- Perform field inspections of:
- PLC and DCS installations
- Building Automation Systems (BAS)
- Instrumentation and field devices
- Control panels and MCC interfaces
- Network and communication systems
- Verify proper installation practices, labeling, cable management, grounding, and termination quality.
Testing & Commissioning Support
- Witness factory acceptance tests (FAT) and site acceptance tests (SAT).
- Verify point-to-point testing, loop checks, functional performance testing, and integrated systems testing.
- Support startup and commissioning activities.
- Validate control sequences and operational performance against project requirements.
Reporting & Continuous Improvement
- Prepare quality inspection reports, punch lists, and audit findings.
- Track quality metrics and trends.
- Participate in root cause analysis and corrective action programs.
- Recommend process improvements to improve project quality and reduce rework.
Preferred Qualifications
- ISA Certified Automation Professional (CAP)
- ISA Certified Control Systems Technician (CCST)
- ASQ Certified Quality Engineer (CQE)
- ASQ Certified Quality Auditor (CQA)
- NICET Certification
- OSHA 30 or OSHA 500
- Commissioning certifications (CxA, CBCP, CCP)
Technical Skills
- PLC platforms (Allen-Bradley, Siemens, Schneider, etc.)
- SCADA and HMI systems
- Building Automation Systems (Johnson Controls, Siemens, Trane, Honeywell, etc.)
- Instrument calibration and loop verification
- FAT/SAT execution
- Microsoft Office and quality management software
- Understanding of industrial networking protocols such as Ethernet/IP, Modbus, BACnet, and Profinet
Physical Requirements
- Ability to perform field inspections in industrial, manufacturing, power, utility, and commercial facilities.
- Ability to climb ladders, access elevated platforms, and walk active construction sites.
- Ability to work in varying environmental conditions and wear required PPE.
Typical Industries
- Industrial Manufacturing
- Paper Mills
- Chemical and Petrochemical Facilities
- Oil & Gas
- Food & Beverage Processing
- Data Centers
- Commercial Buildings and Building Automation Systems
- Power Generation and Utilities
