Automation Engineer Jobs in Seattle, WA

We are seeking an Electrical & Automation Field Engineer to support a large scale industrial construction project in the United States. This role focuses on the on-site execution of electrical and automation (I&C) systems, including power distribution, cabling, instrumentation, and control systems, for the WAL6 project in Walla Walla, Washington.

The successful candidate will serve as the Owner's representative on site, working closely with contractors and subcontractors to ensure efficient and compliant project execution.

Responsibilities include reviewing Issued for Construction (IFC) drawings and technical documentation, supporting RFIs and field issue resolution, monitoring progress, conducting inspections, and assisting with testing, commissioning, and system turnover.

This is a hands-on field role suited to an engineer with a strong understanding of construction practices, multidisciplinary coordination, and the ability to drive electrical and automation issues through to practical resolution on site.

Key Responsibilities

• Act as the Owner's representative for electrical and automation works on site, ensuring all activities comply with approved drawings, project specifications, quality standards, applicable codes, client requirements, and HSE procedures.
• Support on-site execution of electrical systems, including LV/MV/HV installations, cable trays, instrumentation, control systems, grounding, and power distribution.
• Coordinate daily activities with contractors, subcontractors, supervisors, construction management, QA/QC, HSE, engineering, and commissioning teams.
• Review and interpret IFC drawings, electrical schematics, single-line diagrams, instrumentation diagrams, cable schedules, and technical specifications.
• Verify correct field implementation of IFC drawings and identify discrepancies between design documentation and actual site conditions.
• Support resolution of RFIs, technical queries, field changes, design discrepancies, clashes, and constructability issues.
• Identify and escalate technical, quality, safety, or schedule-related risks to the Electrical Manager and/or Construction Manager.
• Monitor construction progress and report deviations, delays, and potential impacts to the project schedule.
• Participate in coordination meetings, technical reviews, and site walks with civil, structural, mechanical, automation, and commissioning teams.
• Perform field inspections and quality checks of electrical installations, including cabling, terminations, equipment installation, and system interfaces.
• Support energization, testing, pre-commissioning, commissioning, and system turnover activities.
• Track punch list items, verify corrective actions, and support project close-out and handover.
• Ensure compliance with project HSE requirements, including LOTO procedures, energized work protocols, and general electrical safety standards.
• Maintain clear, professional communication with all stakeholders and ensure timely issue resolution and proper documentation.

Required Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in electrical engineering or related discipline.
• Minimum 2–5 years of experience in electrical field engineering, construction, or industrial project execution.
• Experience with electrical and automation systems on large-scale construction, industrial, manufacturing, or infrastructure projects.
• Ability to read and interpret electrical drawings, single-line diagrams, schematics, instrumentation diagrams, and technical documentation.
• Good understanding of electrical installation practices, construction sequencing, QA/QC inspections, and turnover processes.
• Knowledge of U.S. construction practices and applicable electrical codes and standards, including NEC.
• Experience with RFIs, punch lists, site inspections, progress reporting, and contractor coordination.
• Strong practical understanding of electrical systems, including power distribution, switchgear, transformers, cabling, lighting, grounding, and instrumentation.
• Ability to identify field issues, coordinate practical solutions, and escalate risks in a timely and professional manner.
• Strong communication, coordination, and problem-solving skills.

Preferred Qualifications

• Experience working on the client or owner side of a construction project.
• Experience with international contractors and subcontractors.
• Industrial, manufacturing, processing plant, energy, or heavy construction project experience.
• Knowledge of relevant U.S. codes and standards (e.g., NEC, NFPA, OSHA, ISA).
• Experience with energization, testing, commissioning, and system turnover.
• Familiarity with BIM and construction management tools such as Navisworks, AutoCAD, Procore, Aconex, or Bluebeam.
• Experience coordinating electrical and automation interfaces with mechanical, civil, structural, fire protection, and process disciplines.

Employment Requirements

• Candidates must be legally authorized to work in the United States and be available for full-time, site-based work.

Why Join MacKay?

A people-first culture
At MacKay, we put people first. We are committed to creating an environment where employees can grow, contribute, and do their best work. We support well-being, encourage balance, and create space for people to succeed both professionally and personally.

Meaningful work and real impact
Our teams take on complex infrastructure and environmental challenges that support critical systems and shape the places where people live and work. Every role contributes to delivering that work and making it successful.

Growth and opportunity
We are in an exciting phase of growth, expanding across geographies, services, and markets. That growth creates opportunities for our employees to take on new challenges, build their careers, and contribute in new ways as the company evolves.

A strong and trusted foundation
Built on more than 50 years of experience, MacKay has developed a reputation for quality work, strong relationships, and dependable results. You'll be part of a team with a solid foundation and a clear direction for the future.

Opportunities to share in success
We provide opportunities for employees to participate in ownership and build long-term financial value as the company grows.

Our Values

At MacKay, our values guide how we work, collaborate, and support one another.

• Honesty. We build trust through transparency, integrity, and accountability.
• Dedication. We are committed to the success of our team members, clients, and communities.
• Relationships. We foster lasting connections that strengthen our work and the teams around us.

Who We Are

MacKay is an infrastructure and environmental services firm built on more than 50 years of experience and a growing collective of expertise.

We are in an exciting phase of growth, expanding our reach, strengthening our capabilities, and bringing together talented teams across the country. That growth is creating new opportunities for our employees to take on meaningful work, collaborate across disciplines, and build long-term careers.

Every role at MacKay contributes to the success of our projects and the clients we serve. Whether your work is technical or operational, you are part of a team that delivers quality, builds relationships, and moves projects forward.

We're looking for dedicated, talented individuals who deliver excellence, thrive in collaborative environments, and value both meaningful work and work-life balance. If this sounds like you, we'd like to hear from you.

Please note that the salary information shown below is a general guideline only. Salaries are based upon candidate experience and qualifications, as well as various market and business considerations.