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Key Responsibilities and Required Skills for an Ignition Operator

💰 $65,000 - $110,000

Industrial AutomationManufacturingSCADAEngineeringTechnology

🎯 Role Definition

As an Ignition Operator, you are the central nervous system of our industrial operations. You will harness the power of the Inductive Automation Ignition platform to design, build, and maintain sophisticated SCADA, HMI, and MES solutions. Your work will directly translate complex industrial processes into intuitive, data-rich interfaces that empower our teams to enhance efficiency, ensure safety, and drive quality. This position is ideal for a technically adept problem-solver who is passionate about automation and seeks to make a tangible impact on the factory floor through innovative technology.

📈 Career Progression

Typical Career Path

Entry Point From:

  • Automation Technician
  • Electrical Controls Technician
  • Junior Controls Engineer
  • IT Specialist with an industrial focus

Advancement To:

  • Senior Ignition Developer / Architect
  • Controls Engineer or Automation Engineer
  • SCADA Project Manager
  • MES Engineer

Lateral Moves:

  • Industrial Data Analyst
  • IoT (Industrial Internet of Things) Specialist
  • Operations Technology (OT) Security Analyst

Core Responsibilities

Primary Functions

  • Design, develop, and deploy intuitive and highly functional Human-Machine Interface (HMI) screens within the Ignition Vision and Perspective modules, ensuring operators have clear, real-time control and visibility.
  • Architect and configure robust tag structures, including the creation and management of User Defined Types (UDTs), to ensure scalable and easily maintainable system architecture.
  • Develop and implement Python event scripts to automate system functions, handle complex logic, and respond to operator actions or process events dynamically.
  • Establish and maintain reliable data connections to a wide range of PLCs (such as Allen-Bradley, Siemens, and Modbus devices) using OPC-UA and other industrial protocols.
  • Construct and manage efficient SQL queries and Transaction Groups to historize critical process data, manage recipe information, and integrate with enterprise-level databases.
  • Perform ongoing maintenance, updates, and performance tuning of Ignition gateways and related server infrastructure to ensure maximum uptime and system reliability.
  • Act as the primary technical resource for troubleshooting and resolving complex issues related to the SCADA system, including logic, communication, scripting, and database errors.
  • Design, configure, and manage comprehensive alarm notification pipelines, including email, SMS, and voice callouts, to ensure critical events are addressed promptly by the correct personnel.
  • Implement and customize modules from the Ignition MES (Manufacturing Execution System) suite, focusing on OEE/Downtime Tracking, Recipe Management, and Statistical Process Control (SPC).
  • Create, schedule, and distribute detailed operational reports using the Ignition Reporting Module, providing key stakeholders with insights into production, quality, and performance metrics.
  • Implement and enforce robust security policies within the Ignition gateway, managing user roles, authentication profiles, and access permissions to protect critical infrastructure.
  • Develop comprehensive technical documentation, including functional specifications, design documents, and operator training manuals for all developed applications.
  • Lead training sessions for plant operators and maintenance staff on new features and interfaces, ensuring a smooth transition and effective system utilization.
  • Develop and execute thorough commissioning plans for new SCADA/HMI projects, including Factory Acceptance Testing (FAT) and Site Acceptance Testing (SAT).
  • Proactively monitor system performance, identifying and addressing bottlenecks in gateway processing, database transactions, and network latency to maintain a responsive user experience.
  • Design and integrate interfaces between the Ignition platform and other business systems, such as ERP (Enterprise Resource Planning) and LIMS (Laboratory Information Management System), to create a unified data ecosystem.
  • Manage the complete lifecycle of Ignition projects, from initial requirements gathering and scope definition through to deployment, final handover, and post-launch support.
  • Adhere to and contribute to the evolution of company-wide automation standards and best practices for HMI design, tag naming, and scripting.
  • Implement and manage version control for Ignition projects using tools like Git, enabling collaborative development and reliable rollback capabilities.
  • Develop and test comprehensive backup and disaster recovery procedures for all Ignition gateways and associated databases to minimize data loss and production downtime.
  • Utilize the Ignition Perspective module to build mobile-responsive industrial applications, providing access to critical data and controls on tablets and smartphones for a connected workforce.

Secondary Functions

  • Support ad-hoc data requests and exploratory data analysis by querying historical data and presenting findings to engineering and management teams.
  • Contribute to the organization's long-term data strategy and digital transformation roadmap by evaluating new technologies and methodologies.
  • Collaborate with business units, process engineers, and other stakeholders to translate operational needs and data requirements into detailed technical specifications for the engineering team.
  • Participate actively in sprint planning, daily stand-ups, and retrospective meetings as part of an agile development team focused on continuous improvement.

Required Skills & Competencies

Hard Skills (Technical)

  • Inductive Automation Ignition Platform: Deep proficiency in Ignition Core, Vision, and Perspective modules, including gateway configuration and system architecture.
  • Python Scripting: Strong ability to write clean, efficient Jython code for event handling, business logic, and system integration within the Ignition environment.
  • SQL and Databases: Expertise in writing complex SQL queries, designing database schemas, and managing databases like Microsoft SQL Server, PostgreSQL, or MySQL.
  • PLC Integration & Programming: Solid understanding of PLC hardware and logic (e.g., Allen-Bradley ControlLogix, Siemens S7) and experience integrating them with SCADA systems.
  • Industrial Communication Protocols: In-depth knowledge of OPC-UA, Modbus TCP/IP, and EtherNet/IP for establishing reliable device communications.
  • HMI/SCADA Design Principles: Strong foundation in creating user-centric, effective, and high-performance industrial interfaces based on ISA-101 standards.
  • Industrial Networking: Foundational knowledge of TCP/IP networking, including concepts like subnets, firewalls, and VLANs, as they apply to an OT environment.
  • MES Concepts: Familiarity with Manufacturing Execution System principles and modules, particularly OEE, Downtime Tracking, and Recipe Management.
  • Technical Documentation: Ability to read and interpret P&IDs and electrical schematics to understand process flow and control strategies.
  • Version Control Systems: Experience using Git or similar tools for managing project code and configuration changes.
  • Report Generation: Skill in designing and building automated reports to visualize key performance indicators for various business stakeholders.

Soft Skills

  • Analytical Problem-Solving: Ability to systematically diagnose complex technical issues under pressure and devise effective, lasting solutions.
  • Clear Communication: Excellent verbal and written communication skills to articulate technical concepts to both technical and non-technical audiences.
  • Meticulous Attention to Detail: A keen eye for detail to ensure accuracy in design, configuration, and testing, preventing costly errors.
  • Collaborative Team Player: A strong desire to work collaboratively with cross-functional teams, including operators, engineers, and IT professionals.
  • Adaptability: Eagerness to learn and adapt to new technologies, software updates, and evolving industry best practices.
  • Project & Time Management: Ability to manage multiple tasks, prioritize effectively, and meet deadlines in a fast-paced environment.
  • Ownership and Accountability: A proactive approach to taking ownership of projects and systems from conception to long-term support.

Education & Experience

Educational Background

Minimum Education:

  • Associate's Degree or a Technical Diploma in a relevant field. Equivalent work experience may be considered.

Preferred Education:

  • Bachelor's Degree in a relevant engineering or technology discipline.
  • Inductive Automation Ignition Core or Gold Certification.

Relevant Fields of Study:

  • Electrical Engineering / Electrical Engineering Technology
  • Computer Science / Information Technology
  • Automation & Controls Engineering Technology
  • Mechatronics

Experience Requirements

Typical Experience Range:

  • 2-5+ years of hands-on experience in an industrial automation, controls engineering, or SCADA development role.

Preferred:

  • Proven track record with at least one full-cycle Ignition SCADA project, from initial design and development through to successful commissioning and operator training. Direct experience upgrading Ignition systems or migrating from another SCADA platform is highly advantageous.
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