Lead Controls PLC Engineer

Overview

The Lead Controls PLC Engineer at XNRGY Climate Systems will architect and program mission-critical automation solutions, mentor a growing controls team, and drive innovation in high-performance thermal management applications for R&D and product lines.

Responsibilities

• Lead the full lifecycle of control system projects: design, programming, testing, commissioning, and ongoing optimization of PLC-based solutions, primarily on Siemens SIMATIC platforms (TIA Portal, S7-1200/1500 series).

• Develop, implement, and troubleshoot advanced control logic using Structured Control Language (SCL) / Structured Text for complex HVAC, compression, and data center applications.

• Design and maintain robust HMI/SCADA interfaces and database solutions to deliver real-time visibility and data-driven decision making.

• Lead in-house testing, system commissioning, and startup of equipment prior to shipment from the Mesa facility.

• Perform hands-on diagnostics and root-cause analysis using industry-standard tools in the lab and on the production floor.

• Apply core engineering principles (thermodynamics, heat transfer, fluid mechanics, controls, and power electronics) to optimize system performance, energy efficiency, and reliability.

• Collaborate cross-functionally with R&D, mechanical, electrical, and project teams.

• Mentor junior engineers and programmers, supporting their technical growth and development.

Qualifications

• Minimum 7 years of progressive experience in controls engineering and PLC programming, with a strong focus on industrial automation, process control, and HVAC systems.

• Bachelor’s degree in Mechanical, Electrical/Electronic Engineering, Computer Science, or related field, OR relevant technologist diploma plus 7+ years of experience and active CET designation.

• Advanced proficiency in Siemens PLC programming (TIA Portal, SIMATIC STEP 7, S7-1200/1500, SCL/Structured Text).

• Solid experience with industrial communication protocols (Ethernet/IP, Modbus, BACnet, Profinet, TCP/IP).

• Proven track record developing HMI/SCADA solutions and database integration.

• Strong working knowledge of Windows-based systems, computer networks, and control system cybersecurity best practices.

• Excellent written and verbal communication skills in English; able to clearly articulate technical concepts to technical and non-technical stakeholders.

• Demonstrated ability to lead projects, mentor team members, and thrive in a fast-paced, collaborative environment.

Preferred / Additional Strengths

• Experience with Carel pCO systems, Rockwell Studio 5000, National Instruments, or Linux real-time platforms.

• Hands-on knowledge of power electronics, variable speed drives, fluid handling equipment, or mission-critical data center infrastructure.

• Familiarity with Ignition HMI, LabVIEW, C/C++, or relational databases (MariaDB, MySQL).