Sr. Automation Controls Engineer

This role focuses on designing, programming, and commissioning industrial automation and SCADA systems for mission-critical infrastructure and advanced manufacturing environments.

Responsibilities

• Develop, modify, and troubleshoot PLC programs using Allen-Bradley Studio 5000 for ControlLogix and CompactLogix platforms.
• Design and implement control strategies for mechanical and process systems such as HVAC equipment, chilled water systems, pumps, air handling units, exhaust systems, and related infrastructure.
• Translate detailed sequences of operation into organized, maintainable, and well-documented control logic.
• Configure and integrate instrumentation, sensors, transmitters, actuators, variable frequency drives (VFDs), and other field devices into the control system.
• Support factory acceptance testing (FAT), site acceptance testing (SAT), startup, and commissioning activities throughout project execution.
• Perform I/O checkout, loop checks, validation testing, and system verification to ensure proper operation of automation systems.
• Troubleshoot PLC code, controls hardware, and communication issues during commissioning and startup, resolving problems to maintain project schedules.
• Optimize control strategies and tune systems to improve performance, energy efficiency, and overall reliability.
• Design, configure, and deploy Ignition SCADA applications using Vision and/or Perspective modules.
• Develop operator interfaces, dashboards, alarm management systems, and reporting tools to support day-to-day operations.
• Create real-time data visualization for operational and facility systems to enhance monitoring and decision-making.
• Build and maintain SQL database connections, historian integrations, and trend analysis tools for data collection and analysis.
• Configure user management, security roles, alarming, notification systems, and data collection processes within the SCADA environment.
• Integrate PLCs, field devices, and third-party systems using industrial communication protocols.
• Support commissioning and validation of SCADA applications during startup activities, ensuring systems function as designed.
• Assist end users with troubleshooting, enhancements, and ongoing system optimization initiatives.
• Provide onsite startup and commissioning support during project execution at the facility.
• Collaborate closely with technicians, contractors, project managers, and commissioning teams to coordinate activities and resolve issues.
• Diagnose issues involving controls, instrumentation, networking, and SCADA communications and implement effective solutions.

Skills

• Hands-on experience with Allen-Bradley PLC programming using Studio 5000 for ControlLogix and CompactLogix platforms.
• Proficiency in PLC programming, troubleshooting, and controls engineering for industrial automation systems.
• Experience with Ignition SCADA development, including building and deploying applications using Vision and/or Perspective modules.
• Strong understanding of controls engineering principles and industrial automation practices.
• Ability to configure and integrate instrumentation, sensors, transmitters, actuators, VFDs, and field devices.
• Experience supporting factory acceptance testing, site acceptance testing, startup, and commissioning of automation systems.
• Ability to perform I/O checkout, loop checks, validation testing, and system verification.
• Skill in troubleshooting PLC code, control hardware, and communication issues in the field.
• Experience designing operator interfaces, dashboards, alarm management, and reporting tools in a SCADA environment.
• Familiarity with SQL databases and industrial data collection systems.
• Knowledge of industrial networking and communications protocols such as EtherNet/IP, Modbus TCP/IP, BACnet, OPC UA, and MQTT.
• Experience integrating HMIs, SCADA platforms, VFDs, and intelligent devices into automation systems.
• Understanding of cybersecurity principles as they relate to industrial control systems.
• Ability to collaborate effectively with multidisciplinary teams, including technicians, contractors, and project managers.
• Strong documentation skills for recording commissioning results, testing procedures, and system modifications.

Pay

The pay range for this position is $60.00 - $75.00/hr. Individual compensation offered for this position within this range will depend on many factors, including qualifications, skills, relevant experience, job knowledge, geographic location, internal equity, and other pertinent job-related factors.

Benefits

• Medical, dental & vision
• Critical Illness, Accident, and Hospital insurance
• 401(k) Retirement Plan – Pre-tax and Roth post-tax contributions available
• Life Insurance (Voluntary Life & AD&D for the employee and dependents)
• Short and long-term disability
• Health Spending Account (HSA)
• Transportation benefits
• Employee Assistance Program
• Time Off/Leave (PTO, Vacation or Sick Leave)

Schedule

This is a Contract, fully onsite position based in Plano, TX.