Field PLC Engineer

Accountabilities:

• Develop, modify, test, and validate PLC programs supporting HVAC, central plant, mechanical, electrical, and other critical facility systems.
• Implement customer-requested changes to PLC databases, control sequences, logic, control strategies, tags, alarms, I/O structures, and system parameters.
• Develop reusable programming components, templates, and standardized control practices to improve consistency and scalability.
• Test PLC logic and validate system functionality before field deployment and commissioning.
• Meet with clients to understand mechanical, electrical, automation, and facility-control requirements and provide technical input during design and project discussions.
• Collaborate with project managers, engineers, contractors, vendors, commissioning teams, and field personnel to deliver PLC and controls scope successfully.
• Communicate project status, technical risks, open issues, and required actions clearly and proactively.
• Support field installation, system start-up, commissioning, troubleshooting, and functional validation activities.
• Diagnose and resolve issues involving PLC logic, control hardware, field devices, wiring, and industrial communication networks.
• Support static and dynamic commissioning of building automation and specialized facility systems.
• Integrate PLC-based controls with SCADA, BMS, EPMS, HMI, and other facility management and monitoring platforms.
• Document programming workflows, logic changes, system configurations, testing activities, and commissioning updates for project turnover.
• Follow established PLC programming standards, naming conventions, code review processes, and documentation requirements.
• Maintain accurate project files and technical records while contributing to internal reviews and lessons-learned initiatives.
• Manage assigned engineering work independently while maintaining appropriate communication with senior engineers and project stakeholders.

Requirements

• 6+ years of experience in PLC programming, controls engineering, industrial automation, or a related technical discipline.
• Hands-on experience or working knowledge of Rockwell/Allen-Bradley Studio 5000 or comparable PLC programming platforms.
• Strong understanding of PLC logic, I/O systems, field devices, industrial networks, and control system architecture.
• Demonstrated ability to troubleshoot PLC logic, hardware, field devices, and communication-network issues.
• Experience supporting field commissioning, start-up, testing, and validation activities is highly relevant.
• Strong organizational, task-management, technical documentation, and problem-solving skills.
• Ability to work independently on defined engineering assignments while collaborating effectively with multidisciplinary teams.
• Self-directed, proactive approach with the ability to manage priorities and communicate issues appropriately.
• Strong client-facing communication skills and comfort participating in technical meetings and design discussions.
• OSHA 10 certification obtained within the past two years is required. Candidates without a current certification will be required to complete employer-provided OSHA 10 training successfully within the first week of employment.
• Willingness and ability to travel approximately 50–60%, including frequent travel by car or plane and potential extended assignments at project sites.
• Bachelor’s degree in Software, Mechanical, Electrical, Automation, Mechatronics Engineering, or a related field is preferred.
• Experience with HVAC controls, central plants, chillers, boilers, or other mechanical systems is advantageous.
• Exposure to Ignition SCADA, HMIs, Kepware, EPMS, BMS, or facility integration platforms is preferred.
• Familiarity with industrial communication protocols such as Ethernet/IP, Modbus TCP, BACnet/IP, or OPC-UA is a plus.
• Experience in data centers, hyperscale infrastructure, mission-critical facilities, or systems integration environments is beneficial.
• Ability to stand, walk, and move around active job sites for extended periods.
• Ability to climb ladders, stairs, and lifts and work at heights or in varying indoor and outdoor conditions.
• Ability to bend, kneel, crouch, and work in tight or confined spaces when required.
• Ability to lift, carry, and maneuver equipment and materials weighing up to 50 pounds.
• Manual dexterity to safely handle tools, wiring, and small components.
• Ability to wear required PPE, including hard hats, safety glasses, gloves, safety-toed boots, and high-visibility equipment.
• Sufficient visual acuity to read schematics, labels, and digital displays and distinguish wire colors.
• Ability to hear and respond appropriately to alarms, equipment sounds, and verbal instructions.
• Capability to safely operate hand and power tools.

Benefits

• Hands-on training and opportunities for career advancement within the growing data-center and critical-infrastructure industry.
• Medical, dental, and vision insurance.
• 100% coverage of individual medical premiums, with assistance toward family coverage.
• 401(k) plan with employer matching after 90 days of eligibility.
• Short-term and long-term disability insurance provided at no cost to employees.
• Flexible PTO with no accrual requirement.
• Business travel expenses covered for eligible field-based roles.
• Per diem for eligible travel assignments.
• Phone allowance for eligible field employees.
• Tools and personal protective equipment provided at no cost for eligible field-based positions.
• Paid training and reimbursement for eligible business-related expenses.
• Opportunity to work directly with complex automation, controls, and mission-critical infrastructure systems.
• Remote-based role with substantial field-site travel throughout the United States.