Lead Controls Engineer / PLC Programmer

XNRGY

$90K — $120K *
Mesa, CO 81643In-Person
Manufacturing & Automotive
5 - 7 years of experience
Job Overview by Ladders

Qualifications

  • 7+ years of experience in controls engineering or PLC programming, focusing on industrial automation and HVAC systems.
  • Bachelor's degree in Mechanical, Electrical/Electronic Engineering, Computer Science, or related field, OR relevant technologist diploma with equivalent experience.
  • Advanced proficiency in Siemens PLC programming (TIA Portal, SCL/Structured Text).
  • Solid experience with industrial communication protocols (Ethernet/IP, Modbus, BACnet).
  • Excellent written and verbal communication skills in English.

Responsibilities

  • Lead the design, programming, testing, and optimization of PLC-based control systems, primarily on Siemens platforms.
  • Develop and troubleshoot advanced control logic for HVAC and data center applications.
  • Design and maintain HMI/SCADA interfaces for real-time data access.
  • Conduct in-house testing and commissioning of systems before shipment.
  • Perform root-cause analysis and diagnostics on production equipment.
  • Apply engineering principles to optimize system performance and energy efficiency.
  • Collaborate with R&D and mentor junior team members in their technical development.

Benefits

  • Medical, dental, and vision insurance.
  • 401 K with employer match.
  • Employee Assistance Program.
  • Dynamic team environment promoting change and innovation.
  • Modern facility equipped with Industry 4.0 technology.
  • Opportunities for career advancement and internal promotion.
  • Inclusive and diversity-friendly workplace.
Full Job Description
As part of our expansion in the US, XNRGY is seeking a qualified Lead Controls Engineer / PLC Programmer to join its team onsite in Mesa, Arizona. This hands-on leadership role will architect and program mission-critical automation solutions, mentor a growing controls team, and drive innovation in high-performance thermal management applications for our R&D and product lines.

An overview of your responsibilities:

The Lead Controls Engineer / PLC Programmer leads the design, development, and deployment of advanced control systems with deep expertise in Siemens platforms. This role delivers PLC-based automation for complex HVAC, compression, and data center applications, provides technical leadership within our Mesa facility, and mentors junior engineers and programmers.

Key Responsibilities

Control System Design & Programming
• 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.

Testing & Commissioning
• 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.

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

Collaboration & Mentorship
• Collaborate cross-functionally with R&D, mechanical, electrical, and project teams.
• Mentor junior engineers and programmers, supporting their technical growth and development.

Qualifications

Education & Experience
• Minimum 7 years of progressive experience in controls engineering or PLC programming, with a strong focus on industrial automation, process control, or 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.

Key Competencies / Skills
• 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).

Why choose XNRGY!
• Competitive salary.
• Medical, dental and vision insurance.
• 401 K with employer match.
• Employee Assistance Program.
• A dynamic team, open to change to bring its color.
• Modern state of the art facility with Industry 4.0 technology in Mesa, Arizona.
• Being part of a green industry transformation.
• Fast-growing dynamic environment where entrepreneurial spirit is recognized.
• Inclusive and diversity-friendly environment.
• Career advancement: XNRGY promotes internal promotion.
• Electric charging stations.

Are you ready to join our driven team? Join a company that values Courage, Community, Climate, Customer and Coherence. Be part of carving our footprint and joining a winning team!

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