About the role:The Senior PLC Engineer is an experienced technical contributor responsible for designing, developing, troubleshooting, and delivering PLC-based control systems for complex data center and critical infrastructure projects.
This role requires strong hands-on programming expertise, independent technical judgment, field troubleshooting capability, and the ability to mentor Associate PLC Engineers and PLC Engineers. The Senior PLC Engineer owns more complex assignments, supports technical reviews, and helps ensure consistent execution across projects.
Key Responsibilities:Advanced PLC Programming & System Design- Design, develop, and modify PLC control logic for HVAC systems, central plants, mechanical systems, and critical facility infrastructure.
- Translate mechanical, electrical, and control requirements into reliable PLC programs and control strategies.
- Develop logic for complex equipment sequences, alarm handling, equipment staging, redundancy, failover, and system recovery.
- Support design of PLC architecture, I/O structures, controller configurations, and network communication strategies.
- Validate PLC logic through testing, simulation, peer review, and commissioning support.
Technical Execution & Quality- Own complex PLC deliverables from design through commissioning and turnover.
- Review assigned engineering work for technical accuracy, consistency, maintainability, and adherence to standards.
- Identify and resolve programming, hardware, integration, and commissioning issues.
- Escalate high-risk technical issues to the Lead PLC Engineer or Principal PLC Engineer with clear recommendations.
- Contribute to reusable code libraries, programming standards, templates, and best practices.
Field & Commissioning Leadership- Lead troubleshooting of PLC logic, field device, communication, and integration issues during start-up and commissioning.
- Support static and dynamic commissioning of building automation and special systems.
- Work directly with field technicians, commissioning teams, vendors, contractors, and system integrators to resolve technical issues.
- Support validation of system performance, sequence functionality, and customer requirements.
Mentorship & Collaboration- Mentor Associate PLC Engineers and PLC Engineers through code reviews, technical guidance, and project support.
- Provide informal training on PLC programming, troubleshooting methods, documentation practices, and field support expectations.
- Participate in internal design reviews, client meetings, and technical coordination discussions.
- Collaborate with SCADA, SCA, mechanical, electrical, and project management teams to ensure integrated project delivery.
Qualifications:Required- 5-8 years of hands-on PLC programming or industrial automation experience.
- Strong experience with Rockwell / Allen-Bradley Studio 5000; experience with additional PLC platforms is a plus.
- Proven ability to program and troubleshoot complex HVAC, central plant, mechanical, or critical infrastructure systems.
- Experience supporting system integration, field commissioning, and troubleshooting in live project environments.
- Strong understanding of industrial communication protocols such as Ethernet/IP, Modbus TCP, BACnet/IP, and OPC-UA.
- Strong documentation habits and commitment to repeatable, maintainable code.
- Ability to mentor less experienced engineers and provide clear technical guidance.
- Strong communication, problem-solving, organization, and client-facing skills.
Preferred- Bachelor's degree in Electrical, Mechanical, Automation, Software, or Mechatronics Engineering; or equivalent experience.
- Experience with data centers, hyperscale infrastructure, mission-critical facilities, or high-availability environments.
- Experience with Ignition SCADA, HMIs, Kepware, BMS, EPMS, or historian integrations.
- Experience developing redundancy strategies or programming redundant PLC controller systems.
- Experience in a systems integrator or engineering services environment.
Physical Requirements- Sit and/or stand for extended periods (typically 6-8 hours per day) while performing computer-based tasks and facility support tasks.
- Use hands and fingers to operate standard office equipment, including computers, keyboards, mice, telephones, scanners and printers.
- Occasionally stand, walk, bend, stoop, or reach to access filing cabinets, retrieve documents, or attend meetings.
- Lift, carry, push, or pull light objects and materials weighing up to 20-25 pounds (e.g., boxes of files or office supplies).
- Have sufficient vision (with or without correction) to read computer screens, printed documents, and small print; and sufficient hearing to communicate effectively by phone and in person.
- Work in a typical indoor office environment with moderate noise levels from office equipment, conversations, and occasional interruptions.
