Automation and Control System Developer

HDR; Missoula (MT); On-site; USD 66,000 - 94,000; Full time

Job summary

HDR is seeking an Automation and Control Systems Applications Developer to program, test, implement and Commission control systems, coordinating with design teams and clients. You will read PLC/HMI logic and P&ID diagrams, develop standard practices, and potentially lead project tasks in a collaborative employee-owned culture.

The role requires proven experience in PLC logic, HMIs, and SCADA systems, with travel as needed to project sites across Montana and other locations.

Qualifications

• Associate's degree in engineering or related field or equivalent work experience.
• Minimum 5 years of engineering experience in the discipline to be supported.
• Hands-on experience with discipline-specific computer applications.
• Knowledge of industry standards specific to the discipline being supported.
• Proficient with Microsoft Office; good verbal and written communication.
• Active participation in employee-owned culture is a must.

Responsibilities

• Programming the project control system per scope – SCADA, PLC, HMI, Historian, etc.
• Manage project tasks within scope, budget, and schedule
• Coordinate with Design, Construction and Start-up teams for project control system
• Download, test and document control system programs and communication systems
• Participate in field testing and commissioning of the control system
• Willingness to travel as necessary; travel duration/frequency depend on project needs

Skills

PLC programming

HMI integration

SCADA systems

Industrial networks

Team leadership

Documentation

Education

Associate's degree in engineering or related field

Tools

FactoryTalk

Wonderware

iFix

Ignition

VTScada

Allen-Bradley PLC

Siemens

Job description

At HDR, our employee-owners are fully engaged in creating a welcoming environment where each of us is valued and respected, a place where everyone is empowered to bring their authentic selves and novel ideas to work every day. As we foster a culture of inclusion throughout our company and within our communities, we constantly ask ourselves: What is our impact on the world?

Watch Our Story: https://www.hdrinc.com/our-story

Each and every role throughout our organization makes a difference in our ability to change the world for the better. Read further to learn how you could help make great things possible not only in your community, but around the world.

We believe building engineering is more than systems and structures, it’s about powering progress and enabling innovation. As part of HDR’s Building Engineering Services Group, you’ll help design the critical infrastructure that supports the digital age and shapes the spaces where people work, connect, and thrive. From high-performance data centers driving the future of AI to dynamic commercial environments, your work will directly support technological advancement, sustainability, and human experience. We bring together mechanical, electrical, structural, and civil engineering experts to solve complex design challenges with precision, creativity, and collaboration. Whether you're optimizing energy efficiency, integrating resilient systems, or engineering the backbone of next-generation facilities, your contributions will help define the future of the built environment. This isn’t just a job, it’s a chance to lead innovation, engineer impact, and build a legacy of excellence.

The Automation and Control Systems Applications Developer will have responsibility for, programming, testing, implementing and commissioning the control system as designed. The Automation and Control Systems Applications Developer will be responsible for coordination of the control system with the Design team, construction team and Client.

The individual must have proven experience in PLC logic and HMI integration in any of the following PLCs (Allen Bradley, Modicon, GE, Siemens, etc.) and HMIs (FactoryTalk, Wonderware, iFix, Ignition, VTScada, etc.). Must be able to create and read logic and P&ID diagrams for program design, programming, simulation, testing and startup.

The ideal candidate will have a proven track record in programming as well as the ability to develop and implement standard engineering practices, as well as provide detailed documentation upon project completion. This person will be the project applications engineer and may be responsible for leading project task activities.

The primary duties for the Automation and Control Systems Applications Developer will include:

• Programming the project control system as defined by the project scope – SCADA, PLC, HMI, Historian, Communications hardware, etc.
• Manage project tasks within scope budget and schedule
• Coordinate with Design, Construction and Start-up team leader for project control system
• Download, test and document control system programs and communication systems as defined in scope
• Participate in field testing and commissioning of the control system
• Must be willing to travel as necessary. Duration of travel and frequency of travel will depend on project/HDR needs.

Preferred Qualifications

• Minimum of 5+ years’ experience in process control system programming – Supervisory Controls and Data Acquisition (SCADA), Programmable Logic Controllers (PLC’s), Human Machine Interface (HMI), Operator Interface Terminals (OIT’s), Industrial communication networks set up and testing and assistance in start-up and commissioning
• Excellent communication, leadership and planning skills, and ability to thrive in a team environment. Position requires very strong skills in preparing client presentations, project memoranda and reports
• Attitude and commitment to being an active participant of employee-owned culture
• Preference given to local candidates
• Experience working in the water and wastewater facilities, Oil Gas industry, Power generation and Distribution, Mining and other industrial facilities
• Proven track record in programming leadership as well as the ability to develop and implement standard engineering practices and provide detailed documentation upon project completion.

Required Qualifications

• Associate's degree in engineering or related field of study or equivalent work experience
• A minimum of 5 years of engineering experience in the discipline to be supported
• Aptitude and demonstrated hands‑on experience with computer applications specific to the discipline to be supported
• Knowledge of industry standards specific to the discipline being supported
• Proficient with Microsoft Office
• Good verbal and written communication skills
• An attitude and commitment to being an active participant of our employee-owned culture is a must

What We Believe

HDR is our company. Together, we build on each other's life experiences and perspectives to make great things possible every day. This shapes our collaborative culture, encourages organizational trust and connects us closer to the clients and communities we serve.

Our Commitment

As employee owners, we all have a role in creating an inclusive environment where each of us is welcomed, valued, respected and empowered to bring our authentic selves to work every day.

Our eight Employee Network Groups (Asian Pacific, Black, Hispanic/Latino(a), LGBTQ+, People with Disabilities, Veterans, Women, Young Professionals) help create a sense of belonging and foster a supportive environment where everyone is empowered to engage and contribute. Each group has an executive sponsor and is open to all employees.

We provide a comprehensive benefits package that promotes employee ownership, employee health, performance, and success, which includes medical, dental, vision, short and long-term disability, life insurance, an employee assistance program, paid time away, parental leave, paid holidays, a retirement savings plan with employer match, employee referral bonus and tuition reimbursement.

The expected compensation range for this position depends upon skills, experience, education and geographical location. (Stated benefits are for full-time regular positions. Temporary and part-time roles eligible for limited benefits.) Montana: $66000- $94000

Primary Location: United States-Montana-Missoula

Other Locations: United States-Montana-Billings, United States-Montana-Butte

Industry: Building Engineering

Schedule: Full-time

Employee Status: Regular

BusinessClass: Control Systems and OT Cybersecurity

Job Posting: Aug 25, 2026

At HDR, we are committed to the principles of employment equity. We are an Affiliated Action and Equal Opportunity Employer (https://www.hdrinc.com/equal-employment-opportunity-employer). We consider all qualified applicants, regardless of criminal histories, arrest and conviction records.