Automation Controls Software Engineer

Blue Signal Search; Cedar Rapids (IA); On-site; USD 75,000 - 138,000; Full time

Job summary

A leading executive search firm, Blue Signal Search, is seeking an Automation Controls Software Engineer to enhance mission-critical infrastructure. This role offers competitive hourly wages, opportunities for overtime, and a stable work environment emphasizing technical proficiency and innovative thinking in automation engineering.

Benefits

Competitive hourly wages with overtime

Stable manufacturing environment

Predictable hours and work-life balance

Opportunities for growth

Qualifications

• 8+ years in direct PLC development and mission-critical commissioning.
• Familiar with protocols like BACnet/IP, Modbus TCP, etc.
• Experience in 24x7 environments preferred.

Responsibilities

• Design and implement advanced PLC logic for automation systems.
• Conduct integrated systems testing and make live code adjustments.
• Mentor junior developers and collaborate with SCADA engineers.

Skills

PLC programming

HVAC control logic

Effective communication

Education

Bachelor’s degree in Engineering, Computer Science, or related field

Tools

Rockwell Automation

Studio 5000

Codesys

TIA Portal

Job description

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Automation Controls Software Engineer

A pioneering force in automation engineering for high-demand infrastructure environments is seeking an Automation Controls Software Engineer Infrastructure to drive PLC software development for mission-critical systems. This is a high-impact opportunity to influence the backbone of modern digital infrastructure—spanning hyperscale data centers and other high-availability environments. This role is ideal for engineers passionate about pushing technical boundaries, improving energy efficiency, and ensuring uptime for the systems powering the world’s most data-intensive operations.

This Role Offers:

• Competitive hourly wages with opportunities for overtime pay.
• A stable and established manufacturing environment with a strong safety record.
• The chance to work with advanced corrugated packaging machinery, gaining valuable experience in high-demand skills.
• Supportive team atmosphere that values quality craftsmanship and continuous improvement.
• Consistent second-shift scheduling, providing predictable hours and work-life balance.
• A role where your contributions directly impact product quality and customer satisfaction.
• Opportunities to grow within the company for operators who demonstrate reliability, leadership, and technical proficiency.

Focus:

• Design and implement advanced PLC logic for chilled-water plants, HVAC systems, CRAC/CRAH units, and liquid cooling infrastructure.
• Develop reusable libraries, simulation environments, and test harnesses.
• Conduct FAT, SAT, and all levels of integrated systems testing (L2–L5), making live code adjustments as needed.
• Collaborate with SCADA engineers to build tag maps and interfaces (BACnet/IP, Modbus TCP, OPC-UA, SNMP).
• Validate network configurations including VLAN segmentation and redundant ring topologies.
• Support field teams during commissioning, startup, and punch-list resolution.
• Help evolve company-wide PLC standards and cybersecurity protocols in line with ISA/IEC 62443.
• Evaluate emerging automation platforms and contribute to the development of digital twin workflows.
• Mentor junior developers and conduct knowledge transfer sessions with clients and operators.
• Track project metrics, provide reporting, and support continuous improvement initiatives.

Skill Set:

• Bachelor’s degree in Engineering, Computer Science, or related field, or 12+ years of relevant PLC programming experience.
• At least 8 years in direct PLC development with 4 years supporting mission-critical commissioning.
• 10+ years of PLC programming, especially with Rockwell Automation (ControlLogix/CompactLogix).
• Experience with HVAC/mechanical control logic—especially chilled water, temperature, pressure, and flow controls.
• Familiarity with protocols: BACnet/IP, Modbus TCP, OPC-UA, MQTT, SNMP, RESTful APIs.
• History of contributing to 24x7 environments such as data centers, semiconductor fabs, pharmaceutical plants, or energy facilities (≥50 MW scale).
• Proficiency in Studio 5000, Codesys, TIA Portal, simulation tools, Git/GitLab, Jira, Wireshark.
• Knowledge of Uptime Institute Tier III/IV, NFPA 70E, ISA-88/95, ISA/IEC 62443.
• Clear communicator with the ability to make fast decisions under pressure.
• Effective in both client-facing roles and high-urgency field environments.
• Working knowledge of SCADA tools (Ignition, FactoryTalk View, AVEVA).
• Certifications such as CPIN, CREST, CCNA-Industrial, NICET IV, or ISA CAP are a plus.

About Blue Signal:

Blue Signal is a leading executive search firm, specializing in engineering recruitment. Our engineering recruiting team has expertise placing high-performing talent in areas such as electrical, mechanical, civil, and telecom engineering. Learn more at bit.ly/46IAFRJ

Seniority level

• Seniority level

  Executive

Employment type

• Employment type

  Full-time

Job function

• Industries

  Data Infrastructure and Analytics

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