Controls Engineer / PLC Programmer

Kforce Inc; Chandler (AZ); Hybrid; USD 90,000 - 120,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Health insurance

401(k) plan

Paid time off

Career growth opportunities

Job summary

Kforce's client in Chandler, AZ is seeking a Controls Engineer/PLC Programmer to design, program, and commission PLC, HMI, and SCADA systems for water, wastewater, and industrial facilities. The role spans development, testing, startup, and ongoing client support, with hybrid/remote work options.

Ideal candidates have 4–6+ years of controls engineering experience, hands-on PLC programming, and strong communication skills to support customers and projects across multiple industries.

Qualifications

• AS or BS degree in Electrical Engineering, Computer Science, Computer Engineering or equivalent work experience.
• 4-6+ years of controls engineering, automation, or systems integration experience.
• Hands-on PLC programming and HMI/SCADA development experience.
• Experience with startup, commissioning, and troubleshooting activities.
• Ability to read P&IDs, control schematics, and electrical documentation.
• Working knowledge of industrial networking and communication protocols.
• Strong client-facing communication skills.
• Must live in or relocate to the Phoenix metro area.

Responsibilities

• Develop and troubleshoot PLC, HMI, and SCADA applications.
• Integrate SCADA systems, RTUs, telemetry, databases, and communication networks.
• Configure industrial networks and support cybersecurity initiatives.
• Participate in FAT, startup, commissioning, and system validation.
• Review control narratives, P&IDs, electrical drawings, and I/O documentation.
• Provide technical documentation, training, and ongoing client support.

Skills

PLC programming

HMI/SCADA development

Industrial networking

Client-facing communication

Startup/commissioning

Reading P&IDs

Electrical documentation

Troubleshooting

Education

Bachelor's degree in Electrical Engineering or related

Tools

Allen-Bradley/Rockwell

Siemens

Schneider Electric

Omron

GE PLCs

FactoryTalk

Ignition

AVEVA/Wonderware

VTScada

iFIX

Job description

Responsibilities

Kforce's client, a growing engineering and automation firm in Chandler, AZ, is seeking a Controls Engineer/PLC Programmer to design, program, and commission PLC, HMI, and SCADA systems for water, wastewater, municipal, mining, and industrial facilities. This role offers hands-on involvement throughout the full project lifecycle, from development and testing through startup and client support. This company offers a competitive compensation package including base salary, annual bonus/profit sharing, etc. We are working directly with the hiring manager on this search assignment. This position is hybrid/remote.

• Develop and troubleshoot PLC, HMI, and SCADA applications
• Integrate SCADA systems, RTUs, telemetry, databases, and communication networks
• Configure industrial networks and support cybersecurity initiatives
• Participate in FAT, startup, commissioning, and system validation
• Review control narratives, P&IDs, electrical drawings, and I/O documentation
• Provide technical documentation, training, and ongoing client support

Requirements

• AS or BS degree in Electrical Engineering, Computer Science, Computer Engineering or equivalent work experience
• 4-6+ years of controls engineering, automation, or systems integration experience
• Hands-on PLC programming and HMI/SCADA development experience
• Experience with startup, commissioning, and troubleshooting activities
• Ability to read P&IDs, control schematics, and electrical documentation
• Working knowledge of industrial networking and communication protocols
• Strong client-facing communication skills
• Must live in or relocate to the Phoenix metro area

Preferred Experience But Not All Required

• Allen-Bradley/Rockwell, Siemens, Schneider, Omron, or GE PLC platforms
• FactoryTalk, Ignition, AVEVA/Wonderware, VTScada, iFIX, or similar SCADA systems
• Water/wastewater, municipal infrastructure, mining, manufacturing, or industrial environments
• Control system cybersecurity, UL 508A, and virtualization experience

Why Join?

• Work on impactful infrastructure and industrial automation projects
• Gain exposure to leading PLC, SCADA, networking, and cybersecurity technologies
• Join a growing engineering team with strong technical leadership and career growth opportunities

The pay range is the lowest to highest compensation we reasonably in good faith believe we would pay at posting for this role. We may ultimately pay more or less than this range. Employee pay is based on factors like relevant education, qualifications, certifications, experience, skills, seniority, location, performance, union contract and business needs. This range may be modified in the future.

We offer comprehensive benefits including medical/dental/vision insurance, HSA, FSA, 401(k), and life, disability & ADD insurance to eligible employees. Salaried personnel receive paid time off. Hourly employees are not eligible for paid time off unless required by law. Hourly employees on a Service Contract Act project are eligible for paid sick leave.

Note: Pay is not considered compensation until it is earned, vested and determinable. The amount and availability of any compensation remains in Kforce's sole discretion unless and until paid and may be modified in its discretion consistent with the law.

This job is not eligible for bonuses, incentives or commissions.

Kforce is an Equal Opportunity/Affirmative Action Employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, pregnancy, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, age, protected veteran status, or disability status.