Controls Technician

SolveNow Inc.; Santa Clara (CA); On-site; USD 90,000 - 130,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Relocation assistance

On-site position

Job summary

SolveNow Inc. in Santa Clara, CA seeks a Career-level Controls Technician responsible for designing, developing, and leading implementation of complex industrial automation systems. The role focuses on advanced PLC programming, HMI/SCADA system design, and full lifecycle ownership from concept to commissioning.

You will provide technical leadership, mentor junior engineers, and ensure high-quality, scalable automation solutions across projects in a semiconductor production environment.

Qualifications

• Associate of Applied Science in Electrical Engineering Technology, Automation, Mechatronics, or a related field with equivalent experience.
• 8+ years of experience in PLC/HMI programming or industrial automation
• Expert-level PLC programming skills across one or more platforms
• Proven experience leading automation projects and system commissioning
• Strong knowledge of control system design, electrical systems, and industrial processes
• Advanced experience with Allen-Bradley Studio 5000/ControlLogix
• Siemens S7/TIA Portal
• Emerson Machine Edition
• Expertise with SCADA platforms (Ignition, FactoryTalk, WinCC, Cimplicity)
• Knowledge of industrial communication protocols such as EtherNet/IP, Modbus, Profinet, OPC UA
• Experience with motion control, robotics, and high-speed automation systems
• Familiarity with MES integration, databases (SQL), and IIoT systems
• Experience with safety PLCs and functional safety standards (SIL, ISO)
• Exposure to industrial cybersecurity practices

Responsibilities

• Design and develop advanced PLC programs using modular architectures
• Lead development of HMI/SCADA systems emphasizing usability and reliability
• Architect full automation solutions (PLC, HMI, SCADA, networks, field devices)
• Oversee system integration with databases, historians, and enterprise systems
• Lead troubleshooting and root cause analysis for complex failures
• Manage system testing, validation, and onsite commissioning
• Establish and enforce PLC/HMI programming standards
• Review and approve electrical designs and system documentation
• Collaborate with project managers, clients, vendors, and cross-functional teams
• Mentor junior engineers and ensure safety and cybersecurity compliance

Skills

PLC programming

HMI/SCADA

Project leadership

Control system design

Electrical systems

Industrial processes

Cybersecurity practices

Education

Associate of Applied Science in Electrical Engineering Technology or related field

Tools

Allen-Bradley Studio 5000

Siemens TIA Portal/S7

Emerson Machine Edition

Job description

Qualifications:

Here’s what you'll need:

• Associate of Applied Science in Electrical Engineering Technology, Automation, Mechatronics, or a related field with equivalent experience.


• 8+ years of experience in PLC/HMI programming or industrial automation


• Expert-level PLC programming skills across one or more platforms


• Proven experience leading automation projects and system commissioning


• Strong knowledge of control system design, electrical systems, and industrial processes


• Preferred Qualifications:

• Advanced experience with:

1. Allen-Bradley (Studio 5000, ControlLogix)


2. Siemens (TIA Portal, S7)


3. Emerson (Machine Edition)

• Expertise with SCADA platforms (Ignition, FactoryTalk, WinCC, Cimplicity)


• Knowledge of industrial communication protocols such as, EtherNet/IP, Modbus, Profinet, OPC UA


• Experience with motion control, robotics, and high-speed automation systems


• Familiarity with MES integration, databases (SQL), and IIoT systems


• Experience with safety PLCs and functional safety standards (SIL, ISO)


• Exposure to industrial cybersecurity practices

Additional Details:

• This is an on-site position with work to be performed on the client site in Santa Clara, CA.


• After-hours on-call support services are occasionally requested.


• Relocation assistance may be provided for qualified candidates.


• Requires field mobility, including walking long distances, climbing ladders, working in tight spaces, and lifting up to 25 lbs.

Travel may be required.

• Must pass background check and drug screening and be fully authorized to work in the U.S. (no sponsorship).

Responsibilities:

We're seeking a Career level Controls Technician to join our team in Santa Clara, California, who is excited to have the chance to work on projects enabling a semiconductor production facility. Your primary responsibility will be designing, developing, and leading the implementation of complex industrial automation systems. This role involves advanced PLC programming, HMI/SCADA system design, system architecture, and full project lifecycle ownership from concept through commissioning. The role also provides technical leadership, mentors junior engineers, and ensures high-quality, scalable automation solutions.

Key Responsibilities:

• Design and develop advanced PLC programs using structured, modular, and scalable architectures


• Lead development of HMI/SCADA systems with focus on usability, performance, and reliability


• Architect full automation solutions, including PLC, HMI, SCADA, networks, and field devices


• Oversee system integration with databases, historians, and enterprise systems


• Lead troubleshooting and root cause analysis for complex system failures and production issues


• Manage system testing, validation, and onsite commissioning activities


• Establish and enforce PLC/HMI programming standards and best practices


• Review and approve electrical designs, control strategies, and system documentation


• Collaborate with project managers, clients, vendors, and cross-functional engineering teams


• Mentor and guide junior and intermediate engineers


• Ensure compliance with safety standards, industry regulations, and cybersecurity practices.