Controls Technician

Jacobs; Santa Clara (CA); On-site; USD 133,800 - 183,900; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Medical insurance

Dental insurance

Vision insurance

401(k) plan

Stock purchase plan

PPTO and holidays

Job summary

Jacobs in Santa Clara, CA is seeking an experienced Automation Engineer to design, develop and lead PLC/HMI based solutions for complex industrial projects. This on-site role requires coordinating with clients, vendors and cross-functional teams to deliver reliable automation systems.

The candidate will spearhead control system design, oversee commissioning, and mentor junior engineers while ensuring safety and cybersecurity practices across projects.

Qualifications

• 8+ years of experience in PLC/HMI programming or industrial automation.
• Expert-level PLC programming across one or more platforms.
• Proven experience leading automation projects and system commissioning.
• Strong knowledge of control system design, electrical systems, and industrial processes.

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.

Skills

PLC/HMI programming

Automation project leadership

Control design knowledge

Electrical systems knowledge

Education

Associate of Applied Science in Electrical Engineering Technology/Automation/Mechatronics

Tools

Allen-Bradley Studio 5000

Siemens TIA Portal

Emerson Machine Edition

Job description

At Jacobs, we’re challenging today to reinvent tomorrow by solving the world's most critical problems for thriving cities, resilient environments, mission-critical outcomes, operational advancement, scientific discovery and cutting-edge manufacturing, turning abstract ideas into realities that transform the world for good.

Location: Santa Clara, CA | In-office

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

Required Qualifications

• Associate of Applied Science in Electrical Engineering Technology, Automation, Mechatronics or 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
  • Allen-Bradley (Studio 5000, ControlLogix)
  • Siemens (TIA Portal, S7)
  • 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 candidate.
• 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, drug screening and be fully authorized to work in the U.S. (no sponsorship).

Benefits

Our health and welfare benefits are designed to invest in you, and in the things you care about. Your health. Your well‑being. Your security. Your future. Employees have access to medical, dental, vision, and basic life insurance, a 401(k) plan, and the ability to purchase company stock at a discount. Eligible employees may also enroll in a deferred compensation plan or the Executive Deferral Plan. Jacobs has an unlimited U.S. Personalized Paid Time Off (PPTO) policy for full‑time salaried/exempt employees, seven paid holidays, and caregiver leave. And certain roles may be eligible for additional rewards, including merit increases, performance discretionary bonus, and stock.

Salary Range

The base salary range for this position is $133,800.00 to $183,900.00. Within the range, individual pay is determined by work location and additional factors, including job‑related skills, experience, and relevant education or training.

All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, disability or protected veteran status.