Lead Controls Engineer — PLC/HMI Automation (On-site)

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

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.