Senior Automation Engineer

Cognify Global; Houston (TX); On-site; USD 120,000 - 160,000; Full time

Job summary

Cognify Global is seeking a Senior Automation & SCADA Systems Architect to join its Professional Services team. The role combines hands-on engineering with technical leadership across challenging industrial automation projects, centering on Ignition SCADA and related architectures.

The position requires 8+ years in controls/SCADA, extensive Ignition experience, and the ability to lead architectures while mentoring teams.

Qualifications

• 8+ years of experience in Controls/SCADA/Systems Integration.
• Hands-on experience with Inductive Automation Ignition.
• Proven ability to design and program PLC, HMI, and SCADA systems from scratch.
• Strong understanding of industrial protocols: OPC UA, MQTT/Sparkplug B, Modbus, DNP3, EtherNet/IP.
• Authorized to work in the United States (Citizen or Green Card; no visa sponsorship).
• Experience with Wonderware/AVEVA or Cygnet migration projects.

Responsibilities

• Design, develop, and deliver PLC, HMI, and Ignition SCADA solutions from concept through commissioning.
• Design and program control systems from scratch (PLC logic, HMI, SCADA architecture, software integration).
• Lead the technical architecture of automation systems (PLCs, RTUs, HMIs, SCADA, historians, databases, networks, cloud).
• Support SCADA modernization and migration projects to Ignition.
• Provide technical leadership, mentor engineers, and support project delivery from design through implementation.
• Collaborate with customers, project teams, and sales to develop robust automation solutions.

Skills

Hands-on Automation

SCADA Engineering

Technical Leadership

Mentoring Engineers

Tools

Inductive Automation Ignition

Ignition Vision

Ignition Perspective

Ignition Gateway Architecture

Job description

I'm currently working with a growing systems integrator looking to appoint a Senior Automation & SCADA Systems Architect to join its Professional Services team.

This is an excellent opportunity for an experienced automation professional who enjoys remaining hands‑on while providing technical leadership across complex industrial automation and SCADA projects.

Please note: Hands‑on experience with Inductive Automation Ignition is essential.

Key Responsibilities

• Design, develop, and deliver PLC, HMI, and Ignition SCADA solutions from concept through commissioning.
• Design and program control systems from scratch, including PLC logic, HMI applications, SCADA architecture, and software integration.
• Lead the technical architecture of automation systems involving PLCs, RTUs, HMIs, SCADA, historians, databases, industrial networks, and cloud-hosted solutions.
• Support SCADA modernisation and migration projects to Ignition.
• Provide technical leadership, mentor engineering teams, and support project delivery from design through implementation.
• Work closely with customers, project teams, and sales to develop robust automation solutions.

Requirements

• 8+ years' experience in Controls Engineering, SCADA Engineering, or Systems Integration.
• Strong hands‑on experience with Inductive Automation Ignition, including Vision, Perspective, Gateway Architecture, UDTs, Tag Historian, Alarming, Scripting, and Redundancy.
• Proven experience designing and programming PLC, HMI, and SCADA systems from scratch.
• Strong understanding of industrial communication protocols, including OPC UA, MQTT/Sparkplug B, Modbus, DNP3, and EtherNet/IP.
• Experience leading technical projects and mentoring engineers.
• Applicants must be authorised to work in the United States as either a US Citizen or Green Card holder. Unfortunately, visa sponsorship is not available for this position.
• Wonderware/AVEVA or Cygnet migration projects.
• Oil & Gas, Water/Wastewater, Utilities, or Industrial Manufacturing.
• Ignition, ISA CAP, PMP, PE, or other relevant certifications.

If you're looking for a role where you can combine hands‑on engineering with technical leadership and work on challenging industrial automation projects, we'd love to hear from you.