Senior Control Engineer - Critical Infrastructure

ZipRecruiter; Atlanta (GA); On-site; USD 90,000 - 140,000; Full time

Job summary

A leading company in critical infrastructure is seeking a Senior Automation Software Engineer to lead PLC development for data centers. This role involves overseeing the entire PLC software life-cycle, ensuring reliability and integrating various subsystems while maintaining high standards in a fast-paced environment.

Benefits

Sign on bonus

401K with company match

Tuition reimbursement

Paid parental leave

Flexible spending accounts

Qualifications

• Minimum 12+ years of progressive PLC programming experience.
• 8+ years of direct PLC programming plus 4 years in commissioning leadership.
• Certifications like Rockwell Automation CPIN or Cisco CCNA-Industrial are a plus.

Responsibilities

• Lead PLC development for data center projects ranging from 10 MW to 200 MW.
• Coordinate closely with field electricians and technicians during system testing.
• Implement robust code management and cybersecurity practices.

Skills

PLC Programming

SCADA Integration

Troubleshooting

Education

Bachelor's degree in Engineering or Computer Science

Tools

Allen-Bradley ControlLogix

Studio5000 Logix Designer

Jira

Job description

Job DescriptionJob Description

As a seasoned automation engineer, you'll lead end-to-end PLC development for Tier III/IV data centers up to 200MW, driving reliability and speed-to-market for a 40-year-old company that employs 400 nationwide.

Summary:

The Senior Automation Software Engineer – Critical Infrastructure owns the complete PLC software life-cycle for hyperscale and colocation data-center campuses ranging from 10 MW to 200 MW+. You will architect, program, and lead level 2/3 commissioning of high-availability PLC solutions that integrate mechanical, electrical, and IT/OT subsystems—ensuring Tier III/IV reliability while meeting aggressive speed-to-market schedules.

You will serve as the PLC subject-matter expert (and secondary SME on SCADA development and SCADA integration) to ensure seamless hand-offs, tag mapping, and site testing. You will lead the development of PLC logic, modular function blocks, state machines, and fault-tolerant control strategies across multiple projects.

You will coordinate closely with field electricians, startup & commissioning technicians, and the SCADA Engineer to validate end-to-end data flow, alarms, and historian points. You will provide on-site SME support during Level 2 through?Level?5 Integrated Systems Testing (IST), troubleshooting complex field issues under go-live pressure. You will implement robust code management, simulation, and cybersecurity practices aligned with ISA/IEC 62443 and owner standards.

Excellent competitive benefits include sign on bonus, many choices for medical plans, Health reimbursement account, flex spending accounts, Dental and Vision plans, 401K with company match, PTO including additional paid time off during the last week of the year, life, short-term and long-term , professional development opportunites, tuition reimbursement, professional licensing assistance and paid parental leave following one year of employment.

Education / Experience Requirements

• Required: Bachelor's degree in Engineering, Computer Science, or related discipline OR 12+ yrs progressive PLC programming experience.

• Experience: Minimum 8 yrs direct PLC programming plus 4 yrs commissioning/IST leadership on mission-critical facilities.

Requirements

Position Requirements (Advanced level for all the following)

• Technical Mastery: 10+ yrs hands-on programming with Allen-Bradley ControlLogix/CompactLogix
• Application experience: Demonstrated HVAC and/or process systems, including chilled water plants and temperature, pressure and flow control implementation.
• Protocol Fluency: BACnet/IP, Modbus?TCP, OPC-UA, DNP3, SNMP, MQTT, RESTful APIs.
• Hyperscale Experience: Documented role on ≥50MW data-center builds or other 24×7 mission-critical mega-projects (pharma, semiconductor fab, LNG, aerospace, etc.).
• Toolchain: Studio5000 Logix Designer, TIA Portal, Codesys, PLC simulators, Git/GitLab, Jira, Wireshark.
• Standards & Codes: Uptime Tier III/IV, NFPA 70E, ISA 88/95, ISA/IEC 62443, UL 508A, IEEE 3004.
• SCADA Familiarity: Working knowledge of Ignition, FactoryTalk?View, AVEVA, or VTScada for tag integration and testing (development performed by separate SCADA resource).
• Soft Skills: Clear client-facing communication, rapid decision-making, and calm execution in schedule-compressed environments.
• Certifications (): Rockwell Automation CPIN or CREST, Cisco CCNA-Industrial, NICET IV (Industrial Instrumentation), or ISA?CAP.
• Knowledge of VLANs, LANs, VPNs, and RSTP
• Knowledge of IoT and smart building solutions
• Other responsibilities as needed

Travel / Relocation Requirements

• Daily travel up to 75%, including travel to all 50 states

• International travel may be required based on individual skill, training, and project needs

Additional requirements/qualifications will be discussed, and a full job description provided following a call with an Automationtechies recruiter.

To comply with some state laws, the annual base salary range for this position has been provided. The range given is broad and should be considered as a guideline only. Our client will consider a candidate's work experience, education/training, key skills, the salaries of current employees in similar roles, and other factors when extending an offer.