Senior Data Center PLC & Controls Technician

ABB Inc.; Delaware; Remote; USD 55,000 - 90,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Health benefits overview

401(k) plan

Paid holidays

Job summary

ABB Inc. is seeking an experienced Data Center Sr. PLC Technician to lead on-site commissioning, startup, and maintenance of ABB paralleling switchgear and controls in mission-critical power applications across the United States.

The role requires extensive nationwide travel, mentorship of junior staff, and strong collaboration with customers, contractors, and project teams. Remote work is possible with significant travel expectations.

Qualifications

• High school diploma or GED with 7+ years of field experience, or an associate/bachelor with 5+ years in a related field.
• Advanced experience with low- and medium-voltage switchgear, circuit breakers, protective relays, generator controls, PLC-based controls, HMIs/ACS, industrial networking, and mission-critical power systems.
• Extensive experience leading startup and commissioning work, coordinating power-up and switching operations, and overseeing multi-person site teams.

Responsibilities

• Plan, organize, and execute complex field assignments involving Paralleling Switchgear and PLC/Relay transfer schemes.
• Lead functional and integrated testing of emergency/standby power systems and transfers.
• Configure, verify, and troubleshoot generator controls, protective relays, PLCs, HMIs, and communications.
• Perform advanced troubleshooting and authorized modifications of PLC ladder logic and I/O.
• Establish and troubleshoot Modbus, PLC-to-PLC, remote PLC, and BMS/SCADA communications.
• Interpret one-line diagrams, schematics, and commissioning procedures.
• Lead on-site execution, coordinate daily work, and manage punch-lists and status updates for projects.
• Mentor junior field engineers and technicians; provide coaching on safety, troubleshooting, and customer communication.
• Act as senior escalation resource for remote and on-site troubleshooting, including emergencies.
• Complete field service reports, startup checklists, redlines, and documentation; manage time and expenses.
• Protect ABB and customer assets, control costs, and identify process improvements.
• Build customer relationships by translating technical findings into actionable plans.

Skills

MV/LV switchgear

Protective relays

Generator controls

PLC-based controls

HMIs/ACS

Industrial networking

Mission-critical power systems

Startup & commissioning leadership

Troubleshooting complex field issues

Travel coordination (nationwide)

Education

High school diploma or GED with 7+ years of relevant field experience

Associate or bachelor degree in a related field with 5+ years

Tools

ABB Energy Commander paralleling switchgear

GE/Emerson RX3i PLCs and Proficy Machine Edition

ABB AC500 and Automation Builder

CP600 HMI/Panel Builder

Cimplicity or similar SCADA platforms

Woodward EasyGen and LS5 generator controls

ABB/SEL protective relays and testing tools

Modbus, industrial Ethernet, BMS/EPMS/SCADA integration

Job description

ABB Inc. is seeking an experienced Data Center Sr. PLC Technician to lead on-site commissioning, startup, and maintenance of ABB paralleling switchgear and controls in mission-critical power applications across the United States.

The role requires extensive nationwide travel, mentorship of junior staff, and strong collaboration with customers, contractors, and project teams. Remote work is possible with significant travel expectations.