Senior Electrical Engineer (PLC Programming Focus)

Ferretti Search; Columbia (SC); On-site; USD 90,000 - 120,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

High-growth environment

Technical leadership role

Collaborative, cross-functional teams

Job summary

A leading provider of engineered systems is seeking a Senior PLC Programmer (Electrical Engineer) in Columbia, SC. You will develop, maintain, and optimize control systems, lead factory acceptance tests, and coordinate with electrical designers. The ideal candidate has 7+ years of experience in industrial settings, strong PLC programming skills, and the ability to communicate effectively. This role offers the opportunity to mentor junior engineers and travel to customer sites.

Qualifications

• 7+ years in industrial or tightly regulated fabrication environments.
• Experience developing HMI screens and basic SCADA architectures.
• Able to read schematics, panel layouts, and perform load calculations.
• Strong read of schematics, panels, and wiring diagrams

Responsibilities

• Develop, maintain, and optimize PLC and HMI code for complex projects.
• Lead factory acceptance tests, on-site commissioning, and troubleshooting.
• Mentor technicians and junior engineers on programming best practices.
• Produce and maintain commissioning documentation, PLC/HMI backups, and revision‑controlled deliverables.
• Mentor technicians and junior controls engineers on programming best practices and procedures.

Skills

PLC programming

HMI development

Field troubleshooting

Communication

Electrical fundamentals

Technical leadership

Automation

Education

Bachelor’s degree in Electrical Engineering or related discipline

Tools

Allen-Bradley (RSLogix/Studio 5000)

Siemens (TIA Portal)

ABB programming

Job description

Ferretti Search is proud to partner with a leading provider of engineered systems to identify their next...

Sr. PLC Programmer (Electrical Engineer)

Location: Columbia, SC

What’s in it for you?

• High-growth environment with recurring, multi-million dollar fabrication and integration work.
• Technical leadership role owning PLC/automation across equipment builds, FATs, and commissioning.
• Blend of hands‑on programming plus field commissioning and system integration.
• Collaborative, cross‑functional teams including controls, electrical, fabrication, and QA.
• Opportunity to travel to shop and customer sites and lead technical acceptance activities.

What you will do day-to-day

• Develop, maintain, and optimize PLC and HMI code for complex fabrication projects using Allen‑Bradley and Siemens platforms.
• Create and validate control logic, sequence diagrams, and I/O lists; translate P&IDs and mechanical drawings into control systems.
• Lead factory acceptance tests, on‑site commissioning, and troubleshooting to resolve integration issues prior to shipment.
• Coordinate with electrical designers and fabricators to ensure panels, wiring, and control assemblies meet design and safety requirements.
• Produce and maintain commissioning documentation, PLC/HMI backups, and revision‑controlled deliverables.
• Mentor technicians and junior controls engineers on programming best practices and commissioning procedures.
• Work independently in the field and with minimal supervision to meet project schedules and quality expectations.

Who you are

• Controls‑focused Electrical Engineer: 7+ years in industrial or tightly regulated fabrication environments with significant PLC programming responsibility.
• PLC skillset: Strong with Allen‑Bradley (RSLogix/Studio 5000) and Siemens (TIA Portal); ABB programming experience is a strong plus.
• HMI and SCADA: Experience developing HMI screens and basic SCADA architectures.
• Commissioning savvy: Demonstrated FAT, SAT, commissioning, and field troubleshooting experience.
• Electrical fundamentals: Able to read schematics, panel layouts, and perform load calculations or coordinate with engineering for those tasks.
• Communication: Able to clearly present technical status to project managers, fabricators, and customers.
• Self‑starter: Comfortable traveling 25% and executing independently in the field.
• Education: Bachelor’s degree in Electrical Engineering or related discipline preferred; equivalent experience accepted.

Application & contact

To apply, submit your resume via LinkedIn. For immediate consideration, email your resume to