DLB Associates
Senior Automation Software PLC Engineer - Critical Infrastructure
DLB Associates, Atlanta, Georgia, United States, 30383
Senior Automation Software PLC Engineer – Critical Infrastructure
As a master system integrator (MSI), Smart Tech Contracting excels in streamlining complex building automation system (BAS) and technology integrations, offering a comprehensive turnkey package that includes DDC, PLC, and SCADA solutions. We provide systems design, graphical standards development, central plant optimization (CPO), enterprise‑level energy and operational monitoring, and robust alarming solutions. Our expertise in hyperscale and colocation data center integrations ensures seamless, efficient operations vital in today’s data‑driven world.
Position Title Senior Automation Software PLC Engineer – Critical Infrastructure
Position Location Must relocate to or live in Atlanta, GA area
SALARY Smart Tech Contracting recognizes salary ranges from job boards do not necessarily reflect our pay ranges. In many instances we out‑compete those ranges for well‑qualified candidates.
Job Summary The Senior Automation Software PLC Engineer – Critical Infrastructure owns the complete PLC software life‑cycle for hyperscale and colocation data‑center campuses ranging from 10MW to 200MW+. You will architect, program, and lead level 2/3/4/5 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 integration) to ensure seamless hand‑offs, tag mapping, and site testing. You will lead 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 live pressure. You will implement robust code‑management, simulation, and cybersecurity practices aligned with ISA/IEC 62443 and owner standards. You will be self‑directed on day‑to‑day work and independently perform most responsibilities, lead teams and projects of complex scope, coordinate activities of other personnel, and assist in developing policies and procedures. You will communicate and operate in line with organizational goals and values, as well as departmental objectives.
Essential Functions PLC Software Development and Testing (65%)
Design, program, and debug PLC logic for chilled‑water plants, HVAC, CRAH/CRACs, fan wall systems, and liquid cooling solutions
Build reusable library objects and automated test harnesses; perform Factory Acceptance Testing (FAT) and Site Acceptance Testing (SAT)
Execute Level 2 & 3 panel checkout and Level 4 functional testing; generate corrective patches during Level 5 IST
Integration and Commissioning Support (20%)
Collaborate with SCADA Engineer to develop tag maps and naming conventions; configure BACnet/IP, ModbusTCP, OPC‑UA, and SNMP interfaces
Support OT network validation (VLAN segmentation, redundant rings) and coordinate with owner IT for secure connectivity
Guide field & commissioning technicians on sequencing, test scripts, and punch‑list resolution
Standards and Continuous Improvement (10%)
Maintain and evolve STC global PLC code standards, cybersecurity hardening checklists, and simulation workflows
Evaluate emerging PLC platforms and developer toolchains to improve build velocity and quality
Mentorship and Reporting (5%)
Mentor junior programmers and apprentices; deliver knowledge‑transfer workshops for owner operations teams
Manage team issues and KPI dashboards for internal and client reporting and continuous improvement
Requirements POSITION REQUIREMENTS (ADVANCED LEVEL FOR ALL THE FOLLOWING)
Technical Mastery: 10+ years 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, ModbusRTU, Modbus TCP, OPC‑UA, 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.)
Knowledge of standards & codes: Uptime Tier III/IV, NFPA 70E, ISA 88/95, ISA/IEC 62443, UL 508A, IEEE 3004
SCADA Familiarity: Working knowledge of Ignition, FactoryTalkView, AVEVA or VTScada for tag integration and testing (development performed by separate SCADA resource)
Knowledge of VLANs, LANs, VPNs and RSTP
Knowledge of IoT and smart building solutions
Skilled in utilizing toolchains – Studio5000 Logix Designer, TIA Portal, Codesys, PLC simulators, Git/GitLab, Jira, Wireshark
Skilled in client‑facing communication, rapid decision‑making, and calm execution in schedule‑compressed environments
Skilled at using MS Office Suite (Excel, Word, Outlook, PowerPoint, Teams), along with exceptional organizational skills for file management
Skilled in completing assignments accurately and with attention to detail
Ability to leverage AI and emerging technologies to streamline workflows, optimize operational processes, and contribute to company‑wide innovation
Ability to work successfully in a remote environment through effective communication and organizational skills, self‑motivation, proactiveness and resourcefulness in a distraction‑free workspace
Ability to follow company and site safety requirements
Ability to analyze and prepare documents, reports and correspondence
Ability to effectively plan and delegate the work of others
Ability to achieve certification for NFPA 70E and/or OSHA training as/if required
Organizational skills, with the ability to manage multiple tasks simultaneously
PHYSICAL DEMANDS
Frequently manipulating, moving or grasping small parts, devices or tools
Frequently required to remain in a stationary position
Frequently moving through office, critical facility and other environments (such as low temperatures, high temperatures and outdoor elements such as precipitation and wind), including tight and confined spaces
Frequently descending/ascending stairs and ladders to access equipment
On occasion the employee may be required to position self under or over equipment
On occasion the employee may move equipment weighing up to 50 pounds
TRAVEL / RELOCATION REQUIREMENTS
Up to 10%; this may include travel to any or all 50 US states
Must relocate to or be in Atlanta, GA
Effective May 7, 2025; and in accordance with U.S. federal regulations for domestic air travel, a valid REAL ID (or an acceptable alternative, such as a passport) is required for travel associated with this position.
Travel may involve transportation by car or plane depending on the destination and nature of the business need
Travel is defined as physically leaving home on behalf of business activities including but not limited to client sites, meetings with other employees, meetings for business development purposes, running errands on behalf of the business, attending industry conferences, etc.
Education / Experience Requirements
Bachelor’s degree in Engineering, Computer Science, Mechatronics, or related discipline
OR
Two years of additional experience in related field in lieu of degree
PLUS
13+ years direct PLC programming experience with at least 4 years commissioning/IST leadership on mission critical facilities
10+ years hands‑on programming with Allen‑Bradley ControlLogix/CompactLogix
Benefits
Choice of comprehensive medical plans (including two PPO‑style plans and a HDHP with HSA option)
Dental and vision plans
Comprehensive medical, dental and vision benefits extended to spouse/domestic partner and dependent children up to age 26
401(k) with company match and self‑directed brokerage account option
PTO including additional paid time off during the last week of the year
Company paid life insurance coverage for employees and their eligible dependents
Short and long‑term disability, AD&D coverage
Professional development opportunities, tuition reimbursement and professional licensing assistance
Paid parental leave after one year of employment
Smart Tech Contracting is an EEO/Affirmative Action Employer and participates in the E‑Verify program with the Department of Homeland Security. We encourage diversity in our workforce. Are you ready to challenge yourself and redefine standards in the AEC industry? Apply now and join our award‑winning team!
Notice To Third Party Agencies: STC does not accept unsolicited resumes from recruiters, employment agencies, or other staffing services. Unsolicited resumes, including those submitted to hiring managers or other business leaders, will become the property of STC and STC will have the right to hire that candidate without reservation – no fee or other compensation will be owed or paid to the recruiter, employment agency, or other staffing service.
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Position Title Senior Automation Software PLC Engineer – Critical Infrastructure
Position Location Must relocate to or live in Atlanta, GA area
SALARY Smart Tech Contracting recognizes salary ranges from job boards do not necessarily reflect our pay ranges. In many instances we out‑compete those ranges for well‑qualified candidates.
Job Summary The Senior Automation Software PLC Engineer – Critical Infrastructure owns the complete PLC software life‑cycle for hyperscale and colocation data‑center campuses ranging from 10MW to 200MW+. You will architect, program, and lead level 2/3/4/5 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 integration) to ensure seamless hand‑offs, tag mapping, and site testing. You will lead 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 live pressure. You will implement robust code‑management, simulation, and cybersecurity practices aligned with ISA/IEC 62443 and owner standards. You will be self‑directed on day‑to‑day work and independently perform most responsibilities, lead teams and projects of complex scope, coordinate activities of other personnel, and assist in developing policies and procedures. You will communicate and operate in line with organizational goals and values, as well as departmental objectives.
Essential Functions PLC Software Development and Testing (65%)
Design, program, and debug PLC logic for chilled‑water plants, HVAC, CRAH/CRACs, fan wall systems, and liquid cooling solutions
Build reusable library objects and automated test harnesses; perform Factory Acceptance Testing (FAT) and Site Acceptance Testing (SAT)
Execute Level 2 & 3 panel checkout and Level 4 functional testing; generate corrective patches during Level 5 IST
Integration and Commissioning Support (20%)
Collaborate with SCADA Engineer to develop tag maps and naming conventions; configure BACnet/IP, ModbusTCP, OPC‑UA, and SNMP interfaces
Support OT network validation (VLAN segmentation, redundant rings) and coordinate with owner IT for secure connectivity
Guide field & commissioning technicians on sequencing, test scripts, and punch‑list resolution
Standards and Continuous Improvement (10%)
Maintain and evolve STC global PLC code standards, cybersecurity hardening checklists, and simulation workflows
Evaluate emerging PLC platforms and developer toolchains to improve build velocity and quality
Mentorship and Reporting (5%)
Mentor junior programmers and apprentices; deliver knowledge‑transfer workshops for owner operations teams
Manage team issues and KPI dashboards for internal and client reporting and continuous improvement
Requirements POSITION REQUIREMENTS (ADVANCED LEVEL FOR ALL THE FOLLOWING)
Technical Mastery: 10+ years 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, ModbusRTU, Modbus TCP, OPC‑UA, 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.)
Knowledge of standards & codes: Uptime Tier III/IV, NFPA 70E, ISA 88/95, ISA/IEC 62443, UL 508A, IEEE 3004
SCADA Familiarity: Working knowledge of Ignition, FactoryTalkView, AVEVA or VTScada for tag integration and testing (development performed by separate SCADA resource)
Knowledge of VLANs, LANs, VPNs and RSTP
Knowledge of IoT and smart building solutions
Skilled in utilizing toolchains – Studio5000 Logix Designer, TIA Portal, Codesys, PLC simulators, Git/GitLab, Jira, Wireshark
Skilled in client‑facing communication, rapid decision‑making, and calm execution in schedule‑compressed environments
Skilled at using MS Office Suite (Excel, Word, Outlook, PowerPoint, Teams), along with exceptional organizational skills for file management
Skilled in completing assignments accurately and with attention to detail
Ability to leverage AI and emerging technologies to streamline workflows, optimize operational processes, and contribute to company‑wide innovation
Ability to work successfully in a remote environment through effective communication and organizational skills, self‑motivation, proactiveness and resourcefulness in a distraction‑free workspace
Ability to follow company and site safety requirements
Ability to analyze and prepare documents, reports and correspondence
Ability to effectively plan and delegate the work of others
Ability to achieve certification for NFPA 70E and/or OSHA training as/if required
Organizational skills, with the ability to manage multiple tasks simultaneously
PHYSICAL DEMANDS
Frequently manipulating, moving or grasping small parts, devices or tools
Frequently required to remain in a stationary position
Frequently moving through office, critical facility and other environments (such as low temperatures, high temperatures and outdoor elements such as precipitation and wind), including tight and confined spaces
Frequently descending/ascending stairs and ladders to access equipment
On occasion the employee may be required to position self under or over equipment
On occasion the employee may move equipment weighing up to 50 pounds
TRAVEL / RELOCATION REQUIREMENTS
Up to 10%; this may include travel to any or all 50 US states
Must relocate to or be in Atlanta, GA
Effective May 7, 2025; and in accordance with U.S. federal regulations for domestic air travel, a valid REAL ID (or an acceptable alternative, such as a passport) is required for travel associated with this position.
Travel may involve transportation by car or plane depending on the destination and nature of the business need
Travel is defined as physically leaving home on behalf of business activities including but not limited to client sites, meetings with other employees, meetings for business development purposes, running errands on behalf of the business, attending industry conferences, etc.
Education / Experience Requirements
Bachelor’s degree in Engineering, Computer Science, Mechatronics, or related discipline
OR
Two years of additional experience in related field in lieu of degree
PLUS
13+ years direct PLC programming experience with at least 4 years commissioning/IST leadership on mission critical facilities
10+ years hands‑on programming with Allen‑Bradley ControlLogix/CompactLogix
Benefits
Choice of comprehensive medical plans (including two PPO‑style plans and a HDHP with HSA option)
Dental and vision plans
Comprehensive medical, dental and vision benefits extended to spouse/domestic partner and dependent children up to age 26
401(k) with company match and self‑directed brokerage account option
PTO including additional paid time off during the last week of the year
Company paid life insurance coverage for employees and their eligible dependents
Short and long‑term disability, AD&D coverage
Professional development opportunities, tuition reimbursement and professional licensing assistance
Paid parental leave after one year of employment
Smart Tech Contracting is an EEO/Affirmative Action Employer and participates in the E‑Verify program with the Department of Homeland Security. We encourage diversity in our workforce. Are you ready to challenge yourself and redefine standards in the AEC industry? Apply now and join our award‑winning team!
Notice To Third Party Agencies: STC does not accept unsolicited resumes from recruiters, employment agencies, or other staffing services. Unsolicited resumes, including those submitted to hiring managers or other business leaders, will become the property of STC and STC will have the right to hire that candidate without reservation – no fee or other compensation will be owed or paid to the recruiter, employment agency, or other staffing service.
#J-18808-Ljbffr