Automation Controls Software Engineer

A pioneering force in automation engineering for high-demand infrastructure environments is seeking an Automation Controls Software Engineer Infrastructure to drive PLC software development for mission-critical systems. This is a high-impact opportunity to influence the backbone of modern digital infrastructure—spanning hyperscale data centers and other high-availability environments. This role is ideal for engineers passionate about pushing technical boundaries, improving energy efficiency, and ensuring uptime for the systems powering the world’s most data-intensive operations.

This Role Offers:

  • Competitive hourly wages with opportunities for overtime pay.
  • A stable and established manufacturing environment with a strong safety record.
  • The chance to work with advanced corrugated packaging machinery, gaining valuable experience in high-demand skills.
  • Supportive team atmosphere that values quality craftsmanship and continuous improvement.
  • Consistent second-shift scheduling, providing predictable hours and work-life balance.
  • A role where your contributions directly impact product quality and customer satisfaction.
  • Opportunities to grow within the company for operators who demonstrate reliability, leadership, and technical proficiency.

Focus:

  • Design and implement advanced PLC logic for chilled-water plants, HVAC systems, CRAC/CRAH units, and liquid cooling infrastructure.
  • Develop reusable libraries, simulation environments, and test harnesses.
  • Conduct FAT, SAT, and all levels of integrated systems testing (L2–L5), making live code adjustments as needed.
  • Collaborate with SCADA engineers to build tag maps and interfaces (BACnet/IP, Modbus TCP, OPC-UA, SNMP).
  • Validate network configurations including VLAN segmentation and redundant ring topologies.
  • Support field teams during commissioning, startup, and punch-list resolution.
  • Help evolve company-wide PLC standards and cybersecurity protocols in line with ISA/IEC 62443.
  • Evaluate emerging automation platforms and contribute to the development of digital twin workflows.
  • Mentor junior developers and conduct knowledge transfer sessions with clients and operators.
  • Track project metrics, provide reporting, and support continuous improvement initiatives.

Skill Set:

  • Bachelor’s degree in Engineering, Computer Science, or related field, or 12+ years of relevant PLC programming experience.
  • At least 8 years in direct PLC development with 4 years supporting mission-critical commissioning.
  • 10+ years of PLC programming, especially with Rockwell Automation (ControlLogix/CompactLogix).
  • Experience with HVAC/mechanical control logic—especially chilled water, temperature, pressure, and flow controls.
  • Familiarity with protocols: BACnet/IP, Modbus TCP, OPC-UA, MQTT, SNMP, RESTful APIs.
  • History of contributing to 24x7 environments such as data centers, semiconductor fabs, pharmaceutical plants, or energy facilities (≥50 MW scale).
  • Proficiency in Studio 5000, Codesys, TIA Portal, simulation tools, Git/GitLab, Jira, Wireshark.
  • Knowledge of Uptime Institute Tier III/IV, NFPA 70E, ISA-88/95, ISA/IEC 62443.
  • Clear communicator with the ability to make fast decisions under pressure.
  • Effective in both client-facing roles and high-urgency field environments.
  • Working knowledge of SCADA tools (Ignition, FactoryTalk View, AVEVA).
  • Certifications such as CPIN, CREST, CCNA-Industrial, NICET IV, or ISA CAP are a plus.

About Blue Signal:

Blue Signal is a leading executive search firm, specializing in engineering recruitment. Our engineering recruiting team has expertise placing high-performing talent in areas such as electrical, mechanical, civil, and telecom engineering. Learn more at bit.ly/46IAFRJ 

Location
Atlanta GA United States