Senior PLC Engineer

This is a fully remote position, open to applicants in Texas.

📋 Description

• As a Senior PLC Engineer, you will be responsible for the controls software that ensures our infrastructure remains operational.

• This position involves hands-on development work.

• You will transition an architecture from concept to a fully operational system, programming the PLCs and SCADA, as well as creating the necessary software, services, and tools.

• Design, develop, test, and commission PLC programs on Siemens (TIA Portal, S7-1500/1200) and/or Rockwell/Allen-Bradley (Studio 5000, ControlLogix/CompactLogix) platforms, utilizing IEC 61131-3 languages (Structured Text and ladder) for cooling and mechanical plant equipment such as CDUs, chillers, hydraulic skids, fan walls, DOAS, and pumps.

• Develop supervisory logic for the Master Plant Controller, which includes equipment staging, lead/lag management, setpoint reset, failover mechanisms, and coordination at the plant level across multiple skids.

• Construct and maintain the SCADA/HMI layer (Siemens WinCC, Rockwell FactoryTalk View, or Ignition) including operator screens, alarming, trending, historian functionalities, and access control.

• Create robust safety logic, interlocks, and alarm strategies for high-pressure and high-power equipment, adhering to a safety-first engineering standard.

• Integrate OEM-controlled equipment such as chillers and DOAS using Modbus TCP, BACnet, OPC UA, EtherNet/IP, and PROFINET, defining and validating register and object maps.

• Develop process simulations and digital twins (using Siemens PLCSIM Advanced / SIMIT, Rockwell Studio 5000 Emulate / Emulate3D, or scripted models) to validate logic and optimize control loops prior to site implementation.

• Lead field commissioning, startup, and loop checks, troubleshoot live systems, and ensure issues are resolved effectively.

• Implement real software engineering practices in control work, including version control, code reviews, modular and reusable function-block libraries, as well as clear naming and documentation standards.

• Create general-purpose software to complement the controls stack: data pipelines, monitoring and telemetry services, edge and cloud integrations, internal tooling, and automation that connects plant data to Giga's broader systems.

• Convert the controls engineer's architecture and sequence-of-operations into well-structured, maintainable code.

• Function effectively in ambiguous, unstructured environments and address problems where established processes may not yet be available.

⛳️ Requirements

• A minimum of 5 years of experience programming industrial PLCs and SCADA/HMI systems in production settings.

• Extensive hands-on experience with Siemens (TIA Portal, S7-1500/1200) and/or Rockwell/Allen-Bradley (Studio 5000, ControlLogix/CompactLogix), with fluency in Structured Text as well as ladder logic. Familiarity with both platforms is a significant advantage.

• Demonstrated experience in SCADA/HMI development (Siemens WinCC, Rockwell FactoryTalk View, Ignition, or similar platforms), including functionalities such as alarming, historian, and trending.

• Strong knowledge of industrial communication protocols, including EtherNet/IP, PROFINET, Modbus TCP, OPC UA, and BACnet.

• Experience in programming controls for mechanical, process, or HVAC plants (including pumps, valves, chillers, heat exchangers, and air handling units).

• Proven track record of commissioning systems on live equipment, with a strong emphasis on safety.

• Excellent written and verbal communication skills, with the ability to collaborate effectively with controls engineers, mechanical engineers, and field technicians.

• Willingness to travel to project sites for installation and commissioning purposes.

🏝️ Benefits

• Subsidized health, dental, and vision insurance.

• Equity (options) in a rapidly growing startup.

• 401(k) plan with a 4% employer match.

• Unlimited paid time off (PTO).

• Parental leave.

• Healthcare and Dependent Care Flexible Spending Accounts (FSA) or Health Savings Account (HSA).

• Commuter benefits.