Lead Field PLC Engineer

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135d•Onsite

About The Position

The Lead Field PLC Engineer is responsible for leading a team of field PLC engineers supporting the deployment, commissioning, and support of PLC-based control systems for large-scale data center environments. This role combines hands-on technical expertise with team leadership, serving as both the primary technical resource for complex PLC issues and the direct supervisor for field PLC engineers. The Lead Field PLC Engineer ensures quality execution across multiple projects, mentors junior engineers, and maintains deep technical involvement while coordinating team activities. This position requires 40-50% travel to support critical deployments, provide technical guidance onsite, and ensure successful project outcomes.

Requirements

7+ years of experience as a PLC Programmer/Engineer with extensive field deployment and commissioning experience
2+ years of technical leadership or team lead experience, preferably in field operations
Expert-level proficiency with Studio 5000 / Rockwell Automation software in field and production environments
Deep hands-on experience commissioning complex chiller, boiler, and central plant systems
Advanced expertise in redundancy strategies, redundant PLC controller managers, and failover systems
Proven ability to troubleshoot and resolve complex PLC logic, hardware, and communication network issues
Strong leadership and mentoring skills with ability to develop technical talent
Excellent communication skills for both technical and non-technical audiences
Ability to manage multiple field projects and coordinate distributed team resources
Willingness and ability to travel 40-50%, including extended site assignments during critical phases
Valid driver's license and ability to travel domestically and internationally as needed
OSHA 10 certification obtained within the past two (2) years is required. If certification is not current or has not been completed, OSHA 10 training will be provided and must be successfully completed within the first week of employment.

Nice To Haves

Bachelor's degree in Software, Mechanical, or Electrical Engineering
Experience leading field engineering teams in data center or mission-critical environments
Advanced certifications in Rockwell Automation platforms
Experience with Ignition SCADA, HMIs, and EPMS/BMS integrations
Knowledge of construction management and project coordination
Familiarity with Agile methodologies and project management tools
Experience developing training programs and technical documentation

Responsibilities

Lead and mentor a team of field PLC engineers, providing technical guidance and professional development
Assign resources and coordinate field activities across multiple concurrent projects
Conduct performance evaluations and provide ongoing coaching to team members
Develop technical capabilities within the team through hands-on training and knowledge sharing
Establish technical standards, best practices, and quality expectations for PLC field work
Serve as primary escalation point for complex technical issues requiring expert intervention
Lead deployment and commissioning of complex PLC systems for mission-critical data center facilities
Program, troubleshoot, and optimize PLC logic for HVAC, mechanical, and electrical control systems onsite
Resolve the most challenging technical issues including redundancy failures, communication network problems, and complex control sequence errors
Conduct advanced point-to-point verification and validation of critical control systems
Provide expert-level support during system start-up, commissioning, and turnover activities
Debug and correct complex installation issues during both static and dynamic commissioning
Coordinate field PLC team activities with project schedules and client requirements
Review and approve commissioning plans, test procedures, and PLC programming changes
Ensure all field work meets quality standards, documentation requirements, and client specifications
Conduct technical reviews of team members' work and provide corrective guidance as needed
Identify and mitigate technical risks during deployment and commissioning phases
Track project progress and report status to Field Engineering Manager
Serve as primary technical point of contact for clients during PLC commissioning activities
Lead technical discussions with clients, contractors, and vendors to resolve integration issues
Provide technical training and support to client operations teams during turnover
Participate in design reviews and technical planning meetings
Build strong client relationships through technical expertise and responsive support
Represent field PLC capabilities in client meetings and project planning sessions
Document technical solutions, lessons learned, and best practices for team reference
Develop and maintain technical procedures, troubleshooting guides, and training materials
Drive continuous improvement initiatives based on field experience and emerging technologies
Stay current with Rockwell Automation updates, PLC programming techniques, and industry standards
Contribute to internal knowledge base and technical documentation systems