Senior Engineer – Motors, Controls & PLC Software (HVAC)

American IT Systems • Austin, PA

4d • Hybrid

About The Position

The Senior Engineer – Motors, Controls & PLC Software (HVAC) is responsible for the design, development, programming, testing, and commissioning of motor control systems and PLC-based control software for HVAC equipment and systems. This role plays a key part in delivering reliable, energy efficient, and compliant HVAC control solutions across commercial and industrial applications.

Requirements

• Bachelor's or master's degree in electrical engineering, Electronics, Mechatronics, or related field
• 7–12 years of experience in HVAC controls, motor systems, or industrial automation
• Strong hands-on experience with PLC programming and debugging
• Solid understanding of motor control theory, VFDs, and HVAC system operation
• Experience with HVAC control strategies and energy optimization
• Technical Skills: PLC Programming: Ladder Logic, Function Block, Structured Text
• Motors & Drives: Induction motors, BLDC/EC motors, VFD tuning
• HVAC Controls: PID tuning, sequencing, alarms, safety interlocks
• Communication: BACnet, Modbus RTU/TCP, LonWorks, CAN, Ethernet
• Tools: PLC IDEs, HMI/SCADA tools, simulation and testing tools
• Strong analytical and problem-solving skills
• Ability to work independently and in cross-functional teams
• Clear communication and technical documentation skills
• Customer-focused mindset with attention to quality and reliability

Nice To Haves

• Experience with embedded control systems or hybrid PLC embedded architectures
• Exposure to global HVAC standards and certification processes
• Experience with cybersecurity concepts for industrial control systems
• Prior experience in product development lifecycle for HVAC equipment

Responsibilities

• Control Systems & PLC Software: Design, develop, and maintain PLC software for HVAC systems including chillers, AHUs, FCUs, pumps, and compressors. Develop control logic for temperature, pressure, flow, humidity, and energy optimization. Program and troubleshoot PLCs (e.g., Siemens, Rockwell/Allen Bradley, Schneider, or equivalent). Implement communication protocols such as Modbus, BACnet, LonWorks, Profibus, Profinet, and Ethernet/IP. Support integration with BMS/EMS.
• Motors & Drives: Design and validate motor control strategies for AC/DC motors, EC motors, VFDs, and soft starters. Select and specify motors, drives, and protection devices based on application requirements. Optimize motor performance for energy efficiency, reliability, and compliance with HVAC standards. Troubleshoot motor and drive-related field issues.
• Controls & Hardware: Design control panel architectures, I/O mapping, wiring schematics, and control hardware layouts. Review and approve electrical drawings, BOMs, and technical documentation. Ensure compliance with applicable standards (IEC, UL, IS, NEC, CE, etc.).
• Testing & Commissioning: Perform software testing, FAT, SAT, and on-site commissioning. Diagnose and resolve system-level issues during testing and field deployment. Support root cause analysis and corrective actions.
• Collaboration & Leadership: Work closely with mechanical, electrical, firmware, and system engineering teams. Provide technical guidance and mentoring to junior engineers. Interface with customers, suppliers, and cross-functional stakeholders.

What This Job Offers

• Job Type: Full-time
• Career Level: Senior