PLC Programmer – Industrial Controls

Location: Sterling, VA

Salary Range: $90,000–$125,000

Job Type: Full-Time

Project Focus: Data Center Construction | Mission Critical Systems

Travel: Approximately 10%–40%

Department: Controls / Mission Critical Systems

Position Overview

This position is for an experienced PLC Programmer to develop, configure, integrate, troubleshoot, and commission automation and control systems supporting mission-critical data center infrastructure.

This highly technical role requires strong hands-on experience with industry-standard PLC platforms, industrial controllers, Logix-based programming software, HMI/SCADA systems, and industrial networking.

The PLC Programmer will work closely with commissioning teams, electrical and mechanical contractors, engineers, project management, and data center representatives to ensure automation systems operate safely, reliably, and according to design.

Key Responsibilities

PLC Programming & Development

• Develop PLC programs using industry-standard Logix programming software
• Program and configure industrial PLC controllers
• Develop and troubleshoot ladder logic, structured text, and function blocks
• Configure PLC I/O modules, remote I/O racks, and distributed control systems
• Troubleshoot and modify PLC programs during installation, startup, and commissioning
• Maintain organized program documentation and software revision control

Mission-Critical Systems Integration

Program, integrate, and support controls for critical data center infrastructure, including:

• Backup diesel generators
• Automatic Transfer Switches (ATS)
• Uninterruptible Power Supply (UPS) systems
• Electrical switchgear and power monitoring
• Chiller plants and cooling towers
• CRAH and CRAC systems
• Fuel monitoring systems
• Environmental monitoring systems
• Other mission-critical mechanical and electrical infrastructure

Industrial Networks & Communications

• Configure and troubleshoot EtherNet/IP networks
• Integrate PLC systems with HMI and SCADA platforms
• Develop and support industrial HMI applications
• Coordinate PLC communication with Building Management Systems (BMS), Energy Management Systems (EMS), and power monitoring systems
• Troubleshoot network, device, communication, and I/O issues
• Support redundant and fault-tolerant control architectures

Commissioning & Startup

• Support Factory Acceptance Testing (FAT)
• Participate in Site Acceptance Testing (SAT)
• Support Integrated Systems Testing (IST) in mission-critical environments
• Troubleshoot controls during equipment startup and commissioning
• Validate sequences of operation with commissioning agents and project teams
• Diagnose PLC logic, hardware, communication, and field-device issues
• Modify programming based on testing results and field conditions
• Provide onsite technical support during installation, startup, and system integration

Documentation & Project Coordination

• Develop and maintain control narratives, PLC program documentation, I/O lists, and network architecture diagrams
• Prepare and maintain as-built documentation
• Maintain PLC software revision control
• Coordinate with electrical and mechanical contractors
• Work closely with commissioning teams, engineers, and owner representatives
• Communicate technical issues, corrective actions, and system status to project stakeholders

Required Qualifications

• 3–7+ years of PLC programming experience
• Strong hands-on experience with industry-standard industrial PLC platforms
• Proficiency with major PLC controller families
• Strong experience with Logix-based programming software
• Experience programming ladder logic and structured text
• HMI/SCADA development experience
• Strong knowledge of EtherNet/IP and industrial networking
• Experience with electrical control systems
• Experience supporting system startup and commissioning
• Strong troubleshooting and diagnostic skills
• Ability to read and interpret electrical and controls drawings
• Ability to collaborate effectively with construction, engineering, controls, and commissioning teams

Preferred Qualifications

• Data center construction or commissioning experience
• Mission-critical controls experience
• Industrial HMI software experience
• Power generation control systems
• UPS and electrical switchgear monitoring
• BMS and power monitoring integration
• Experience with N+1 or 2N redundant control architectures
• Tier III or Tier IV data center commissioning
• Large-scale industrial automation or construction project experience

Education

Associate's or Bachelor's degree preferred in Electrical Engineering, Automation Engineering, Mechatronics, Industrial Controls, Controls Engineering, or a related technical discipline. Equivalent industry experience will also be considered.

Benefits Package

• Competitive salary of $90,000–$125,000, based on experience
• Company-provided phone and laptop
• Vehicle allowance or mileage reimbursement
• Medical, dental, and vision insurance
• Retirement plan with employer match
• Short- and long-term disability insurance
• Paid time off and holidays
• Ongoing technical training and professional development
• Stable, year-round work with long-term growth potential

Travel & Work Environment

This position is based in Sterling, VA and supports data center and mission-critical construction projects. Travel to project sites may range from approximately 10%–40%, depending on project requirements. Work will include a combination of office, construction site, and active data center environments. Occasional nights, weekends, or off-hours work may be required during startup, commissioning, and Integrated Systems Testing.

Role Highlights

• Work on sophisticated mission-critical data center projects
• Program and commission advanced industrial control systems
• Gain exposure to complex electrical, mechanical, and building infrastructure
• Participate in systems from development through startup and final commissioning
• Collaborate with experienced controls, engineering, construction, and commissioning professionals
• Build specialized expertise in a high-demand controls market
• Develop a long-term career in automation, commissioning, and mission-critical construction

Work Authorization

Applicants must be legally authorized to work in the United States at the time of hire. Visa sponsorship or transfer sponsorship is not provided for this position.