Lead PLC Engineer — Mission-Critical / Data Centre Automation

Location: United States — multiple locations, with project-based travel Type: Permanent, full-time Base salary range: $140,000 – $180,000 per year, plus discretionary bonus Reference: SIB-LPLC-US

Sibling Recruitment is acting as an employment agency on behalf of our client, a nationwide system integrator delivering fully integrated automation solutions across HVAC, lighting, power monitoring and mission-critical infrastructure. Their technology stack is built around Allen-Bradley PLCs, Ignition SCADA and Delta DDC systems. The client will be disclosed to shortlisted candidates before any details are submitted.

About the role

The Lead PLC Engineer is a senior technical leader responsible for the design, development and delivery of PLC-based control systems across complex, large-scale projects.

The role combines hands-on programming expertise with technical leadership — setting engineering standards, mentoring the team and ensuring consistent, high-quality execution. You will define control strategies, standardise PLC architecture and ensure clean integration with SCADA and facility systems in high-availability environments.

Key responsibilities

Technical design and delivery

Lead the design and development of PLC control systems on Rockwell / Allen-Bradley (Studio 5000).
Establish and maintain programming standards, reusable code libraries, naming conventions and best practice.
Define system architecture: control strategies, I/O structures, network design and redundancy approaches.
Own PLC scope across multiple concurrent projects, from design through commissioning and turnover.
Develop control logic for HVAC systems, central plants and critical infrastructure.
Support integration with SCADA (e.g. Ignition), BMS and EPMS platforms.
Lead troubleshooting and resolution of complex control issues during startup and commissioning.

Leadership and collaboration

Mentor and provide technical direction to engineers at all levels.
Review engineering work through design reviews and code validation to ensure standards are met.
Support onboarding and training of new team members.
Participate in client-facing meetings, providing technical expertise on automation solutions.
Work alongside SCADA engineers, field technicians and third-party integrators through deployment.
Interface with vendors and contractors on integration and issue resolution.

Continuous improvement

Drive improvements in engineering processes, tools and workflows to increase efficiency and scalability.
Identify opportunities to standardise and automate development.
Stay current on developments in industrial automation and data centre systems.

What you’ll need

Seven or more years’ experience in PLC programming and industrial automation, or equivalent demonstrable capability.
Strong expertise with Rockwell / Allen-Bradley Studio 5000.
Proven experience designing and implementing control systems for HVAC, central plants or comparable mechanical systems.
Experience with system integration, commissioning and field troubleshooting.
Working knowledge of industrial communication protocols: Ethernet/IP, Modbus TCP, BACnet/IP, OPC-UA.
Demonstrated ability to lead technical work and mentor other engineers.
Strong problem-solving, communication and organisational skills.

Advantageous, not essential

Data centre or other high-availability environment experience.
Familiarity with Ignition SCADA, Kepware or similar.
Redundant PLC architectures and high-availability system design.
BMS / EPMS integration exposure.
Bachelor’s degree in Electrical, Mechanical or Automation Engineering, or equivalent practical experience.

Compensation and benefits

The base salary range for this position is $140,000 – $180,000 per year. The final offer within that range will be determined by job-related factors including experience, technical depth, certifications and work location. This range reflects base salary only.

In addition:

Discretionary performance bonus.
Medical, dental and vision insurance — 100% of the individual medical premium covered, with a contribution toward dependent coverage.
401(k) with employer match, eligible after 90 days.
Short- and long-term disability cover at no cost to the employee.
Flexible PTO with no accrual requirement.
Paid training and structured career development.
For eligible field-based roles: all business travel covered, plus per diem, phone allowance, tools and PPE provided at no cost.

Travel and working conditions

The role involves periodic travel to project and client sites, varying with project phase. Site work takes place in active construction and data centre environments, including time on your feet, use of ladders and stairs, and work in areas with variable temperature and noise. Reasonable accommodations will be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions of the role.

Work authorisation

Applicants must be legally authorised to work in the United States. All candidates with valid work authorisation are considered without regard to citizenship or immigration status, consistent with federal law.

Equal opportunity

Our client is an equal opportunity employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, colour, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, pregnancy, national origin, age, disability, genetic information, marital status, veteran status, or any other characteristic protected by federal, state or local law.

If you require a reasonable accommodation to participate in the application or interview process, please contact Sibling Recruitment and we will arrange it in confidence.

Employment is contingent on the satisfactory completion of pre-employment checks conducted in accordance with applicable federal, state and local law, including the Fair Credit Reporting Act. Any such checks are carried out only after a conditional offer is made, with your written consent.

How to apply

Apply with a current résumé quoting reference SIB-LPLC-US. We will not ask for your salary history at any stage, and your details will not be shared with any client without your specific prior consent.

California applicants: information collected during this process is used solely to evaluate your application and, with your consent, to represent you to our client. Further detail is available on request.

Sibling Recruitment Ltd — specialist automation and controls recruitment across the US and Europe.