Automation Controls Engineer

Contract Opportunity – Building Automation Engineer

Foster City, CA

6+ Month Contract (Strong Potential for Extension)

Hands-On Technical Leadership Role

Pay Range: $80/hr to $90/hr.

We are actively seeking a highly skilled Building Automation Engineer for an exciting contract opportunity supporting three newly built R&D facilities, with future expansion into GMP-controlled environments. This is a high-impact role for someone who thrives in a hands‑on technical environment and enjoys solving complex automation challenges.

This is not a desk‑only management role—approximately 95% hands‑on
, focused on system documentation, PLC programming, troubleshooting, optimization, and implementation of advanced Building Management Systems (BMS).

You will work alongside a strong internal automation team and play a critical role in maintaining highly reliable campus‑wide automation operations.

• Own and support building automation operations with a target of 99.997% uptime
• Program, configure, and troubleshoot PLCs (Allen Bradley / Rockwell Automation)
• Support and optimize HVAC, lighting, and environmental monitoring systems
• Configure and manage Ignition SCADA systems and support PI Historian data trending
• Review, deploy, and improve PLC‑based Building Management Systems across multiple facilities
• Partner with mechanics, end users, sustainability teams, and facility operations
• Prepare automation systems for GMP compliance and future regulated operations
• Coordinate with contractors, commissioning teams, and validation groups
• Create documentation including SOPs, system specs, change controls, and user guides
• Mentor team members while maintaining strong individual technical ownership

• Bachelor’s degree in Engineering, Automation, Computer Science, or related field
• 5+ years of hands‑on Building Automation / Controls experience
• Strong experience with Allen Bradley + Rockwell PLC platforms
• Experience supporting large‑scale Ignition SCADA systems
• Strong knowledge of HVAC systems
  , cleanroom environments, and facility compliance
• Familiarity with protocols such as BACnet, Modbus, OPC
• Ability to work independently and drive continuous improvement
• Strong troubleshooting, communication, and leadership skills

• GMP / regulated facility experience
• Validation knowledge (
  IQ/OQ/PQ
  )
• Commissioning and calibration background
• IT/OT integration and industrial cybersecurity knowledge
• Certifications such as PMP, LEED AP, or BAS credentials are a plus