System Specialist Senior; PLC

System Specialist Senior (PLC)

Irving, TX, US

Job Summary: Systems Specialist Sr is a highly experienced controls professional with extensive expertise in PLC-based automation systems, industrial controls, and mission‑critical environments. This role requires advanced technical skills in PLC, HMI, and SCADA systems, along with strong communication and leadership abilities. The specialist demonstrates a thorough understanding of control system hardware and software, applies control theory principles, and supports troubleshooting, commissioning, and long‑term operation of complex automated systems.

Responsibilities:

• Determine system architecture, design criteria, and performance parameters for PLC‑based control system applications.
• Develop system I/O maps and specify PLC, HMI, networking, and control hardware to meet current design requirements and accommodate future system expansion.
• Design, configure, and support industrial and critical‑environment control system hardware and software.
• Develop, modify, and maintain PLC and HMI/SCADA programs to meet defined functional and operational requirements.
• Troubleshoot PLC hardware, control panels, field devices, and HMI/SCADA software issues, and clearly communicate findings and recommendations to customers, technicians, and management.
• Monitor and ensure progress, quality, and completion of all assigned service, commissioning, and support tasks.
• Perform, oversee, assist with, and approve system testing and commissioning activities.
• Provide service and technical support for existing control systems to ensure continued compliance with applicable codes, standards, and customer requirements.
• Assist the Sales team during the estimating and pre‑sales phase by supporting technical discussions, site visits, system evaluations, and product demonstrations.
• Provide technical guidance and mentoring to junior technicians and field personnel.
• Create and maintain accurate technical documentation including as‑built drawings, software backups, and commissioning reports.
• Utilize diagnostic and troubleshooting tools such as multimeters, network analyzers, programming software, and test equipment.
• Complete timesheets, service reports, and required documentation accurately and in a timely manner.
• May be required to access elevated work areas, mechanical rooms, control panels, industrial machinery, and mission‑critical spaces.
• Maintain a clean driving record and travel to customer sites as required, including extended durations.
• Stay current with evolving automation technologies, PLC platforms, and industry best practices through continuous education and development.
• Perform other duties as assigned.

Required Qualifications:

• Bachelor’s degree in Computer Engineering, Mechanical Engineering, Electrical Engineering, or equivalent combination of education and experience.
• 5+ years of experience supporting PLC‑based automation systems in industrial, mission‑critical, or building automation environments.
• 5+ years of experience with PLC and HMI programming, commissioning, and troubleshooting.
• Working knowledge of PLC and HMI platforms including Ignition SCADA.
• Experience with one or more of the following programming environments:
  Code Sys (IEC 61131‑3), RSLogix / Studio 5000 (Allen‑Bradley), AVEVA / Wonderware, CX‑Programmer (Omron).
• Strong understanding of control system hardware including PLCs, I/O, VFDs, sensors, actuators, and industrial networking.
• Basic to intermediate mechanical and electrical troubleshooting skills.
• Proficiency in Microsoft Office applications.
• Excellent verbal and written communication skills with the ability to explain technical concepts clearly to both technical and non‑technical audiences.
• Excellent organizational skills and attention to detail.

Preferred Qualifications:

• 7+ years of experience in industrial automation, mission‑critical, or building automation environments.
• 7+ years of PLC and HMI/SCADA programming and system integration experience.
• Master’s degree in Computer Engineering, Mechanical Engineering, or Electrical Engineering.
• Experience with HVAC controls, building automation systems (BAS), and DDC systems.
• Working knowledge of BACnet protocols and DDC controls.
• Experien…