Controls Technician

On-Board Services is hiring a Controls Technician in Santa Clara, CA!

Position Type:
Full Time / Contract

Job Location:

Santa Clara, CA (relocation assistance available)

Benefits:
Health Insurance, 401k, Life Insurance

Compensation: $64 - $91/hr depending on experience and qualifications

Our Client is a global professional services firm that provides engineering, design, construction, and consulting solutions across infrastructure, advanced manufacturing, energy, water, and government sectors.

We're seeking a Controls Technician to join our team in Santa Clara, California who is excited to have the chance to work on projects enabling a semi-conductor production facility. Your primary responsibility will be designing, developing, and leading the implementation of complex industrial automation systems. This role involves advanced PLC programming, HMI/SCADA system design, system architecture, and full project lifecycle ownership from concept through commissioning.

The role also provides technical leadership, mentors junior engineers, and ensures high-quality, scalable automation solutions.

• Design and develop advanced PLC programs using structured, modular, and scalable architectures
• Lead development of HI/SCADA systems with focus on usability, performance, and reliability
• Architect full automation solutions including PLC, HMI, SCADA, networks, and field devices
• Oversee system integration with databases, historians, and enterprise systems
• Lead troubleshooting and root cause analysis for complex system failures and production issues
• Manage system testing, validation, and onsite commissioning activities
• Establish and enforce PLC/HMI programming standards and best practices
• Review and approve electrical designs, control strategies, and system documentation
• Collaborate with project managers, clients, vendors, and cross-functional engineering teams
• Mentor and guide junior and intermediate engineers
• Ensure compliance with safety standards, industry regulations, and cybersecurity practices.

• Associate of Applied Science in Electrical Engineering Technology, Automation, Mechatronics or related field with equivalent experience.
• 8+ years of experience in PLC/HMI programming or industrial automation
• Expert-level PLC programming skills across one or more platforms
• Proven experience leading automation projects and system commissioning
• Strong knowledge of control system design, electrical systems, and industrial processes

• Advanced experience with:
  • Allen-Bradley (Studio 5000, Control Logix)
  • Siemens (TIA Portal, S7)
  • Emerson (Machine Edition)
• Expertise with SCADA platforms (Ignition, Factory Talk, WinCC, Cimplicity)
• Knowledge of industrial communication protocols such as, Ether Net/IP, Modbus, Profinet, OPC UA
• Experience with motion control, robotics, and high-speed automation systems
• Familiarity with MES integration, databases (SQL), and IIoT systems
• Experience with safety PLCs and functional safety standards (SIL, ISO)
• Exposure to industrial cybersecurity practices

• This is an on-site position with work to be performed on the client site in Santa Clara, CA.
• After hours on-call support services are occasionally requested.
• Relocation assistance may be provided for qualified candidate.
• Requires field mobility including walking long distances, climbing ladders, working in tight spaces and lifting up to 25 lbs.
• Travel may be required.
• Must pass background check, drug screening and be fully authorized to work in the U.S. (no sponsorship).

On-Board was founded in 1976 by Robert L. Wilson to provide Engineering and Design services to the chemical manufacturing industry. Today, On-Board is a thriving privately held family of companies with services including:
Consulting, Professional Engineering, Industrial Maintenance and Facility Management, Contracted Manufacturing and Production Services, as well as Temporary Staffing and Recruiting throughout North America.

The On-Board Family of Companies conducts operations through its Corporate Headquarters located in East Windsor, NJ along with Regional Offices in New Castle, DE and Wake Forest, NC. On-Board’s Mission is to provide “Flexible Service by applying the talents of our people, work processes and technology to meet our clients’ expectations in a Safe, Responsible and Dependable manner.”

On-Board Companies provides equal employment opportunities (EEO) to all employees and applicants for employment without regard to race, religion, sex, national origin, age, disability or genetics.

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