Automation Engineer - Siemens PLC Development, Tempe

Automation Engineer – Siemens PLC Development

Location:

Tempe, AZ

Salary: up to $120,000 (DOE)

Employment Type:

Full-Time

Work Arrangement:
Onsite

Travel:
Up to 50% to service centers and customer sites

Wheeler Staffing Partners is seeking an experienced Automation Engineer specializing in Siemens PLC development to join our client's Automation Department in Tempe, Arizona. This position will focus primarily on the development, programming, configuration, troubleshooting, and commissioning of industrial PLC control systems, with a strong emphasis on Siemens SIMATIC Manager STEP 7 and S7-400 controllers. The ideal candidate will have hands‑on experience developing PLC programs from the ground up, modifying existing control logic, and integrating automated equipment within industrial manufacturing or production environments.

Experience with Siemens S7-400 controllers is highly preferred; candidates with strong Siemens S7-300 programming experience will also be considered. While some SCADA experience is required, this is primarily a PLC development position. Candidates do not need to be advanced SCADA developers, but they should understand how PLCs communicate with SCADA systems and be comfortable supporting basic integration and troubleshooting. This position requires up to 50% travel to company service centers and customer locations for equipment installation, system integration, commissioning, troubleshooting, and technical support.

• Siemens PLC Programming & Development – Primary Focus:
  Design, develop, program, configure, and maintain industrial PLC control systems. Develop and modify PLC programs using Siemens SIMATIC Manager STEP 7, with an emphasis on S7-400 and S7-300 controller platforms. Independently develop PLC control logic based on project requirements, equipment specifications, and operational needs. Create, modify, test, and troubleshoot PLC programs for industrial automation equipment. Develop control sequences, interlocks, alarms, and automated operating functions.
  
  Troubleshoot existing PLC logic and implement programming modifications to improve equipment performance and reliability. Perform PLC hardware configuration, I/O mapping, and system diagnostics. Support communication between PLCs, field instrumentation, drives, and other industrial control equipment. Maintain accurate documentation of PLC programs, control logic, and system configurations. Identify opportunities to improve control system functionality, reliability, and efficiency.
• Automation & Controls Integration:
  Integrate PLC systems with industrial equipment, instrumentation, drives, and supporting automation technologies. Configure and troubleshoot communication between PLCs, HMIs, and SCADA platforms. Support basic SCADA configuration, integration, and troubleshooting as required. Work with industrial communication networks and control system interfaces. Review and interpret P&IDs, electrical drawings, wiring schematics, and control system specifications. Develop control strategies and technical documentation for assigned projects.
  
  Collaborate with Electrical Engineers, Automation Engineers, and other technical personnel to support system integration. Troubleshoot automation, controls, and network communication issues.
• Project Development & Execution:
  Participate in project planning, technical reviews, and automation design discussions. Collaborate with clients and application specialists during proposal and project development stages. Translate operational and customer requirements into functional PLC control strategies. Develop programming specifications, control philosophies, and supporting engineering documentation. Monitor assigned engineering deliverables to ensure…