Senior Controls / Automation Technician — PLC/SCADA/HMI

Title: Senior Controls / Automation Technician — PLC/SCADA/HMI
Location: Santa Clara, CA (Onsite)
Employment Type: W-2 Contract
Duration: ~12 months
Openings: 1 opening

About the Role

We are placing a Senior Controls Technician on a long-term contract at a state-of-the-art semiconductor production facility in Santa Clara, California. You will design, develop, and lead the implementation of complex industrial automation systems — from advanced PLC programming to HMI/SCADA architecture and full project lifecycle ownership.
This is a high-impact role where you will mentor junior engineers, lead commissioning activities, and ensure high-quality, scalable automation solutions in one of the most technically demanding environments in the industry. Relocation assistance may be available for qualified candidates.

Key Responsibilities

•    Design and develop advanced PLC programs using structured, modular, scalable architectures
•    Lead development of HMI/SCADA systems (usability, performance, reliability)
•    Architect full automation solutions: 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
•    Manage system testing, validation, and onsite commissioning
•    Establish and enforce PLC/HMI programming standards and best practices
•    Mentor and guide junior and intermediate engineers
•    Ensure compliance with safety standards, regulations, and cybersecurity practices

Required Skills & Experience

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

Preferred Qualifications

•    Allen-Bradley (Studio 5000, ControlLogix), Siemens (TIA Portal, S7), or Emerson (Machine Edition)
•    SCADA platforms: Ignition, FactoryTalk, WinCC, Cimplicity
•    Industrial protocols: EtherNet/IP, Modbus, Profinet, OPC UA
•    Motion control, robotics, and high-speed automation systems
•    MES integration, SQL databases, and IIoT systems
•    Safety PLCs and functional safety standards (SIL, ISO)
•    Industrial cybersecurity practices
•    Semiconductor manufacturing environment experience

Additional Details

•    Onsite position — must be able to commute to or relocate to Santa Clara, CA
•    After-hours on-call support may be occasionally required
•    Must pass background check and drug screening
•    Must be authorized to work in the U.S. — no visa sponsorship