Automation Specialist/ Ignition Engineer

Engineering

Litchfield, AZ Contract To Hire Sep 21, 2026

Automation Specialist – PLC/HMI Commissioning

Location: Phoenix, AZ – QTS PHX3 Data Center

Pay: Up to $71/hour , depending on qualifications

Schedule: Approximately 50 hours/week | Monday–Saturday, 6:00 AM–3:00 PM Duration: Approximately 4 months , depending on project needs

Position Overview

We are seeking an experienced Automation Specialist / PLC-HMI Programmer to support commissioning and startup activities on an active QTS data center project in Phoenix, AZ .

This is a fast-paced commissioning environment. The PLC programs have already been developed, so this position is focused primarily on loop checks, commissioning support, troubleshooting, and chiller startups rather than developing an automation system from scratch.

IGNITION CORE CERTIFICATION IS REQUIRED. Candidates without a current Ignition Core Certification will not be considered. Responsibilities

• Support PLC/HMI commissioning activities for data center mechanical and automation systems
• Perform and support I/O and loop checks
• Assist with chiller startup and commissioning
• Troubleshoot PLC, HMI, controls, and field-device issues during startup
• Work with existing PLC programs to diagnose and resolve commissioning issues
• Support functional verification of control sequences and connected equipment
• Work within Ignition HMI during commissioning and startup activities
• Troubleshoot communications and control-system issues as they arise
• Coordinate with commissioning teams, controls technicians, engineers, and field personnel
• Maintain productivity in a fast-paced environment with aggressive project schedules

Required Qualifications

• Ignition Core Certification – REQUIRED
• Hands-on Ignition HMI experience
• Experience with Allen-Bradley ControlLogix and/or CompactLogix PLC hardware
• 1–3+ years of PLC/HMI, automation, controls, or commissioning experience
• Experience performing loop checks, startup, troubleshooting, and commissioning
• Ability to work with existing PLC programs and troubleshoot independently
• Strong understanding of industrial automation and control systems
• Must be capable of stepping into the project and contributing immediately with minimal to no training

Preferred Qualifications

• Recent QTS Data Center experience
• Previous data center or mission-critical commissioning experience
• Chiller and mechanical controls startup experience
• Experience supporting fast-paced commissioning and turnover schedules