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