PLC Automation Engineer

We are seeking an experienced PLC Automation Programmer to design, develop, and commission control logic for a Siemens S7-1200-based remote valve control system. The successful candidate will be responsible for programming the PLC to monitor and actuate remote valves (on/off, modulating, or motorised), integrate with SCADA/HMI systems, and ensure safe, reliable, and efficient remote operation across distributed field sites.

Responsibilities:

• Design, develop, and test PLC control logic using TIA Portal for Siemens S7-1200 CPUs.
• Program logic for remote valve control including open/close, position feedback, interlocks, and sequencing (e. g., ESD - Emergency Shutdown, blowdown, isolation valves).
• Configure and integrate analog/digital I/O modules for valve position transmitters, limit switches, solenoids, and actuators (electric, pneumatic, or hydraulic).
• Develop communication interfaces using Modbus TCP/RTU, PROFINET, PROFIBUS, or OPC UA for SCADA/RTU integration and remote telemetry.
• Implement remote monitoring and control via HMI (e. g., Siemens Comfort Panels) and SCADA platforms (WinCC, Ignition, or third-party systems).
• Design fail-safe logic, alarm management, and interlocks to prevent unsafe valve operations (overpressure, loss of communication, power failure).
• Configure and troubleshoot communication over cellular/radio/fiber links for remote or unmanned field sites.
• Conduct FAT (Factory Acceptance Testing) and SAT (Site Acceptance Testing) for valve control systems.
• Prepare and maintain documentation: I/O lists, functional design specifications (FDS), logic diagrams, wiring schematics, and as-built documentation.
• Perform on-site commissioning, calibration, and troubleshooting of PLC/valve control systems.
• Collaborate with instrumentation, electrical, and process engineering teams to ensure system reliability and compliance with process requirements.
• Ensure compliance with relevant industry standards (IEC 61131-3 API, ISA, or local regulatory codes as applicable).

Requirements:

• Proficiency in Siemens TIA Portal (STEP 7 WinCC) for S7-1200 (and ideally S7-1500/S7-300 families).
• Strong understanding of ladder logic (LAD), function block diagrams (FBD), and structured text (SCL)
• Experience with valve actuator control (butterfly valves, motorized/electric actuators, positioners).
• Knowledge of industrial communication protocols: Modbus TCP/RTU, PROFINET, PROFIBUS DP, OPC UA
• Familiarity with remote telemetry units (RTU) and SCADA integration for unmanned/remote sites.
• Understanding of safety systems interlocks, ESD logic, fail-safe design principles.
• Experience with analogue signal processing (4-20mA, HART) for valve position/pressure feedback.
• Ability to read and interpret P& IDs, electrical schematics, and instrumentation loop diagrams.
• Familiarity with networking basics for industrial control (VPN, cellular modems, radio telemetry) is a plus.

Preferred Qualifications:

• Bachelor's degree in Electrical, Instrumentation, or Automation/Control Engineering (or equivalent experience).
• 2-5+ years of hands-on experience with Siemens PLC programming, preferably in oil & gas, water/wastewater, or process control industries.
• Siemens TIA Portal certification is a plus.
• Experience with functional safety standards (IEC 61508/61511) is advantageous.
• Prior experience with remote/unmanned facility automation (wellhead control, pipeline valve stations, pump stations).

Soft Skills:

• Strong troubleshooting and analytical skills for field diagnostics.
• Ability to work independently at remote or field sites.
• Good documentation and communication skills for cross-functional coordination.
• Willingness to travel for site commissioning and support.

Skills

ESD, FBD, Modbus, OPC UA, PLC, PROFIBUS, PROFINET, RTU, SCADA, SCL, Siemens, TIA Portal, interlocks, ladder