Job Openings SCADA Engineer - Ignition (S.O)

About the job SCADA Engineer - Ignition (S.O)

Job Description

Position Title & Basic Details

We are seeking several SCADA / Ignition Engineers based in (Insert Location). These are contract / consulting positions requiring 5+ years of experience supporting industrial automation, SCADA systems, and manufacturing data environments.

A Bachelors degree in Electrical Engineering, Controls Engineering, Computer Science, Automation, or a related technical field is strongly preferred.

Overview

In this role, you will support the manufacturing operations and digital factory infrastructure by designing, developing, and maintaining SCADA systems using Inductive Automations Ignition platform.

You will help ensure real-time visibility into production systems, equipment performance, alarms, and manufacturing KPIs while supporting integration between plant-floor equipment and higher-level business systems.

This role spans the full lifecycle of SCADA system support including:

  • SCADA/HMI application development

  • Real-time data collection from PLCs and industrial equipment

  • Alarm management and visualization

  • Historical data logging and reporting

  • Manufacturing dashboards and performance monitoring

The ideal candidates bring hands-on experience with Ignition, PLC communications, industrial networking, and manufacturing system support in high-uptime environments.

Key Responsibilities

SCADA / Ignition Development (Core Requirement)

  • Design, develop, and maintain SCADA applications using Ignition (Vision and/or Perspective modules)

  • Build operator HMIs, production dashboards, Andon boards, and KPI displays

  • Configure alarm systems, notification pipelines, and event handling

  • Develop tag structures, UDTs, and scalable architecture within Ignition

  • Write scripts using Python (Ignition scripting) for automation and data handling

PLC & Equipment Integration

  • Integrate Ignition with industrial control systems including:

    • Rockwell Automation (ControlLogix / CompactLogix)

    • Siemens PLCs

    • Beckhoff, Omron, or similar platforms

  • Configure communication using:

    • OPC UA

    • Ethernet/IP

    • Modbus TCP

    • MQTT (where applicable)

  • Troubleshoot communication issues between SCADA and plant-floor equipment

Data Collection & Reporting

  • Design and maintain data logging into SQL databases (PostgreSQL, SQL Server, etc.)

  • Develop reports for:

    • Production performance (OEE, throughput, downtime)

    • Quality metrics

    • Equipment utilization

  • Support traceability and historical data analysis for manufacturing operations

Troubleshooting & Operational Support

  • Provide real-time support when SCADA systems experience faults or downtime

  • Troubleshoot issues involving:

    • Broken tag bindings

    • Gateway issues

    • Database connectivity problems

    • PLC communication failures

  • Perform root cause analysis (RCA) and implement long-term fixes

  • Support plant operations during production hours as needed

Requirements

Education

  • Bachelors degree in Engineering (Electrical, Controls, Automation, Computer Science) or equivalent practical experience.

Experience

  • Minimum 5 years of experience working with SCADA systems in industrial or manufacturing environments.

Technical Expertise

  • Strong experience with Inductive Automation Ignition

  • Experience integrating SCADA with PLC platforms

  • Solid understanding of industrial networking and protocols

  • Experience with SQL databases and data structures

  • Ability to interpret control system architecture and P&IDs

  • Experience supporting live production systems

Soft Skills

  • Strong troubleshooting and analytical skills

  • Ability to communicate effectively with controls engineers, manufacturing, and operations teams

  • Comfortable supporting high-uptime production environments

Preferred Qualifications

  • Experience in automotive, robotics manufacturing, or advanced manufacturing environments

  • Experience building OEE dashboards and production monitoring systems

  • Familiarity with MES concepts and manufacturing data models

  • Experience with MQTT architectures (Sparkplug B is a plus)

  • Prior experience supporting 24/7 production facilities

Why Join Us?

High Impact Work: Your work directly supports production uptime and operational visibility.

Technical Ownership: Design and support systems that form the backbone of manufacturing operations.

Modern Tooling: Work with modern SCADA platforms, real-time data systems, and digital manufacturing technologies.

Collaborative Culture: Work closely with controls, manufacturing, quality, and operations teams.

Interview Process

  • Initial Screening with Controls & Automation Consultants

  • Technical Interview with Engineering Leadership

  • Client Interview (virtual or onsite depending on project needs)

About Controls & Automation Consultants

Controls & Automation Consultants provides experienced controls, automation, and industrial engineering professionals to manufacturing and industrial clients nationwide. Our engineers specialize in SCADA systems, PLC integration, industrial networking, and real-time manufacturing data solutions that support reliable, efficient plant operations.