What are the responsibilities and job description for the Ignition Programmer position at Altavista Instruments & Controls?
About AIC
Altavista Instruments & Controls (AIC) provides instrumentation, controls, automation, SCADA, cybersecurity, and technical services to municipal water and wastewater utilities, industrial facilities, manufacturers, and other critical infrastructure customers throughout the region. Our team helps customers design, implement, maintain, and modernize the systems they depend on to operate safely, efficiently, and reliably.
Position Summary
Altavista Instruments & Controls (AIC) is seeking an Ignition Programmer to design, develop, deploy, and support modern SCADA, HMI, and industrial data solutions for our municipal, industrial, and manufacturing customers. This position plays a key role in developing Ignition applications, Unified Namespace (UNS) architectures, MQTT solutions, and data integrations that connect plant-floor systems to business operations.
The ideal candidate enjoys solving complex technical challenges, working directly with customers, and helping organizations modernize their automation systems through innovative and scalable solutions. They are self-motivated, accountable, and comfortable taking ownership of their work in an EOS-driven organization.
What You'll Do
- Design, develop, and deploy Ignition applications using Perspective and Vision, including HMI/SCADA screens, alarming, historian configurations, dashboards, KPI reporting, and data visualization solutions.
- Lead or support migrations from legacy SCADA platforms to Ignition.
- Design Unified Namespace (UNS) architectures utilizing MQTT and Sparkplug B.
- Integrate PLCs, field devices, MES, ERP, and business systems using OPC UA, REST APIs, and industrial communication protocols.
- Design and maintain SQL Server, PostgreSQL, and MySQL databases while developing automation, scripting, and data collection solutions using Python and Jython.
- Deploy and support Ignition environments and infrastructure utilizing Docker, Kubernetes, IT/OT networking, cybersecurity, backup, and disaster recovery technologies.
- Work directly with customers to gather requirements, develop solutions, provide technical support, and participate in commissioning, startup, troubleshooting, and project documentation activities.
- Help establish standards for templates, tag structures, naming conventions, and deployment processes.
Required Qualifications
- 3 years of hands-on Ignition development experience (Perspective and/or Vision).
- Strong Python programming skills (Jython experience is a plus).
- Solid SQL and relational database design experience.
- Experience connecting Ignition to PLCs using OPC UA and other industrial communication protocols.
- Working knowledge of MQTT architectures.
- Strong troubleshooting and problem-solving skills.
- Comfortable working directly with customers and in industrial environments.
- Valid driver's license and willingness to travel to customer sites for commissioning, support, and project activities.
Preferred Qualifications
- Ignition Core or Gold Certification.
- Experience designing Unified Namespace (UNS) architectures utilizing MQTT, Sparkplug B, and Cirrus Link MQTT modules.
- Experience deploying and supporting Ignition environments using Docker and Kubernetes.
- Allen-Bradley ControlLogix / Studio 5000 experience and migration experience from FactoryTalk View, Wonderware, iFIX, or similar SCADA platforms.
- IT/OT networking and industrial cybersecurity experience, including VLANs, firewalls, industrial DMZs, and ISA/IEC 62443 awareness.
- Linux administration experience along with Git, version control, and CI/CD practices.
- Experience integrating MES, ERP, reporting, and REST API solutions.
Why AIC?
At Altavista Instruments & Controls (AIC), we believe great companies are built by great people. We operate using the Entrepreneurial Operating System (EOS), which provides clear goals, accountability, and opportunities for employees to take ownership of their work and make a meaningful impact on the company's success.
We're looking for someone who enjoys solving problems, learning new technologies, and helping customers improve their operations. Whether you're already highly experienced with Ignition or looking to expand your expertise, AIC supports ongoing training, continuing education, and professional certifications, including Ignition and other controls and automation-related credentials. We believe investing in our people strengthens our team, enhances the solutions we deliver, and creates opportunities for long-term career growth.
What Success Looks Like
A successful Ignition Programmer is technically strong, customer-focused, and committed to continuous improvement. They deliver reliable, well-documented solutions, take ownership of their projects, collaborate effectively with teammates and customers, and contribute to the long-term success of both AIC and our clients.
Pay: $80,000.00 - $110,000.00 per year
Benefits:
- 401(k)
- Dental insurance
- Health insurance
- Life insurance
- Paid time off
- Professional development assistance
- Retirement plan
- Vision insurance
Experience:
- Ignition Development: 3 years (Required)
- Python: 1 year (Required)
- SQL: 1 year (Required)
- OPC UA: 1 year (Required)
License/Certification:
- Ignition Core or Gold Certification (Preferred)
Willingness to travel:
- 25% (Required)
Work Location: In person
Salary : $80,000 - $110,000