Demo

Senior Industrial Automation & Controls Engineer (PLC / SCADA)

PACIV
Indianapolis, IN Full Time
POSTED ON 5/13/2026
AVAILABLE BEFORE 8/10/2026
Senior Industrial Automation & Controls Engineer (PLC / SCADA)

We are looking for a Senior Industrial Automation & Controls Engineer to join our team onsite in Indianapolis, IN. This role is focused on leading full lifecycle automation projects in a system integrator environment, delivering high-quality PLC, HMI, SCADA, and DCS solutions across utilities and advanced manufacturing environments.

This position offers significant technical ownership, direct client engagement, and the ability to drive automation strategy and execution.

This is a project-based engineering position, not a maintenance or production support

About PACIV
PACIV stands for Process Automation, Controls, Instrumentation, & Validation.

We deliver automation and validation solutions within regulated and industrial environments, ranging from targeted system upgrades to enterprise-wide automation deployments. We are known for technical excellence, long-term client partnerships, and a collaborative engineering culture that empowers problem-solving and innovation.

What You Will Do
In this position, you will lead automation projects end-to-end, owning the design, development, and delivery of complex control systems.

Key Responsibilities
  • Leading the full lifecycle delivery of PLC, HMI, SCADA, and DCS systems
    (design → development → commissioning)
  • Architecting scalable and reliable control system solutions including hardware, software, and industrial networks
  • Hands-on PLC programming and development (Allen-Bradley, Siemens PLCs)
  • Leading HMI/SCADA development using platforms such as Ignition, Wonderware, iFix, FactoryTalk, and WinCC
  • Owning control system documentation including functional specifications, IO lists, network architecture drawings, and validation documentation
  • Leading system integration, FAT, SAT, and commissioning activities at client sites
  • Serving as the technical lead and primary point of contact for client engagements
  • Troubleshooting and resolving complex system and integration issues, driving root cause analysis and long-term solutions
  • Establishing and enforcing programming standards, reusable code libraries, and best practices
  • Mentoring junior engineers and providing technical oversight to ensure quality and consistency
  • Ensuring adherence to safety, quality, and regulatory standards

Required Experience
  • Bachelor’s degree in Engineering (Electrical, Chemical, Mechatronics, or related field preferred), equivalent combination of education and significant industry experience may be considered
  • Minimum 10 years of progressive experience in industrial automation, controls engineering, or PLC/SCADA engineering
  • Proven ability to independently deliver full lifecycle automation solutions from design through commissioning
  • Demonstrated ability to act as a client-facing technical lead on multiple projects
  • Advanced expertise in PLC programming (Allen-Bradley, Siemens) and SCADA/HMI systems
  • Strong, hands-on experience designing and implementing industrial networks and system integrations
  • Experience leading FAT, SAT, and on-site commissioning activities
  • Deep knowledge of industrial communication protocols such as EtherNet/IP, Modbus, Profinet, and Profibus
  • Experience in life sciences, utilities, or advanced manufacturing environments
  • Familiarity with regulatory and industry standards (NFPA 70E, UL 508A, IEC)

Compensation & Benefits Highlights
PACIV offers a competitive compensation package designed to support health, financial security, and long-term career growth.
  • Competitive salary based on experience
  • 90 percent employer-paid healthcare premiums
  • 401(k) with 4 percent company match and immediate vesting
  • Health Savings Account (HSA) with company contributions
  • Generous paid time off and company-recognized holidays

Why Join PACIV
  • Opportunity to lead high-impact, project-based automation work
  • Exposure to complex and technically challenging system integration projects
  • Collaborative, engineering-driven culture
  • Clear path for continued technical leadership and career advancement
  • Organization that values innovation, ownership, and engineering expertise

Employment Type & Hiring Notice
This is a direct hire, full-time position and does not support C2C or 1099 contract arrangements.
PACIV does not engage with external recruitment agencies

PACIV is an Equal Opportunity Employer committed to fostering an inclusive and respectful workplace. Employment is contingent upon eligibility to work in the United States and successful completion of background checks.

Salary.com Estimation for Senior Industrial Automation & Controls Engineer (PLC / SCADA) in Indianapolis, IN
$129,337 to $158,382
If your compensation planning software is too rigid to deploy winning incentive strategies, it’s time to find an adaptable solution. Compensation Planning
Enhance your organization's compensation strategy with salary data sets that HR and team managers can use to pay your staff right. Surveys & Data Sets

What is the career path for a Senior Industrial Automation & Controls Engineer (PLC / SCADA)?

Sign up to receive alerts about other jobs on the Senior Industrial Automation & Controls Engineer (PLC / SCADA) career path by checking the boxes next to the positions that interest you.
Income Estimation: 
$105,313 - $133,528
Income Estimation: 
$126,015 - $168,198
Income Estimation: 
$126,033 - $165,110
Income Estimation: 
$177,126 - $242,319
Income Estimation: 
$179,484 - $249,183
Employees: Get a Salary Increase
View Core, Job Family, and Industry Job Skills and Competency Data for more than 15,000 Job Titles Skills Library

Job openings at PACIV

  • PACIV San Juan, TX
  • PACIV, a global leader in industrial automation solutions servicing the Life Sciences sector, is seeking a Design & Verification Lead to oversee engineerin... more
  • 1 Day Ago

  • PACIV Humble, TX
  • Administrative Assistant (Data & Document Coordination) ACE Controls – Humble, TX (On-Site) $18–$21 per hour | Full-Time About ACE Controls Established in ... more
  • 1 Day Ago

  • PACIV Humble, TX
  • Administrative Assistant (Data & Document Coordination) ACE Controls – Humble, TX (On-Site) $18–$21 per hour | Full-Time About ACE Controls Established in ... more
  • 2 Days Ago

  • PACIV San Juan, TX
  • PACIV, a global leader in industrial automation solutions servicing the Life Sciences sector, is looking for an MES Support Engineer (Syncade) to provide c... more
  • 7 Days Ago


Not the job you're looking for? Here are some other Senior Industrial Automation & Controls Engineer (PLC / SCADA) jobs in the Indianapolis, IN area that may be a better fit.

  • APEX Controls Indianapolis, IN
  • Description Job Description Apex Controls is seeking a highly skilled and experienced Senior Controls Engineer to join our dynamic team. The ideal candidat... more
  • 5 Days Ago

  • Skellig Automation Indianapolis, IN
  • Specialist providers of pharmaceutical automation, process and project controls. Skellig was founded to radically improve upon the way automation, process,... more
  • 14 Days Ago

AI Assistant is available now!

Feel free to start your new journey!