Controls Engineer

TL;DR

Controls Engineer (PLC/HMI): Own the design, development, and commissioning of control systems for mission-critical AI infrastructure, with an accent on PLC/HMI programming, control schematics, and I/O architecture. Focus on integrating controls across facility systems, commissioning (FAT/SAT), and troubleshooting OT/ICS control issues to keep systems running reliably.

Location: Houston, TX; San Francisco, CA; Long Beach, CA

Salary: $90,000 - $122,000 USD

Company

hirify.global builds gigawatt-scale AI data centers by combining equipment supply, engineering, construction, and real estate development.

What you will do

• Design and develop PLC and HMI programs for building automation and facility control systems.
• Create control panels and produce control schematics from concept through construction-ready documentation.
• Develop and maintain industrial network designs using Ethernet/IP, Modbus TCP, and Modbus RTU.
• Configure and commission VFD drive controls for motors, pumps, and HVAC systems.
• Translate process requirements from P&ID diagrams into control logic (valve sequencing, motor control, pump staging).
• Support FAT/SAT and commissioning, troubleshoot field issues, and maintain as-built documentation and program backups.

Requirements

• 3+ years of hands-on PLC and HMI programming and commissioning experience.
• Experience designing control panels and producing control schematics using AutoCAD.
• Strong control systems fundamentals, including loop and PID control; building automation experience is strongly preferred.
• Working knowledge of VFD drive configuration and control (Allen Bradley and ABB drives are a plus).
• Ability to read and work from P&ID diagrams, including valve functions, motor control, and pump control logic.
• Familiarity with I/O design and at least one industrial communication protocol (Ethernet/IP, Modbus TCP, or Modbus RTU).

Nice to have

• Experience with data center cooling control systems or other mission-critical facility environments.
• Knowledge of OT/ICS network architecture and industrial cybersecurity practices.
• Experience with additional protocols (BACnet, Profibus, PROFINET, OPC-UA) and SCADA/historian platforms (Ignition preferred).
• Experience working in fast-paced build environments with shifting priorities.

Culture & Benefits

• In-person work from office locations (San Francisco, CA; Long Beach, CA; Houston, TX).
• Subsidized health, dental, and vision insurance.
• Equity (options) in a rapidly growing startup.
• 401(k) with 4% employer match, unlimited PTO, and parental leave.
• Healthcare and Dependent Care Flexible Spending Accounts (FSA) or Health Savings Account (HSA).
• Team on-sites where all offices come in-person to collaborate.

Hiring process

• Interview process includes narrowing the OTE range based on experience and qualifications.
• Evaluation focuses on controls/PLC/HMI experience, commissioning work, and ability to troubleshoot and deliver documentation.