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.

Experience
2-6 yrs