PLC Automation Engineer

Piper Companies is seeking a PLC Automation Engineer to join a growing engineering team supporting mission-critical industrial projects across the data center, pharmaceutical, and life sciences sectors. This PLC Automation Engineer will play a key role in controls system design, automation development, panel design, and project execution while helping drive process improvements and engineering innovation.

Responsibilities

• Design and develop industrial control systems, including electrical schematics, panel layouts, and automation architectures for complex facility projects.
• Create and maintain detailed engineering documentation using AutoCAD Electrical, EPLAN, or similar design platforms to support project deliverables.
• Configure, troubleshoot, and support Allen-Bradley PLC-based control systems from initial design through startup and commissioning activities.
• Lead design efforts on large-scale automation programs while coordinating with cross-functional engineering teams and mentoring less experienced engineers.
• Identify opportunities to streamline engineering workflows, automate design and submittal processes, and improve overall project quality and delivery timelines.

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in Electrical Engineering, Controls Engineering, Automation Engineering, Mechanical Engineering, or a related technical discipline; equivalent industry experience will also be considered.
• 2-5 years of professional experience in industrial automation, controls engineering, electrical design, or related technical environments.
• Advanced proficiency with AutoCAD Electrical and/or EPLAN, including the ability to independently generate electrical and controls drawings.
• Extensive experience with Allen-Bradley and Rockwell Automation hardware, including component selection, panel design, wiring, and system integration.
• Ability to travel approximately 30% to customer locations and support project commissioning activities; exposure to automation-driven design improvements is highly preferred.

Compensation

Salary Range: $95,000 - $115,000 annually

Bonus: Performance-based bonus program tied to both individual contributions and overall company results.

Comprehensive Benefits: Medical, Dental, Vision, sick leave if required by law, and 401K.

Work Arrangement: Full-time permanent position based in Charlotte, NC. Five days onsite initially with future hybrid work eligibility based on performance and business needs.

Application Details

Location: Charlotte, North Carolina

Posting Date: September 4, 2026

Apply By: Open Until Filled

Travel Requirement: Approximately 30% domestic travel, primarily supporting project work in the Southeast and Midwest regions.

Schedule: Standard Monday-Friday schedule with typical hours of 8:00 AM to 5:00 PM. Average workweek is approximately 40 hours, with occasional project-driven increases during critical milestones.

Keywords: PLC, Allen-Bradley, Rockwell Automation, AutoCAD Electrical, EPLAN, Controls Engineering, Industrial Automation, Electrical Design, Panel Design, Control Systems, PLC Programming, Data Centers, Pharmaceutical Manufacturing, Life Sciences, Commissioning, Startup Support, HMI, SCADA, Electrical Schematics, Automation Design, Control Panel Wiring, Product Selection, Sequence of Operations, Network Architecture, Process Automation, Engineering Documentation, Industrial Controls, System Integration, Automation Solutions, Design Leadership, Project Engineering, Manufacturing Automation, Equipment Integration, AutoCAD, Rockwell Components, Controls Drawings, Engineering Innovation, Workflow Automation, Technical Leadership, Industrial Engineering