Controls Specialist

Job Description

Job Description

Controls Specialist (PLC Systems Support) – Semiconductor Location: Boise, ID 83716 (onsite)

Pay rate

• $60–65/hr (flex depending on experience)
• Shift differential: +$5/hr after 6pm (when applicable)

Per diem

• $264/day

Schedule / rotation

• Monday–Saturday, 10-hour days (no Sundays)
• Typically 60 hours/week
• Rotation noted by client: 2 weeks at 60 hours, 3rd week 50 hours, then back to 60 hours for 2 weeks (repeating)

Travel time

• Travel to/from site paid up to 4 to 8 hours each way
• No per diem on travel days

Tools and PPE

• Tools provided by client
• Candidate provides: safety-toed leather work boots that cover the ankle (defined heel), ANSI Z87 safety glasses, and boots/glasses must meet site requirements
• Provided onsite: branded high-vis vest, hard hat, gloves, hearing protection
• Dress code: long denim pants (no synthetic materials), shirts with sleeves

Required before first day onsite

• OSHA 10 Construction certification required prior to arrival (cannot be completed onsite; not paid)

Position Summary

The Controls Specialist is responsible for troubleshooting, diagnosing, and supporting PLC-based control systems. This role requires strong working knowledge of Siemens PLC platforms, with the ability to navigate existing control programs, isolate faults, and resolve system issues impacting power and cooling infrastructure.

This is not a greenfield programming role. The ideal candidate understands how to navigate ladder logic, identify interlocks, trace I/O, and support live operational systems in a high-availability environment.

Key Responsibilities

• Utilize Siemens TIA Portal and STEP 7 to navigate existing PLC programs and troubleshoot operational issues.

• Trace I/O points to identify sensor, device, or logic-related failures.

• Diagnose faults impacting critical infrastructure, including:

  • Chillers and cooling systems

  • Switchgear and power distribution

  • Backup generators

  • Pumps and HVAC equipment

• Review ladder logic, function blocks, and interlocks to isolate root causes.

• Coordinate with operations and maintenance teams to implement corrective actions.

• Support system modifications and minor logic adjustments when required.

• Verify communications between PLCs, HMIs, BMS, and EPMS systems.

• Maintain system documentation and ensure changes follow MOC (Management of Change) procedures.

• Participate in incident response for uptime-critical systems.

Required Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in Electrical Engineering, Mechanical Engineering, Mechatronics, or a related engineering discipline preferred.

• 3+ years of experience working with Siemens PLC systems.

• Strong understanding of ladder logic and industrial control architecture.

• Experience with PROFINET, PROFIBUS, and other industrial communication protocols.

• Ability to analyze electrical schematics and P&IDs.

Preferred Qualifications

• Experience in data centers, semiconductor facilities, power generation, manufacturing, or other mission-critical environments.

• Familiarity with EPMS and BMS system integration.

• Understanding of HVAC and power distribution systems.

• Experience supporting live systems in high-availability environments.

Key Competencies

• Strong root cause analysis skills.

• Comfortable working in live, uptime-sensitive environments.

• Detail-oriented with strong system-level thinking.

• Clear communicator across engineering and operations teams.