Principal PLC Controls & Automation Engineer - Data Center Infrastructure

At Jabil (NYSE: JBL), we are proud to be a trusted partner for the world's top brands, offering comprehensive engineering, supply chain, and manufacturing solutions. With 60 years of experience across industries and a vast network of over 100 sites worldwide, Jabil combines global reach with local expertise to deliver both scalable and customized solutions. Our commitment extends beyond business success as we strive to build sustainable processes that minimize environmental impact and foster vibrant and diverse communities around the globe.How will you make an impact?Jabil is seeking a PLC Controls & Automation Engineer to serve as the technical authority for automation architecture across advanced liquid cooled factory and data center ecosystems. This role drives the controls strategy, standards and system level design for mission critical cooling infrastructure, spanning central plant through IT rack level systems. This engineer will lead with deep technical expertise showcasing an ability to outline architectures, author control philosophies and sequences of operations, ensuring scalability, write reliable and maintainable automation coding for solutions across multi‑platform PLC environments.Job Title: Principal PLC Controls & Automation EngineerOrganization: Data Center Infrastructure (DCI) TeamLocation: Remote* OR Austin, TX*Requires up to 20% domestic and/or international travel (rare)ESSENTIAL DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIESTechnical LeadershipPersonally architect, build, and deploy PLC control systems for complex liquid cooled factory and data center environments, owning solutions from concept through commissioning.Write, structure, and maintain production grade PLC, SCADA and HMI code as the primary technical contributor, setting the bar for quality, performance and maintainability through direct execution.Establish engineering standards, templates, and reusable design frameworks.Lead design reviews, FAT/SAT validation strategies, and commissioning plans.PLC & IPC-Based PLC & Advanced Programming (Multi-Platform Expertise)Design and implement PLC systems (Allen-Bradley, Siemens, Schneider, GE and other industrial PLC ecosystems).Design and implement IPC/Soft PLC systems (Beckhoff TwinCAT, Siemens IPC, Codesys).Develop structured, modular control logic using IEC 61131-3 languages (ST, FBD, Ladder).Implement through direct coding, not delegation:Real-time control (EtherCAT, Profinet, Ethernet/IP)Advanced algorithms (PID, sequencing, state machines)Edge processing, data buffering, and protocol conversion (OPC UA, MQTT)SCADA & HMI (Multi-Platform Expertise)Architect and deploy SCADA systems across platforms such as:Ignition, Siemens WinCC, Rockwell FactoryTalkAVEVA/Wonderware, Schneider CitectGE iFIX, Beckhoff HMI, web-based SCADADesign high-performance HMIs, alarm systems, and historian integration.Enable integration with MES, cloud platforms, and enterprise analytics systems.Liquid Cooling System ImplementationBuild and commission automation solutions for a full liquid cooling ecosystem including chillers and central plant systems, primary and secondary pumping loops, cooling distribution units (CDUs),heat exchangers and rack‑level liquid cooling.Directly implement control strategies for flow, pressure, temperature, delta‑T control, variable speed pumps and fans and load scaling for energy optimization.Sequence of Operations (SOO) OwnershipAuthor, implement, and validate detailed Sequences of Operations personally, translating operational intent directly into PLC logic.Build SOO that are logic‑ready, fault‑tolerant, commissionable and maintainableExecute and refine SOO during FAT, SAT, and live operation based on observed system performance.Leak Detection & Mitigation ExecutionDesign and implement leak detection and mitigation logic firsthand, integrating sensors, valves, pumps, and alarms directly into PLC control strategies.Focus on building automated responses for zone isolation, controlled shutdowns or ramp‑downs, protection of IT equipment and critical infrastructure.Ensure fail safe behavior through tested and field‑proven logic.BMS & EPMS IntegrationIntegrate control systems with:BMS (HVAC, liquid cooling, environmental systems)EPMS (power monitoring, UPS, switchgear)Define and code data models, telemetry points and system boundaries through hands on configuration and validation.Implement communication via BACnet, Modbus, OPC UA.Enable unified system architecture across BMS, EPMS, PLC, and MES platforms.Support energy monitoring, alarm management, and event-driven control actions.Commissioning & Field ExecutionLead commissioning through direct participation, including FAT, SAT, integrated systems testing and live startup.Serve as the primary technical executor during critical milestones and escalations.Tune and optimize systems in real operating conditions.Standards Built Through PracticeEstablish controls standards, architectures, and best practices by building and proving them in production systems.Mentor other engineers through working sessions, paired programming, and field execution, not design reviews alone.Drive continuous improvement by evolving standards based on operational data and lessons learned.KNOWLEDGE REQUIREMENTSExcellent interpersonal and communication skillsCreative, self-motivated, accountable, and team-orientedAble to work independently with minimal oversightProficient in reading, analyzing, and interpreting general business publications, professional journals, technical procedures, and government regulationsSkilled in writing reports, business correspondence, and procedural guidesEffective at presenting information and responding to management, clients, and public queriesAbility to mentor engineers and influence cross functional teams.Comfortable working as part of a global teamCapable of assessing projects, articulating risks, and developing project milestonesFamiliar with stage-gate processes in project lifecycle management (PLCM)Able to mentor less experienced engineersEDUCATION & EXPERIENCE REQUIREMENTSRequired QualificationsBachelor’s degree in Electrical Engineering, Systems Engineering or Controls Engineering8+ years of progressive PLC and controls engineering experience.Demonstrated expert level proficiency in Allen‑Bradley and Siemens PLC platforms.Proven experience owning controls architecture and SOO for complex automated systems.Strong background in industrial networking, instrumentation and control theory.Preferred QualificationsMaster’s degree preferredDeep experience with liquid‑cooled data centers, high‑density compute, or advanced thermal systems.Experience in critical facilities, NPI programs, or large‑scale infrastructure deployments.Background in redundant systems, uptime driven design and risk mitigation.About the Data Center Infrastructure (DCI) Team:The DCI team consists of technical subject matter experts who specialize in end-to-end large scale physical infrastructure that powers and enables modern data centers. This includes power distribution systems such as transformers, substations, generators, switchgear, switch panels, busways, ATS units, EDPM, BMS systems, and control panels, as well as cooling solutions ranging from traditional evaporative and indirect cooling systems to emerging liquid cooling technologies including chillers, heat exchangers, CDUs, pumps, and secondary fluid networks. The team also addresses the mechanical structures that house these systems - hot aisle containment, steel enclosures, blanking panels, cable trays, and fiber and networking infrastructure.The DCI team operates as a cross-industry center of excellence, partnering primarily with various cloud providers across the industry. Team members function as deeply technical subject matter experts who engage directly with customers and supply chain partners to assess requirements, identify challenges, and design infrastructure solutions end-to-end. The ideal contributor brings engineering-level expertise in either power or cooling disciplines, a working knowledge of the full infrastructure dependency chain, and the ability to translate that expertise into clear recommendations and collaborative problem-solving with both technical and business stakeholders.The pay range for this role is $132,400 - $238,400. Job-related, non-discriminatory factors used to determine the actual offered rate include qualifications and experience, geographic location, education, external market data, and consideration of internal equity. The anticipated close date of this job requisition is: September 30, 2026.As part of the total rewards package, this position is eligible for a short-term incentive based on performance. In addition, Jabil offers benefits to enhance your health, wealth, and resilient self. These include medical, dental, and vision insurance plans; paid time off accruing at a rate of 3.07 hours during your first year of employment; 4 weeks of paid parental leave; in 2026, 11 company-paid holidays (9 fixed holidays and 2 optional floating holidays), subject to change yearly; 401(k) retirement plan; and employee stock purchase plan.BE AWARE OF FRAUD: When applying for a job at Jabil you will be contacted via correspondence through our official job portal with a jabil.com e-mail address; direct phone call from a member of the Jabil team; or direct e-mail with a jabil.com e-mail address. Jabil does not request payments for interviews or at any other point during the hiring process. Jabil will not ask for your personal identifying information such as a social security number, birth certificate, financial institution, driver’s license number or passport information over the phone or via e-mail. If you believe you are a victim of identity theft, contact the Federal Bureau of Investigations internet crime hotline ( the Federal Trade Commission identity theft hotline ( and/or your local police department. Any scam job listings should be reported to whatever website it was posted in.Jabil, including its subsidiaries, is an equal opportunity employer and considers qualified applicants for employment without regard to race, color, religion, national origin, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, age, disability, genetic information, veteran status, or any other characteristic protected by law.Accessibility Accommodation If you are a qualified individual with a disability, you have the right to request a reasonable accommodation if you are unable or limited in your ability to use or access Jabil.com/Careers site as a result of your disability. You can request a reasonable accommodation by sending an e-mail to View email address on click.appcast.io or calling View phone number on click.appcast.io with the nature of your request and contact information. Please do not direct any other general employment related questions to this e-mail or phone number. Please note that only those inquiries concerning a request for reasonable accommodation will be responded to.#whereyoubelong#AWorldofPossibilitiesSummaryLocation: Austin, TX; Remote - USAType: Full time