Lead Industrial Automation & SCADA Engineer (Ignition Expert)

Location: Fremont, CA (With regular onsite support in Hayward, CA)

Compensation: $84.94 / hour (W-2 Hourly | CA Pay Transparency Compliant)

Schedule: Full-Time (40 hrs/week) | 100% Onsite (5 days/week)

Role Type: High-Impact Technical W-2 Contract

Position Overview

Are you a SCADA and Industrial Automation expert looking to build next-generation production lines? An industry-leading autonomous vehicle pioneer is seeking a Lead Industrial Automation & SCADA Engineer to design, integrate, and scale cutting-edge manufacturing systems across Silicon Valley facilities.

In this role, you won't just maintain equipment—you will serve as the master technical architect bridging physical plant floor automation (PLCs/Robotics) with enterprise cloud software, databases, and ERP systems in real time.

Key Responsibilities

• Enterprise SCADA Architecture: Design, launch, and scale enterprise-grade SCADA applications using Inductive Automation Ignition, utilizing both Vision and Perspective modules.
• End-to-End System Integration: Connect shop-floor hardware to enterprise data networks by linking Ignition platforms to PLCs via Kepware OPC UA servers and integrating with SAP ME/MII systems.
• Onsite Optimization & Troubleshooting: Deliver hands-on, high-impact troubleshooting directly on the manufacturing floor. Develop custom Python or Java utilities to eliminate production bottlenecks and drive line uptime.
• Data Routing & Web Integration: Script complex SQL database queries and build custom web service calls to connect specialized engineering tools with broader plant networks.

Qualifications & Requirements

• Education: Bachelor’s degree in Computer Science, Electrical Engineering, or a related technical discipline.
• Ignition Mastery: 5+ years of hands-on experience designing, deploying, and scaling enterprise SCADA systems with Inductive Automation Ignition (Fluency in both Vision and Perspective modules is required).
• Plant Floor Experience: 5+ years of direct experience supporting industrial automation in a fast-paced manufacturing environment.
• Programming & Data Skills: Strong software development fundamentals using Python or Java, paired with expertise writing clean, optimized SQL database queries.
• Hardware & ERP Connectivity: Practical experience connecting SCADA systems to PLCs via Kepware / OPC UA and integrating with SAP ME/MII frameworks.
• Preferred Assets: Master’s degree in Engineering, background in automotive or autonomous vehicle manufacturing, or experience with enterprise network architectures.

Interview Process

1. Technical Discovery Call (30 mins): Preliminary video screen focused on core architecture and project history.
2. Technical Panel Interview (60 mins): Deep dive into Ignition system mapping, database design, and live troubleshooting paradigms with engineering leads.
3. Onboarding & Offer: Swift credentialing and system provisioning for an immediate start.

Mandatory Eligibility & Work Authorization

• Direct W-2 Engagement Only: This position is strictly open to direct W-2 individual candidates. We cannot support C2C (Corp-to-Corp), 1099, LLCs, or third-party agency sub-contracting.
• Work Authorization: Candidates must be legally authorized to work in the United States on a W-2 basis without requiring current or future visa sponsorship (e.g., H-1B, OPT/CPT extensions, TN).