Senior Automation Engineer

Therma, a Legence company

For over 50 years, Therma has continued to redefine the mechanical construction landscapes in California. Renowned for outstanding client service and attention to detail, we balance innovative, facility-specific solutions with a pragmatic, cost-conscious approach. Today, the firm employs more than 1,100 people in 3 regional offices, and its clients represent a diverse range of market sectors, including Biopharmaceutical, Education, Healthcare, Food & Beverage, Commercial, Industrial and Data Center facilities. Our culture is open, innovative, collaborative, and fun – all reflected in recognition of Therma as a #1 Best Place to Work on multiple occasions. We create an environment that empowers & challenges employees, giving them the greatest opportunity to succeed.

Summary

Join Therma's dynamic team as a Senior Automation Engineer and play a key role in the design, implementation, and commissioning of advanced industrial automation solutions. This is a hands-on technical leadership position for an engineer who enjoys solving complex challenges, partnering directly with customers, and delivering projects from concept through startup.

You'll have the opportunity to work on diverse greenfield and retrofit projects, leverage industry-leading automation technologies, mentor junior engineers, and help deliver innovative solutions that improve efficiency, reliability, and performance. If you're passionate about automation and thrive in a fast-paced, project-driven environment, we'd love to hear from you.

What This Role Is

• A senior-level engineering role with significant ownership of automation system design, programming, and commissioning.
• A hands-on position that combines technical execution, problem solving, customer interaction, and project leadership.
• An opportunity to lead complex industrial automation projects from concept through startup while mentoring junior engineers.

What This Role Is Not

• A maintenance, controls technician, or production support role.
• A project management position removed from the technical work.
• A role focused solely on PLC programming, HMI development, or commissioning.
• An entry-level engineering position.

Core Responsibilities

• Lead the design and implementation for greenfield and automation retrofit projects.
• Develop Functional Design Specifications and Sequence of Operations (SOO).
• Program and script PLC/DCS systems.
• Create and configure HMI/SCADA graphics.
• Define and design electrical and controls schematics.
• Oversee the development and execution of test protocols and managing commissioning activities.
• Prepare close-out documentation and ensure compliance.
• Manage automation project budgets and timelines.
• Mentor junior team members and provide technical guidance.
• Serve as the primary customer interface for the automation and controls scopes.

Technical Expertise

PLC/DCS Programming: Rockwell RSLogix5000/500, Siemens Step 7/TIA Portal, DeltaV, ABB, Foxboro.

HMI/SCADA Development: Ignition Inductive Automation, GE Cimplicity/iFIX, Wonderware, Rockwell FactoryTalk View Studio, Siemens.

Networking & Drives: Practical knowledge of networked VFDs and communication protocols (i.e. Modbus, BACnet).

Data Acquisition Systems: OSI PI, Wonderware Historian, or similar.

Control Panel Design: Experience with AutoCAD; knowledge of UL 508A (UL698A is a plus).

Instrumentation: Specifying and implementing instrumentation solutions.

Programming Skills: Structured text (C++, Java, Visual Basic) is a plus.

Qualifications & Requirements

• BS or higher in Electrical or Mechanical Engineering (or equivalent combination of education and experience).
• Minimum 7+ years of relevant experience in industrial automation and controls.
• Experience designing, programming, testing, and commissioning industrial control systems.
• Strong written and verbal communication skills for specifications, technical documentation, and client interactions.
• Ability to manage multiple priorities in a fast-paced project environment.
• Ability to travel locally and occasionally outside California.

Base salary: $155k-$195k per year.

Notes: Actual compensation will be based on skills, experience, and work location, and may vary from the posted range. This posting reflects compensation at the time of posting and may be updated. Immigration sponsorship is not available for this position.

#LI-JS1 #LI-Onsite

About Legence
Legence (Nasdaq: LGN) is a leading provider of engineering, consulting, installation, and maintenance services for mission-critical systems in buildings. The company specializes in designing, fabricating, and installing complex HVAC, process piping, and other mechanical, electrical, and plumbing (MEP) systems—enhancing energy efficiency, reliability, and sustainability in new and existing facilities. Legence also delivers long-term performance through strategic upgrades and holistic solutions. Serving some of the world’s most technically demanding sectors, Legence counts over 60% of the Nasdaq-100 Index among its clients.

Benefits Overview
401(k) Plan with Company Match: Currently match contributions dollar-for-dollar up to 4% of eligible pay; immediate vesting. 
Health & Welfare Benefits: Employer provided medical, dental, vision, prescription drug, Employee Assistance Program and accident & illness coverage. 
Life and Disability Insurance: Employer provided basic life insurance and AD&D valued at 50K coverage amount with the option for voluntary buy up for additional coverage.
Time Off: Flexible non-accrual vacation (separate from CA sick leave); company holidays per policy.
Expenses: Business travel and related expenses reimbursed per company policy.

Reasonable Accommodations
If you need assistance or accommodations during the application or interview process, please contact us at [email protected] or your dedicated recruiter with the job title and requisition number.

Employment Eligibility
Candidates must have current work authorization in the U.S.; visa sponsorship is not available for this position.

Third-Party Recruiting Disclaimer
Legence and its affiliates do not accept unsolicited resumes from agencies; any such submissions without a prior signed agreement authorized by Legence Holdings LLC's CHRO or Director of Talent Acquisition will not incur fees and are considered property of Legence.

Pay Disclosure & Considerations
Where pay ranges are indicated, please note that a successful candidate’s exact pay will be determined based relevant job-related factors, including any of the following: candidate’s experience, skills, and qualifications, as well as geographic and market considerations.  We are committed to ensuring fair and competitive compensation for all employees and comply with all applicable salary transparency laws. 

Equal Employment Opportunity Employer
Legence and its affiliate companies are proud to be an equal opportunity workplace. We are committed to equal employment opportunity regardless of race, color, religion, sex (including pregnancy, gender identity, and sexual orientation), marital or familial status, national origin, age, disability, genetic information (including family medical history), political affiliation, military service, other non-merit-based factors, and any other characteristic protected under applicable local, state or federal laws and regulations.
EEO is the Law