Industrial Control Systems Testbed Engineer

SAIC • Colorado Springs, CO

5d

About The Position

SAIC is seeking a hands-on and innovative ICS Testbed Engineer to join our dynamic team. The successful candidate will be responsible for designing, building, and maintaining physical, lab-based representations of large-scale Industrial Control Systems (ICS) driven by real-world Programmable Logic Controllers (PLCs). This role is critical to creating a high-fidelity environment for cyber capabilities testing, vulnerability research, and operator training. You will be the architect of a scaled-down, functional industrial world, enabling our cyber teams to develop and validate effects for critical national security missions. The ideal candidate will blend a deep understanding of industrial engineering and automation with a forward-thinking cybersecurity mindset.

Requirements

• Active Top Secret security clearance with SCI eligibility.
• Bachelor’s degree with 5 years of experience in roles related to industrial automation, control systems engineering, or operational technology. Additional experience can be used in lieu of a degree.
• Hands-on experience building and programming systems with major PLC brands including Siemens, Rockwell Automation (Allen-Bradley), Schneider Electric, Mitsubishi Electric, and ABB
• Proficiency in reading electrical schematics and industrial process diagrams.
• Familiarity with the security architecture and vulnerabilities of ICS/SCADA environments.
• Experience with scripting languages (e.g., Python) for automation and task execution.

Nice To Haves

• Bachelor's degree in Industrial Engineering, Mechanical Engineering, Electrical Engineering, or a related technical field.
• Possession of an appropriate Intermediate or Advanced cybersecurity certification (minimum of CompTIA Security+ or similar).
• Prior experience in Department of War roles, particularly those involving Operational Technology (OT).
• Understanding of or hands-on experience with cyber operations, Red Teaming, or vulnerability assessments.
• Experience with 3D printing or custom fabrication techniques (e.g., model making) for creating system mock-ups, custom mounts, and enclosures.

Responsibilities

• Design and construct scaled-down, functional models of industrial environments using real-world hardware.
• Select, procure, wire, and install industrial components, utilizing simulations like LEDs to represent physical actuators and system states in a scaled environment.
• Program PLCs (using Ladder Logic, Structured Text, etc.) to accurately simulate realistic industrial processes.
• Architect and implement the associated Operational Technology (OT) networks using a variety of industrial protocols.
• Employ creative problem-solving to overcome integration challenges and replicate complex industrial scenarios in a lab setting.
• Create and maintain detailed system documentation, including network diagrams, electrical schematics, and Process & Instrumentation Diagrams (P&IDs).
• Collaborate closely with cyber developers and researchers to integrate their tools and test exploits in a safe, controlled environment.
• Manage the lab environment, including hardware/software updates, configuration management, and troubleshooting of physical and digital systems.

What This Job Offers

• Job Type: Full-time
• Career Level: Mid Level
• Number of Employees: 5,001-10,000 employees