Lead Controls Engineer - PLC

TAE Technologies, IncLake Forest, CA
$140,000 - $170,000Onsite

About The Position

The Lead Controls Engineer will play a pivotal role in leading a small team of 5 to 6 Engineers while contributing to the design, development, procurement, and operation of Programmable Logic Controller (PLC) systems used in complex science and medical applications.

Requirements

  • Minimum of 4+ years of hands-on experience designing, specifying, procuring, and installing distributed PLC systems from the ground up.
  • Minimum of 2+ years of leading engineering teams in developing, programming, and installing PLC control systems.
  • Proven ability to manage and document large, complex systems.
  • Strong ability to present complex technical problems in simple, clear, and effective ways.
  • Excellent analytical skills to identify and correct shortcomings in designs and proposals.
  • Collaborative and self-motivated, with the ability to work both independently and within a multidisciplinary team.
  • Eagerness to learn and rapidly acquire knowledge of PLC systems and processes.
  • Experience with distributed PLC control systems using Allen-Bradley ControlLogix or CompactLogix controllers and Ethernet/IP communications.
  • Proficiency in planning and analyzing GuardLogix distributed safety systems.
  • Expertise in HMI design using modern operator interface techniques (e.g., ISA-101).
  • Competence in analyzing and documenting complex, high-value systems, including permits and interlocks.
  • Knowledge of software quality standards, traceability, and versioning.
  • Familiarity with common industrial networking systems and protocols.
  • Proficient in Studio 5000, FactoryTalk View SE, data trending, and alarm handling systems.
  • Skilled in modular programming techniques, including UDTs, AOIs, and programming languages such as LAD, SFC, ST, and FBD.
  • Experienced with documentation tools (e.g., Confluence, Jira) and CAD software (e.g., E-Plan, AutoCAD).
  • B.S. in Electrical Engineering or a related discipline or 10+ years total of managerial or engineering equivalent.

Nice To Haves

  • Knowledge of medical standards such as IEC61010 is advantageous.
  • Experience with other PLC families and hardware platforms (e.g., NI PXIe, cRIO) is a plus.
  • A strong interest in large-scale scientific or R&D projects is preferred.
  • Preferred: 6+ years of PLC systems experience in a scientific or advanced industrial environment.

Responsibilities

  • Lead the design and development of distributed PLC control systems for advanced scientific and medical projects.
  • Manage the specification, procurement, production, and installation of PLC systems.
  • Oversee the commissioning, operation, and continuous enhancement of complex distributed control systems.

Benefits

  • Medical
  • Dental
  • Vision
  • 401 (K) with company match
  • Paid vacation + sick time
  • Companywide December holiday
  • Wellness program
  • Parental leave
  • Payment rewards: For referring talent, novel research, and patents
  • Potential for equity participation
  • Employee events on and off-site
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