PLC Engineer

Software Engineering Institute | Carnegie Mellon University • Pittsburgh, PA

2d • Onsite

About The Position

The PLC Software Development Engineer joins an engineering team supporting an FFRDC focused on areas critical to national security. The role involves designing, programming, testing, and maintaining industrial control systems for mission-critical operations, with a primary focus on software for U.S. vendor-based PLC platforms using IEC 61131-3 Structured Text. The engineer works with cross-functional teams to define control system requirements and deliver reliable, safe automation solutions. The position requires working 100% onsite at either the SEI or a customer facility, with willingness to travel 25% to other SEI offices, sponsor sites, conferences, and offsite meetings. The role is based in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania.

Requirements

• Bachelor’s degree in Computer Science, Electrical Engineering, or a related discipline and 10 years of experience; or a master’s degree in the same fields and 8 years of experience; or a Ph.D. and 5 years of experience.
• Hands-on experience with Rockwell Automation PLCs.
• Proficiency in IEC 61131-3 Structured Text programming.
• Strong understanding of industrial control systems, automation architectures, and communication protocols such as Ethernet/IP and Modbus.
• Experience with configuration management tools such as Git or SVN and collaboration platforms such as GitLab or Jira, including associated best practices.
• Experience working in a collaborative team as a software developer, software engineer, verification engineer, or similar role.
• Understanding of the Department of War (DoW) Systems Engineering lifecycle and the Software Development Lifecycle (SDLC), from requirements management through sustainment.
• Strong communication skills and ability to convey difficult engineering or technical challenges to stakeholders.
• Willingness to work 100% onsite at either the SEI or a customer facility, autonomously with minimal supervision.
• Willingness to travel 25% to other SEI offices, sponsor sites, conferences, and offsite meetings.
• Ability to pass a background check and obtain and maintain an active Department of War (DoW) security clearance.

Nice To Haves

• Experience with C and C++ programming languages, particularly in embedded or industrial software environments.
• Familiarity with additional IEC 61131-3 languages, including Ladder Diagram, Function Block Diagram, and Sequential Function Chart.
• Experience with Windows OS and common technology stacks for development.
• Proficiency in HMI and SCADA development and integration.
• Knowledge of virtualization technologies such as VMware, Hyper-V, or Docker for testing environments.
• Experience with static code analysis tools and checking compliance with industry standards.
• Understanding of safety instrumented systems and standards such as IEC 61508 and ISO 13849.
• Knowledge of multiple PLC platforms and industrial control systems.
• Strong problem-solving skills and ability to work independently and in team settings.

Responsibilities

• Design, implement, and maintain PLC programs, primarily using Structured Text (ST).
• Collaborate with cross-functional engineering teams to define control system requirements and ensure software solutions meet project objectives.
• Test, debug, and validate automation systems to support reliable and safe operation.
• Troubleshoot and optimize existing PLC programs to improve performance and maintainability using technical analysis and objective data.
• Develop technical documentation, including system specifications, test procedures, and user guides.
• Provide on-site and remote support for system commissioning and upgrades.

Benefits

• Annual professional development opportunities.
• Access to university resources, including campus fitness facilities, mindfulness programs, childcare, and free transportation on the Port Authority Transit System.
• Paid parental and military leave.
• Relocation assistance for eligible employees.

What This Job Offers

• Job Type: Full-time
• Career Level: Senior