PLC Engineer

Carnegie Mellon University • Pittsburgh, PA

23h • Onsite

About The Position

The PLC Software Development Engineer will join the SEI engineering team to design, program, test, and maintain industrial control systems supporting mission-critical operations. The role focuses on developing software for U.S. vendor-based PLC platforms using IEC 61131-3 Structured Text. The engineer will collaborate with cross-functional teams, validate reliable and safe system operation, improve existing programs, document technical solutions, and support system commissioning and upgrades. The position is based onsite at the SEI or a customer facility, with travel of approximately 25%.

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, along with associated best practices.
• Experience working in a collaborative team as a software developer, software engineer, verification engineer, or in a similar role.
• Understanding of the Department of War Systems Engineering lifecycle and the Software Development Lifecycle, from requirements management through sustainment.
• Strong communication skills and ability to explain difficult engineering or technical challenges to stakeholders.
• Willingness to work onsite for the entire work week at 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 security clearance.

Nice To Haves

• Experience with C and C++, 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 teams.

Responsibilities

• Design, implement, and maintain PLC programs, primarily using Structured Text (ST).
• Collaborate with cross-functional engineering teams to define control system requirements and deliver software solutions aligned with project objectives.
• Test, debug, and validate automation systems to ensure 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 onsite 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 leave and military leave.
• Relocation assistance eligibility.

What This Job Offers

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