Controls/PLC Engineer I

Specter Aerospace; Peabody, Northern (MA, KY); Hybrid; USD 65,000 - 90,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Health and dental insurance

401(k) plan with company match

Unlimited paid time off (PTO)

Job summary

Specter Aerospace in Peabody, MA seeks a Controls/PLC Engineer I to support the controls systems for a state-of-the-art scramjet test facility. You will work with programmable logic controllers, data acquisition, and industrial systems, growing toward greater ownership of test facility controls.

Collaborate with experienced controls engineers on propulsion and flight systems, participate in sensor integration, panel fabrication, and calibration, with up to 10% travel for remote test activities.

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in Engineering or related field required.
• 0–2 years of relevant full-time experience preferred.
• Familiarity with structured text PLCs (Beckhoff, B&R) and databases (SQL).
• Eligibility to obtain and maintain a U.S. Secret security clearance.

Responsibilities

• Support test operators and senior engineers in developing new test cell controls.
• Assist in controls design for new test cells and sensor integration.
• Collaborate with propulsion and mechanical engineers on sensor selection and integration.
• Help fabricate and calibrate industrial control panels and I/O systems.
• Calibrate sensors and actuators; troubleshoot control system issues with the team.
• Travel up to 10% for remote test activities; perform other duties as assigned.

Skills

Structured Text PLCs

Data Acquisition

Analytical thinking

Team collaboration

Python basics

Education

Bachelor's degree in Engineering

Tools

Beckhoff PLC

B&R PLC

SQL

Influx/SCADA

Job description

Role Summary:

Specter Aerospace is seeking a Controls/PLC Engineer I to support the controls systems for a state-of-the-art scramjet test facility. A successful candidate will have prior experience working with programmable logic controllers, data acquisition, or industrial systems, and will be eager to grow into greater ownership of test facility controls. This role offers the opportunity to work on next-generation propulsion and flight systems alongside experienced controls engineers in a high-impact facility.

About Specter Aerospace:

Specter Aerospace is building the next generation of hypersonic vehicles for U.S. Forces and Allies. With offices in Boston and Peabody, MA, Specter leverages its advanced propulsion technologies, manufacturing, and testing capabilities to rapidly develop supersonic and hypersonic systems. This open application will be reviewed for roles based in any/all of our offices. Funded by a mix of government R&D organizations and private funding, Specter is expanding its team in preparation for flight testing and full-scale production.

Role Responsibilities:

• Support test operators and senior controls engineers in developing new features for existing test cell controls to improve usability, safety, and reliability
• Assist in the controls design for new test cells supporting emerging technologies
• Work with propulsion and mechanical engineers to help select and integrate sensors into the test facility
• Support the design and fabrication of industrial control panels and I/O systems
• Calibrate and maintain sensors, actuators, and controls for hypersonic engine test facilities
• Implement control system features, sensors, and sequences, and troubleshoot issues in collaboration with test engineers to expand engine test capabilities
• Up to 10% travel in support of remote test activities
• Other duties as assigned by the company

Required Qualifications:

• Bachelor's degree in Computer, Electrical, or Mechanical Engineering, or other related discipline
• 0–2 years of relevant full-time experience
• Familiarity with structured text-based PLCs such as Beckhoff, B&R, or similar
• Familiarity with time-based databases (Influx/SCADA) and schema-based databases (SQL)
• Eligible to obtain and maintain a U.S. Secret security clearance (U.S. Citizenship required)
• Ability to pass a pre-employment drug screen and background check
• Comfort adapting to quick-turn changes and organizing feature requests in collaboration with the test engineering team

Preferred Qualifications:

• Active U.S. Secret clearance
• Understanding of Python and object-oriented programming
• Coursework or project experience with closed-loop control of motors, valves, or similar actuators, including characterization of response and optimization of control schemes
• Previous fluids or propulsion experience
• Exposure to safety-critical control systems
• Familiarity with standard aerospace, automotive, or research environment sensor types, communication standards, wiring standards, and calibration processes

Benefits at Specter:

• Competitive salary
• Opportunity for equity compensation
• Health and dental insurance
• 401(k) plan with company match
• Unlimited paid time off (PTO) policy
• Paid federal holidays and annual Holiday break

EEO Statement:

All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, disability, or veteran status.