Lead Controls Engineer - PLC

Fusion Energy Base; Lake Forest (CA); On-site; USD 140,000 - 170,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Medical, Dental, Vision

401(K) with company match

Paid vacation + sick time

Job summary

TAE Technologies in Southern California seeks a Lead Controls Engineer to spearhead a small team of 5–6 engineers and drive the design, development, procurement, and operation of PLC systems for complex science and medical projects.

You will lead distributed PLC control systems using Allen-Bradley ControlLogix/CompactLogix, oversee safety documentation, HMIs, and interlocks, with occasional travel to support projects.

Qualifications

• B.S. in Electrical Engineering or related discipline or 10+ years total managerial/engineering experience.
• 4+ years hands-on experience designing, specifying, procuring, and installing distributed PLC systems from the ground up.
• 2+ years leading engineering teams in developing, programming, and installing PLC control systems.
• Strong ability to present complex technical problems clearly and effectively.

Responsibilities

• Lead a small team of 5–6 engineers in PLC system design and deployment.
• Design and develop distributed PLC control systems for science and medical projects.
• Manage specification, procurement, production, and installation of PLC systems.
• Oversee commissioning, operation, and continuous improvement of complex distributed controls.

Skills

PLC systems design

Team leadership

Documentation

Systems analysis

Education

Bachelor's in Electrical Engineering

Tools

Studio 5000

FactoryTalk View SE

Confluence

Jira

E-Plan

AutoCAD

Job description

Do Epic Science TAE is the world’s first private fusion energy company, founded in 1998 to commercialize the cleanest, safest, most affordable, and sustainable form of carbon-free power. We are applying science and engineering to design transformational technologies. Whether it's harnessing fusion through the science of stars, making exponential leaps in power efficiency, or innovating medical care with a novel cancer treatment: We're turning the promise of science into reality. We’re looking for candidates who are passionate about realizing our mission: A future where all people have affordable access to reliable, abundant, and environmentally friendly fusion-generated electricity.

About The Role

• 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.
• 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.

About You

• 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.

Technical Expertise

• 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.

Software Knowledge and Skills

• 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).
• 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. Occasional domestic and international travel may be required.

Education

B.S. in Electrical Engineering or a related discipline or 10+ years total of managerial or engineering equivalent.

Preferred

6+ years of PLC systems experience in a scientific or advanced industrial environment.

Physical Requirements

• Ability to stoop, bend, and lift/carry items up to 50 lbs.
• Capability to stand for extended periods.

At TAE Technologies, we consider a wide range of factors when making compensation decisions including but not limited to skill sets; experience and job-related knowledge, training; licenses and certifications, and other business and organizational needs. The total compensation package for this position may also include other elements depending on the position offered, The compensation range for these roles are $140,000-$170,000.

About Us

Imagination, skill, and will We are a diverse team of over 500 engineers, scientists, professionals, Maxwell Prize winners, and big thinkers from more than 40 countries with a track record of delivering on the innovative ways science can lead humanity into a brighter era. We are not afraid to envision a future where fusion and science can transform our world.

What you’ll get with us

Generous benefits such as 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 A collaborative environment: An organization where talents and interests can plug in to different groups throughout the organization Potential for equity participation HQ in Southern California Employee events on and off-site A commitment to upholding and growing an inclusive organization

Learn moreOur podcast Good Clean EnergyInstagramLinkedIn TAE Technologies is an Equal Opportunity Employer. All applicants will be considered for employment without attention to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, veteran, or disability status. We ensure all individuals with disabilities are provided reasonable accommodation to participate in the job application or interview process, perform essential job functions, and receive other benefits and privileges of employment.

Please contact us [e-mail] to request accommodations or request more information.

Note to Agencies

TAE prefers to hire directly and maintains an existing preferred supplier list. We do not accept speculative CVs or referrals from agencies. If speculative CVs are sent, no fee will be applicable.