PLC/Controls Engineer Co-Op Spring 2027

Specter Aerospace; Peabody, Northern (MA, KY); Hybrid; USD 28,000 - 41,000; Part time

Job summary

Specter Aerospace in Peabody, MA is seeking a PLC/Controls Engineer Co-op for a 4-6+ month cycle to contribute to development, integration, and testing of control systems within the engine test facility. This role provides hands-on experience across the controls engineering lifecycle.

The successful candidate will work with controls, propulsion, electrical, mechanical, and test engineers to develop systems supporting Specter’s experimental and flight vehicle programs, with ownership from concept

Qualifications

• Pursuing a bachelor’s degree in computer, electrical, or mechanical engineering, or computer science.
• Familiarity with software development and controls engineering principles.
• Experience programming in one or more languages through coursework or projects.
• Experience debugging and wiring embedded hardware such as PLCs, Arduino, or Raspberry Pi.
• Familiarity with electrical schematics, wiring diagrams, sensors, actuators, or control-system interfaces.

Responsibilities

• Develop, integrate, and test PLC software for engine-test facility using Beckhoff PLC ecosystem.
• Design, assemble, wire, and test electrical control panels for sensing and control.
• Integrate sensors, actuators, PLCs, DAQ hardware, and other control-system components.
• Collaborate with controls, propulsion, electrical, mechanical, and test engineers to refine requirements and scope.
• Develop testing protocols for shakedown, debugging, characterization, and validation.
• Diagnose hardware, wiring, communications, and control-system issues with test equipment and software.
• Interpret electrical schematics, wiring diagrams, and control-system docs as systems evolve.
• Participate in design reviews and cross-functional meetings.
• Take ownership of projects from concept through implementation, testing, and documentation.

Skills

PLC/Controls basics

Embedded hardware

Scripting (Python/MATLAB)

Team collaboration

Independent work

Education

Bachelor's degree in engineering or CS

Tools

Beckhoff TwinCAT

PLC hardware

Job description

Role Summary

Specter Aerospace is seeking a PLC/Controls Engineer Co-op (4-6+ month cycle) to contribute to the development, integration, and testing of control systems within the Specter engine test facility. This role offers hands-on experience across the controls engineering lifecycle, including requirements development, PLC software design, electrical control-panel design, hardware integration, system shakedown, debugging, and testing.

A successful candidate will take ownership of assigned control-system projects and work closely with controls, propulsion, electrical, mechanical, and test engineers to develop systems that support Specter’s experimental and flight vehicle programs.

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. Our PLC/Controls Engineer Co-Op will be based in our Peabody office. 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.

Specter offers a wide diversity of tasks, projects, and technical exposure, all while providing co-ops with the same resources and project ownership as our full-time staff members. Our co-ops work closely with experienced engineers and scientists to complete projects that are critical to the mission of the company.

Role Responsibilities

• Develop, integrate, and test PLC software for control systems within the engine test facility using the Beckhoff PLC ecosystem.
• Design, assemble, wire, and test electrical control panels supporting new sensing and control capabilities.
• Integrate sensors, actuators, PLCs, data‑acquisition hardware, and other control‑system components.
• Interface with controls, propulsion, electrical, mechanical, and test engineering teams to refine requirements and define technical scope.
• Develop testing protocols for system shakedown, debugging, characterization, and validation.
• Diagnose hardware, wiring, communications, and control‑system issues using electrical test equipment and software tools.
• Interpret electrical schematics, wiring diagrams, and control‑system documentation as systems evolve.
• Participate in technical meetings, design reviews, and cross‑functional discussions.
• Take ownership of assigned projects from initial concept through implementation, testing, and documentation.

Required Qualifications

• Pursuing a bachelor’s degree in computer engineering, electrical engineering, mechanical engineering, computer science, or a related field.
• Familiarity with fundamental software development and controls engineering principles.
• Experience programming in one or more languages through coursework, research, professional work, or student projects.
• Experience debugging and wiring commercial off‑the‑shelf (COTS) embedded hardware such as PLCs, Arduino platforms, Raspberry Pi systems, or similar devices.
• Familiarity with electrical schematics, wiring diagrams, sensors, actuators, or control‑system interfaces.
• Previous hands‑on experience in a technical shop, laboratory, or student organization.
• Ability to work independently in a fast‑paced environment with changing requirements.
• Strong collaborative skills and a drive to produce high‑quality work.
• Eligible to obtain and maintain a U.S. Secret security clearance; U.S. citizenship is required.
• Ability to pass a pre‑employment drug screen and background check.

Preferred Qualifications

• Previous applicable professional, research, or student‑team experience.
• Familiarity with the Beckhoff PLC ecosystem, TwinCAT, or similar platforms.
• Experience integrating sensors, actuators, data‑acquisition hardware, industrial communication networks, or other facility‑control components.
• Familiarity with industrial communication protocols such as EtherCAT, EtherNet/IP, Modbus, CAN, or similar.
• Experience with Python, MATLAB, or other scripting languages.
• Comfort writing technical documentation regarding control‑system operation, software development, and user‑facing procedures.

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.