PLC Engineer
Carnegie Mellon University
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Benefits offered by this job
Job summary
Carnegie Mellon University seeks a PLC Software Development Engineer to design, program, test, and maintain industrial control software for critical operations. The role centers on Structured Text programming for Rockwell PLCs and requires deep knowledge of control systems, networking protocols, and SDLC practices.
You will work with a collaborative team, travel up to 25%, and must be able to obtain a DoW security clearance. On-site engagements at CMU facilities in Pittsburgh are expected.
Qualifications
- BS in Computer Science, Electrical Engineering, or related with 10 years' experience; MS with 8 years; PhD with 5 years.
- Hands-on experience with Rockwell Automation PLCs and IEC 61131-3 Structured Text.
- Familiarity with Ethernet/IP, Modbus, and industrial control systems.
- Experience with configuration management and collaboration tools (Git, SVN, GitLab, Jira).
- Knowledge of DoW processes and SDLC lifecycle.
Responsibilities
- Design, implement, and maintain PLC programs using ST.
- Collaborate with cross-functional teams to define control system requirements.
- Test, debug, and validate automation systems for reliability and safety.
- Troubleshoot and optimize PLC programs for performance and maintainability.
- Develop technical documentation including specs, test procedures, and user guides.
- Provide on-site and remote support for commissioning and upgrades.
Skills
Education
Tools
Job description
Are you an engineer who enjoys a challenge? Are you excited about working for an FFRDC focused on areas critical to national security? Do you want to join a collaborative team that develops and uses best-in-class tools to enable end-to-end software development?
Are you an engineer who enjoys a challenge? Are you excited about working for an FFRDC focused on areas critical to national security? Do you want to join a collaborative team that develops and uses best-in-class tools to enable end-to-end software development?
We are seeking a PLC Software Development Engineer to join our engineering team. The ideal candidate will have strong hands-on experience developing software for U.S. vendor-based PLC platforms using Structured Text (ST) programming language. This role will play a key part in designing, programming, testing, and maintaining industrial control systems that support mission-critical operations.
- Design, implement, and maintain PLC programs, with a primary focus on Structured Text (ST).
- Collaborate with cross-functional engineering teams to define control system requirements and ensure software solutions to meet project objectives.
- Conduct thorough testing, debugging, and validation to ensure reliable and safe operation of automation systems.
- Troubleshoot and optimize existing PLC programs to improve system performance and maintainability through 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.
- You have a BS in Computer Science, Electrical Engineering, or a related discipline with 10 years of experience; OR an MS in the same fields with 8 years of experience; OR a PhD with 5 years of experience.
- You have hands‑on experience with Rockwell Automation PLCs.
- You are proficient in IEC 61131‑3 Structured Text programming language.
- You have a strong understanding of industrial control systems, automation architectures, and communication protocols such as Ethernet/IP and Modbus.
- You are experienced with configuration management tools (e.g., Git, SVN), collaboration software platforms (e.g., GitLab, Jira), along with associated best practices.
- You have worked in a collaborative team environment as a software developer, software engineer, verification engineer, or a similar role.
- You understand the Department of War (DoW) Systems Engineering lifecycle and the Software Development Lifecycle (SDLC) from requirements management to sustainment.
- You have strong communication skills and the ability to convey difficult engineering or technical challenges to stakeholders.
- You are willing to work 100% of your week onsite at either the SEI or customer facility autonomously with minimal supervision.
- You have a willingness to travel (25%) outside of your office location to other SEI offices, sponsor sites, conferences, and offsite meetings.
- You can pass a background check and obtain and maintain an active Department of War (DoW) security clearance.
- Experience with C and C++ programming languages, particularly in embedded or industrial software environments.
- Familiarity with additional IEC 61131-3 languages (Ladder Diagram, Function Block Diagram, Sequential Function Chart).
- Experience with Windows OS and common tech stacks for development.
- Proficiency in HMI and SCADA development and integration.
- Knowledge of virtualization technologies (e.g., VMware, Hyper‑V, Docker) for testing environments.
- Experience with static code analysis tools and checking compliance with industry standards.
- Understanding of safety instrumented systems and standards (IEC 61508, ISO 13849, etc.).
- Knowledge of multiple PLC platforms and industrial control systems.
- Strong problem‑solving skills, with the ability to work independently and in team settings.
Who we are
The SEI helps advance software engineering principles and practices and serves as a national resource in software engineering, computer security, and process improvement. The SEI works closely with defense and government organizations, industry, and academia to continually improve software‑intensive systems. Our core purposes are to help organizations improve software engineering capabilities, advance cybersecurity methods and technologies, and bring the discipline of software engineering to AI systems.
Learn more about Careers at the SEI.
- Be a part of a world‑class organization that has significant impact software in government.
- Work with cutting‑edge technologies and leading experts to solve critical government challenges.
- Publish your research, attend or present at prestigious events, and enjoy annual professional development opportunities.
- Get access to university resources, including campus fitness facilities, mindfulness programs, childcare, free transportation on the Port Authority Transit System, and more.
- Take advantage of paid parental and military leave.
- Work in the heart of Oakland, a few blocks from Carnegie Mellon University and the University of Pittsburgh.
- Qualify for relocation assistance.
Benefits eligible employees enjoy a wide array of benefits including comprehensive medical, prescription, dental, and vision insurance as well as a generous retirement savings program with employer contributions. Unlock your potential with tuition benefits, take well‑deserved breaks with ample paid time off and observed holidays, and rest easy with life and accidental death and disability insurance.
Additional perks include a free Pittsburgh Regional Transit bus pass, access to our Family Concierge Team to help navigate childcare needs, fitness center access, and much more!
For a comprehensive overview of the benefits available, explore our Benefits page.
At Carnegie Mellon, we value the whole package when extending offers of employment. Beyond credentials, we evaluate the role and responsibilities, your valuable work experience, and the knowledge gained through education and training. We appreciate your unique skills and the perspective you bring. Your journey with us is about more than just a job; it’s about finding the perfect fit for your professional growth and personal aspirations.
Pittsburgh, PA
Software/Applications Development/Engineering
Staff – Regular
Full time
Salary
- Please visit “Why Carnegie Mellon” to learn more about becoming part of an institution inspiring innovations that change the world.
- Carnegie Mellon University is an Equal Opportunity Employer/Disability/Veteran.
- Statement of Assurance
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