PLC Programmer

TAE Power Solutions; Irvine (CA); On-site; USD 120,000 - 180,000; Full time

Job summary

TAE Power Solutions in Irvine, CA seeks an experienced PLC Programmer to design, develop, and commission control systems for high-voltage BESS and industrial applications. You will own the control architecture from design through site startup, building scalable, modular software platforms on site.

The role requires hands-on PLC programming across major platforms (Siemens, Rockwell, Phoenix Contact), state-machine based apps, and integration with HMIs, SCADA, and industrial networks.

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree or higher in Electrical Engineering, Computer Science, Computer Engineering, or related field.
• 7+ years hands-on experience in industrial automation and PLC programming, including SCADA/HMI development.
• Strong PLC programming on major platforms (Siemens, Rockwell, Phoenix Contact).
• Modular, state-machine based application design experience.
• Ability to read and interpret electrical schematics, ladder logic, and function block programs.
• Programming knowledge in Python, Rust, or C++.
• Knowledge of OPC UA, PROFINET, Modbus, EtherNet/IP protocols.
• Experience with high-voltage electrical systems and power electronics equipment.

Responsibilities

• Design SCADA, PLC, and HMI architectures for BESS and industrial applications.
• Develop modular PLC applications using state-machine logic and IEC 61131-3 languages.
• Integrate controllers with HMIs, SCADA, safety controllers, networks, devices, and sensors.
• Troubleshoot and commission systems during factory acceptance tests and site startup.
• Interpret and maintain electrical schematics, functional descriptions, and technical specifications.
• Collaborate with electrical, mechanical, and project engineering teams throughout the project lifecycle.

Skills

PLC programming

State machine design

Electrical schematics

Python/C++

Industrial protocols

High-voltage

Power electronics

PLCnext Engineer / Phoenix Contact

Education

Bachelor's degree in Electrical Engineering / CS

Tools

PLCnext Engineer

Job description

TAE Power Solutions (TPS) is the electrification spin-off from TAE Technologies, a leader in nuclear fusion technology. The company is leveraging unique power management technology originally developed for nuclear fusion and applying it in adjacent industries including Battery Energy Storage Systems (BESS) and DC Fast Charging for electric vehicles.

About the Role

We are seeking an experienced PLC Programmer to design, develop, and commission control systems for high-voltage Battery Energy Storage Systems (BESS) and industrial applications. This role is responsible for the control architecture from initial design through site startup, with a focus on building scalable, modular software platforms. This is a full-time contract position on site in Irvine, CA.

Role Attributes

• Architecture, Design & Scalability: Design SCADA, PLC, and HMI architectures for BESS and industrial applications, enabling scalable system communication as projects grow in size and complexity.

• Modular Programming: Develop modular, reusable PLC applications based on state machine logic using IEC 61131-3 languages (Ladder Diagram, Function Block Diagram, Structured Text).

• System Integration: Integrate controllers with HMIs, SCADA systems, safety controllers, industrial networks, field devices, and sensors.

• Troubleshooting & Commissioning: Diagnose and resolve electrical, controls, and software issues during factory acceptance testing, site startup, and commissioning.

• Documentation: Interpret and maintain electrical schematics, functional descriptions, and technical specifications.

• Collaboration: Partner with electrical, mechanical, and project engineering teams throughout the project lifecycle.

Qualifications, Functional Experience & Skills

• Education: Bachelor's degree in Electrical Engineering, Computer Science, Computer Engineering, or a related field.

• Experience: Minimum of 7 years of hands-on experience in industrial automation and PLC programming, including SCADA and HMI development.

Technical Skills:

• Strong PLC programming experience on major platforms (e.g., Siemens, Rockwell, Phoenix Contact)

• Proven experience designing modular, state machine-based applications

• Proficiency in reading and interpreting electrical schematics, ladder logic, and function block programs

• Programming experience in Python, Rust, or C++

• Working knowledge of industrial communication protocols, including OPC UA, PROFINET, Modbus, and EtherNet/IP

• Experience with high-voltage electrical systems

• Experience with Power Electronics Equipment

Preferred Attributes

• Experience with Phoenix Contact PLC platforms (PLCnext Engineer)

• Prior experience with high-voltage BESS applications

• Prior Experience with Electrical Engineering and Equipment

Learn more
Imagination, skill, and will

At TAE Power Solutions, we design power systems that use less but do more. Systems that charge faster, run stronger, go farther, and last longer. We inspire better ways to move, work, play, and live.

The future is electric, because it's powered by TAE.

We are unwavering in our expertise and knowledge, separating fact from fiction and proof from hypothesis.

You will be a successful member of TAE Power Solutions if you have these traits:

Confident

You are confident in your skills, based on your credentials, technical accomplishments, and positive impact on your teams/organizations.

Collaborative

You are collaborative and work well within and with teams to approach challenges with respect, transparency, optimism, and confidence to succeed together.

Creative

You are creative, with determination to learn continuously, break new ground, and push the cutting edge.

TAE Power Solutions 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.

Equal Opportunity Employer

This employer is required to notify all applicants of their rights pursuant to federal employment laws. For further information, please review the Know Your Rights notice from the Department of Labor.