PLC Programmer

Naval Nuclear Laboratory; West Milton (NY); On-site; USD 86,000 - 135,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Health benefits

Dental & Vision

401(k)

Paid time off

Parental leave

Tuition assistance

Flexible schedules

Student debt support

EAP

Wellness program

Job summary

The Naval Nuclear Laboratory is seeking a PLC Programmer to join our Site Electrical Engineering team at our Kesselring site. The PLC programmer will design, develop, test, and implement PLC programs to control industrial machinery and processes, creating and maintaining automated systems.

Key responsibilities include ladder logic coding, system design, troubleshooting, testing, commissioning, and documentation.

Qualifications

• Education/experience options for this role.
• HS diploma +11 years of experience or an Associate degree +9 years.
• Journeyman Papers +9 years of experience.
• Naval Nuclear Propulsion Operator qualification +9 years.
• Bachelor's degree +7 years.

Responsibilities

• Program PLC code using ladder logic or structured text to control machine functions.
• Design PLC control systems including I/O configurations and networks.
• Troubleshoot PLC hardware, software, and communications issues.
• Test and commission PLC programs on simulated and real equipment.
• Create detailed documentation for PLC programs and system diagrams.
• Maintain and upgrade PLC systems to optimize performance.
• Collaborate with electrical, mechanical, and process engineers for integration.

Skills

PLC programming

Electrical knowledge

Industrial automation

Problem-solving

Technical documentation

Communication skills

Education

High school diploma or equivalent

Associate degree

Journeyman Papers

Naval Nuclear Propulsion Operator qualification

Bachelor's degree

Job description

parental leave, tuition assistance, 401(k)

Aug 05, 2026

About Us

Working at the Naval Nuclear Laboratory we foster pride in belonging to an organization whose culture is made up of these core values: Trust, Empowerment, and Collaboration. Our company promotes a positive culture while ensuring the safety and reliability of our nation's naval nuclear reactors, and training the Sailors who operate those reactors in the U.S. Navy's submarines and aircraft carrier Fleets.

Job Description

The Naval Nuclear Laboratory is seeking a PLC Programmer to join our Site Electrical Engineering team at our Kesselring site! The PLC programmer will be responsible for designing, developing, testing, and implementing PLC (Programmable Logic Controller) programs to control industrial machinery and processes, essentially creating and maintaining automated systems by writing code that governs the operation of various industrial equipment within a manufacturing facility; this includes tasks like troubleshooting system issues, integrating with other systems, and ensuring optimal performance of automated processes.

Key responsibilities of a PLC programmer:

• Programming - Writing PLC code using ladder logic, structured text, or other programming languages to control machine functions and sequences according to project requirements.


• System design - Designing PLC control systems, including input/output configurations, network architecture, and communication protocols.


• Troubleshooting - Diagnosing and resolving issues with PLC systems, including hardware faults, software errors, and communication problems.


• Testing and commissioning - Thoroughly testing PLC programs on a simulated environment and then commissioning them on the actual machinery.


• Documentation - Creating detailed documentation for PLC programs, including system diagrams, logic flowcharts, and user manuals.


• Maintenance and upgrades - Performing regular maintenance on PLC systems and updating software as needed to optimize performance.


• Collaboration - Working with other engineering disciplines like electrical, mechanical, and process engineers to ensure seamless system integration.

Provide support and backup to the network administrator of the on-site local area network.

Some of the responsibilities include:

• Troubleshooting: Identifying and fixing hardware, software, and network problems


• Network security: Establishing and enforcing policies, procedures, and standards for security


• Network storage: Optimizing network storage by working with cloud-based storage options and physical organization solutions.


• User support: Providing technical assistance to users who are having network issues


• Collaboration: Collaborating with vendors, third-party service providers, and management to resolve technical issues.

Required Combination of Knowledge and Skill

High school diploma or equivalent and a minimum of 11 years of relevant experience; or Associates degree from an accredited college or university in a related technical, engineering or science field and a minimum of 9 years of relevant experience; or Journeymans Papers in a related field and a minimum of 9 years of relevant experience; or Qualification as a Naval Nuclear Propulsion Operator (or commercial nuclear equivalent) and a minimum of 9 years of relevant experience; or Bachelors degree from an accredited college or university in a related technical, engineering or science field and a minimum of 7 years of relevant experience.

Preferred Skills

• PLC programming expertise - Proficiency in ladder logic, structured text, and other PLC programming languages, with a deep understanding of PLC functionality.


• Electrical knowledge - Understanding of electrical circuits, wiring diagrams, and industrial sensors.


• Industrial automation knowledge - Familiarity with industrial automation concepts like motor control, data acquisition, and communication protocols.


• Problem-solving skills - Ability to analyze complex issues, identify root causes, and develop effective solutions.


• Technical documentation skills - Creating clear and comprehensive technical documents.


• Communication skills - Effective communication with both technical and non-technical stakeholders to understand requirements and explain complex technical concepts.

Compensation and Benefits

• Health, Dental, Vision & Voluntary Benefits


• Disability, Life & Accident Insurance


• 401(k) Savings program & Capital Accumulation Plan


• Personal & Medical Time Off


• Paid Parental Leave


• Flexible Work Schedules


• Tuition Assistance for Eligible Employees


• Student Debt Benefit Personal Time Off Sell Program


• Employee Assistance Program (EAP)


• Wellness Program


• Visit us online to view all NNL benefits!

Pay Range $86,100.00 - $134,600.00 annually

Salary information provided is a general guideline only. Annual salary is based upon candidate experience and qualifications, as well as market and business considerations.

The Naval Nuclear Laboratory is operated for the U.S. Department of Energy (DOE) by Fluor Marine Propulsion, LLC (FMP), a wholly owned subsidiary of Fluor Corporation. Naval Nuclear Laboratory personnel are FMP employees who work at four DOE facilities: Bettis Atomic Power Laboratory, Knolls Atomic Power Laboratory, Kenneth A. Kesselring Site, and Naval Reactors Facility, and at the U.S. Department of Defense-owned Nuclear Power Training Unit-Charleston. FMP employees also have an established presence at numerous shipyards and vendor locations. For nearly 70 years, the Naval Nuclear Laboratory has developed advanced nuclear propulsion technology, provided technical support, and trained world-class nuclear operators to ensure the safe and reliable operation of our nation's submarine and aircraft carrier Fleets. The Naval Nuclear Laboratory is a national asset solely dedicated to the Naval Nuclear Propulsion Program. We rely on the dedication and innovation of our nearly 8000 engineers, scientists, technicians, and support personnel.

All candidates must be U.S. citizens. Applicants selected will be subject to a Federal background investigation and must meet eligibility requirements for access to classified matter. FMP is a government contractor and maintains a drug free workplace and workforce. All candidates must be able to pass a drug test in compliance with FMP company policy and 10 CFR 707. Marijuana is a Federal Schedule I controlled substance and illegal under Federal Law. Therefore, FMP is required to test for marijuana.

Fluor Marine Propulsion, LLC is an Equal Opportunity Employer, including disability/vets. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, age, sex, religion, national origin, disability, veteran status, genetic information, or any other criteria protected by federal, state, or local law.