PLC Controls Engineer

Key Responsibilities

Control System Design & Programming

• Design, develop, program, and test PLC software using Structured Text (IEC 61131-3).
• Develop modular, maintainable, and well-documented software architectures using reusable Add-On Instructions (AOIs) or Function Blocks.
• Develop closed-loop motion control systems involving position, velocity, torque, and tension control.
• Interface PLC systems with servo drives, VFDs, encoders, resolvers, load cells, analog/digital sensors, and hydraulic/electric actuators.
• Integrate PLC systems with vessel and plant-level control systems using industrial communication protocols such as EtherCAT, CANbus, EtherNet/IP, Modbus, OPC-UA, J1939, and NMEA 2000.
• Read and interpret electrical schematics, wiring diagrams, and panel drawings to support system integration and troubleshooting.

Safety & Reliability

• Develop and implement safety systems, including interlocks, emergency stops, fault detection, and fault-handling strategies.
• Apply functional safety principles consistent with applicable standards such as IEC 62061, ISO 13849, or equivalent.
• Apply systematic engineering practices to ensure reliable operation in demanding marine, offshore, and specialty environments.

HMI & Operator Interfaces

• Develop and configure HMI systems for real-time monitoring, diagnostics, and operator control.
• Design intuitive HMI screens with a focus on operational clarity, alarm management, and operator safety.
• Work with platforms such as FactoryTalk View ME/SE, Siemens WinCC, Ignition, or comparable systems.

Integration, Testing & Commissioning

• Plan and execute Factory Acceptance Testing (FAT) and Site Acceptance Testing (SAT).
• Develop formal test procedures, documentation, and reports.
• Lead system integration and testing in laboratory and field environments, including vessel and offshore applications.
• Commission deployed control systems and provide technical support for fielded equipment.
• Troubleshoot complex control-system issues under operational and time-sensitive conditions.

Documentation & Configuration Management

• Prepare detailed technical documentation, including:

Software functional descriptions

I/O lists

FAT/SAT procedures

System-level documentation packages

• Maintain software configuration using Git or other version-control systems.
• Maintain clear revision histories and software documentation throughout the development lifecycle.

Required Qualifications

• U.S. citizenship required.
• Ability to successfully complete applicable background checks or security-clearance requirements imposed by relevant U.S. government agencies.
• Bachelor's degree in Engineering, Computer Science, or a related technical discipline; a Master's degree is preferred.
• 5+ years of PLC programming experience.
• Strong experience with PLC programming using Structured Text / IEC 61131-3.
• Experience developing HMI applications using FactoryTalk View ME/SE, Siemens WinCC, Ignition, or equivalent platforms.
• Experience with real-time motion control and industrial automation systems.
• Ability to read and interpret electrical schematics, wiring diagrams, and control-panel drawings.
• Experience with industrial communication protocols and control-system integration.
• Programming or scripting experience in Python, MATLAB, C, or C++ for analysis, simulation, or engineering support.
• Experience with Git or other version-control systems.

Preferred Experience

• Experience with maritime, marine, offshore, robotics, specialty equipment, or themed entertainment systems.
• Experience with winches, cranes, LARS, robotic handling systems, electromechanical actuators, or similar motion-control applications.
• Experience with servo drives, VFDs, encoders, resolvers, load cells, and hydraulic/electric actuators.
• Experience with FAT/SAT, field commissioning, and system-level troubleshooting.
• Familiarity with functional safety standards and safety-critical control systems.

Compensation & Benefits

• Competitive salary
• Medical insurance
• Dental insurance
• Paid time off
• On-site work environment