PLC Engineer

About the Role

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.

Key Responsibilities

• 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.

Who you are:

• 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.

Preferred Qualifications

• 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.

Why work here?

• 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.