Programmable Logic Controller (PLC) Engineer

PLC (Programmable Logic Controller) Engineer

LOCATION: NASA Ames Research Center, Moffett Field, CA

JOB STATUS: Full-time

CLEARANCE: Ability to pass a Federal Background Check

CERTIFICATION:

TRAVEL: As Needed

SALARY: 150,000 – 200,000

Astrion has an exciting opportunity for a PLC Engineer located at NASA Ames Research Center in Mountain View, CA. Astrion supports the engineering directorate and facilities that require a PLC (Programmable Logic Controller) engineer to manage the installation, upgrade, maintenance, and troubleshooting of automated control systems for building equipment and facilities. The PLC engineer ensures all equipment is functioning, updated, documented, and all work and facilities meet Federal and local standards and mandates.

REQUIRED QUALIFICATIONS / SKILLS

• 5 years of hands‑on experience working with industrial automation or facility control systems, preferably with aerospace experience


• Bachelor’s degree in Electrical Engineering, Mechatronics, Computer Science, or a related field. (Or equivalent 4 years hands‑on experience)


• Background in managing HVAC, chillers, boilers, fire alarms, power distribution networks, test equipment and/or data acquisition systems


• Proven experience programming and maintaining Rockwell Automation, Schneider Electric, Siemens Inert or ABB Robotics specific systems


• Work experience with industrial communication networks like Ethernet/IP, Profibus, Modbus, and ControlNet


• Demonstrated experience in developing and maintaining Human Machine Interfaces


• Physical ability to lift heavy tools, climb ladders, and work in facilities including tight spaces and high areas


• Willing to work on‑call, weekends, or overtime during emergency repairs or system upgrades.


• Must be flexible in adapting to deadlines, changing schedules, competing priorities, and unpredictable events


• Thorough, detail oriented, and organized, with excellent time management skills and ability to prioritize tasks


• Superb verbal and written communication skills


• Self‑motivated and independent thinker

PREFERRED QUALIFICATIONS / SKILLS

• Working understanding of federal and NASA standards and mandates including NPR 7150.2 NASA Software Requirements


• Knowledge and experience with NASA standards and best practices, especially related to automation systems, a benefit


• Exceptional customer relationship management highly desirable

RESPONSIBILITIES

• Establish a master plan for facility and equipment including new installation, maintenance, and upgrades


• Responsible for management, sustaining operation, and day to day function and implementation of the PLC systems and equipment installed in facilities.


• Write and edit code for PLCs, HMI (Human‑Machine Interface) screens, and SCADA (Supervisory Control and Data Acquisition) systems


• Maintain software revision control and certification compliance


• Create and maintain documentation of PLC systems and equipment include new install packages for review and capture of as built/installed equipment and systems


• Write, upload, test, debug and maintain software


• Update and maintain facility and industrial communication networks


• Perform data analysis including processing system logs and performing data trends to improve equipment performance and prevent downtime


• Troubleshooting to diagnose and fix electrical, hardware, and software issues quickly


• Ensure work and equipment meets Federal, California and local safety codes like NFPA 70E (Electrical Safety) and OSHA guidelines.


• Coordinating with subcontractors to ensure accurate installation, upgrade and maintenance of equipment in compliance with standards and mandates


• Working with the project managers, systems engineers, and technical staff to improve the overall facilities, equipment, and resolve issues


• Responsible for monthly, annual, and periodic documentation and reports


• Identify, communicate, and deconflict tasks and deliverables


• Interface with Government, contractors, and mission partner staff