Carnegie Mellon University

PLC Engineer

Carnegie Mellon University$90K — $120K *
Manufacturing & Automotive
5 - 7 years of experience
Job Overview by Ladders

Qualifications

  • BS in Computer Science, Electrical Engineering, or related field with 10 years of experience, or MS with 8 years, or PhD with 5 years.
  • Hands-on experience with Rockwell Automation PLCs.
  • Proficient in IEC 61131-3 Structured Text programming language.
  • Understanding of industrial control systems, automation architectures, and communication protocols (e.g., Ethernet/IP, Modbus).
  • Experienced with configuration management tools and collaboration software.
  • Familiar with the DoD Systems Engineering lifecycle and Software Development Lifecycle.
  • Strong communication skills to convey technical challenges.

Responsibilities

  • Design, implement, and maintain PLC programs, focusing on Structured Text (ST).
  • Collaborate with cross-functional teams to define control system requirements.
  • Conduct thorough testing, debugging, and validation of automation systems.
  • Troubleshoot and optimize existing PLC programs for better performance.
  • Develop technical documentation including system specifications and user guides.
  • Provide on-site and remote support for system commissioning and upgrades.

Benefits

  • Access to comprehensive medical, dental, and vision insurance.
  • Generous retirement savings program with employer contributions.
  • Tuition benefits for professional development.
  • Ample paid time off and observed holidays.
  • Fitness center access and family support resources.
  • Paid parental and military leave.
Full Job Description
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.


Location
Pittsburgh, PA
Job Function
Software/Applications Development/Engineering
Position Type
Staff - Regular
Full Time/Part time
Full time
Pay Basis
Salary
More Information:

  • Please visit "Why Carnegie Mellon" to learn more about becoming part of an institution inspiring innovations that change the world.
  • Click here to view a listing of employee benefits

About Carnegie Mellon University

Carnegie Mellon University is a private research university that was founded in 1900. The university is located in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania and is known for its programs in computer science, engineering, and the arts. Carnegie Mellon has a diverse student body and offers undergraduate and graduate programs in a variety of fields. The university has a strong focus on research and has partnerships with a number of companies and organizations. Carnegie Mellon is consistently ranked among the top universities in the United States.
Learn more about Carnegie Mellon University
Size
14,000 employees
Industry

Similar Jobs

More Jobs at Carnegie Mellon University

More Manufacturing & Automotive Jobs

Find similar PLC Engineer jobs: