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.
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
- Carnegie Mellon University is an Equal Opportunity
Employer/Disability/Veteran .
- Statement of Assurance