Job Description

Job Description

About the Role

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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?

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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.

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Key Responsibilities

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• Design, implement, and maintain PLC programs, with a primary focus on Structured Text (ST).
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• Collaborate with cross-functional engineering teams to define control system requirements and ensure software solutions to meet project objectives.
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• Conduct thorough testing, debugging, and validation to ensure reliable and safe operation of automation systems.
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• Troubleshoot and optimize existing PLC programs to improve system performance and maintainability through technical analysis and objective data.
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• Develop technical documentation including system specifications, test procedures, and user guides.
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• Provide on-site and remote support for system commissioning and upgrades.
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Who you are:

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• 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.
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• You have hands-on experience with Rockwell Automation PLCs.
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• You are proficient in IEC 61131-3 Structured Text programming language.
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• You have a strong understanding of industrial control systems, automation architectures, and communication protocols such as Ethernet/IP and Modbus.
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• You are experienced with configuration management tools (e.g., Git, SVN), collaboration software platforms (e.g., GitLab, Jira), along with associated best practices.
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• You have worked in a collaborative team environment as a software developer, software engineer, verification engineer, or a similar role.
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• You understand the Department of War (DoW) Systems Engineering lifecycle and the Software Development Lifecycle (SDLC) from requirements management to sustainment.
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• You have strong communication skills and the ability to convey difficult engineering or technical challenges to stakeholders.
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• You are willing to work 100% of your week onsite at either the SEI or customer facility autonomously with minimal supervision.
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• You have a willingness to travel (25%) outside of your office location to other SEI offices, sponsor sites, conferences, and offsite meetings.
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• You can pass a background check and obtain and maintain an active Department of War (DoW) security clearance.
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Preferred Qualifications

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• Experience with C and C++ programming languages, particularly in embedded or industrial software environments.
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• Familiarity with additional IEC 61131-3 languages (Ladder Diagram, Function Block Diagram, Sequential Function Chart).
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• Experience with Windows OS and common tech stacks for development.
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• Proficiency in HMI and SCADA development and integration.
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• Knowledge of virtualization technologies (e.g., VMware, Hyper-V, Docker) for testing environments.
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• Experience with static code analysis tools and checking compliance with industry standards.
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• Understanding of safety instrumented systems and standards (IEC 61508, ISO 13849, etc.).
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• Knowledge of multiple PLC platforms and industrial control systems.
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• Strong problem-solving skills, with the ability to work independently and in team settings.
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Who we are

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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.

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Learn more about Careers at the SEI.

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Why work here?

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• Be a part of a world-class organization that has significant impact software in government.
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• Work with cutting-edge technologies and leading experts to solve critical government challenges.
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• Publish your research, attend or present at prestigious events, and enjoy annual professional development opportunities.
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• Get access to university resources, including campus fitness facilities, mindfulness programs, childcare, free transportation on the Port Authority Transit System, and more.
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• Take advantage of paid parental and military leave.
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• Work in the heart of Oakland, a few blocks from Carnegie Mellon University and the University of Pittsburgh.
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• Qualify for relocation assistance.
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