PLC Controls Engineer, Automated Solutions; FTC

About Us

Are you ready to shape how cutting‑edge technologies are positioned, understood, and adopted by real markets? At Venture One, we build ventures and commercialize breakthrough technologies emerging from advanced research. Our focus spans Aerospace and Space, Security and Defense, Sustainability, Environment and Energy, and Transportation, with technologies across Cryptography, Secure Systems, Directed Energy, Advanced Materials, Autonomous Systems, and more.

We are seeking a PLC Controls Engineer to design, program, and commission advanced control systems for fully automated (lights‑out) assembly, testing, and intralogistics environments in aerospace and defense manufacturing. This role integrates PLC, Safety PLC, IIoT, Digital Twin, machine vision, and PC‑based control (NI/LabVIEW) to deliver high‑reliability, zero‑defect production systems with seamless coordination across robots, AMRs/AGVs/RGVs, and test platforms.

• Design and develop PLC‑based control systems for automated assembly lines, robotic cells, test benches, and intralogistics systems (AMRs/AGVs/RGVs).
• Design and develop modular and standardized control architectures for assembly stations and production lines. Define reusable PLC code libraries, function blocks, and templates for scalable deployment across multiple lines. Develop plug‑and‑play station concepts, enabling rapid deployment, reconfiguration, and expansion.
• Standardize I/O structures, communication protocols, and interface definitions across equipment and systems.
• Program and configure PLC, HMI, and SCADA systems, ensuring robust, modular, and scalable architectures.
• Develop and implement Safety PLC systems, including:
  • Light curtains, area scanners, safety interlocks, E‑stops
  • Compliance with international safety standards (SIL, PL, ISO 13849)
• Architect and implement multi‑layer Poka‑Yoke systems to ensure zero‑defect production:
  Sensor‑based validation (presence/absence, orientation, alignment)
• Integrate and program advanced sensors and instrumentation, including:
  • LVDTs for displacement measurement
  • Load cells for force/torque monitoring
  • Digital and analog I/O systems (high‑speed and precision applications)
• Implement and optimize machine vision systems, including:
  • 2D vision systems for inspection and alignment
  • 3D vision systems for guidance and metrology
  • Line scan cameras for continuous inspection
  • Area scan cameras for static/dynamic inspection
• Develop PC‑based control and test systems using:
  • NI (National Instruments) platforms
  • LabVIEW programming for data acquisition, control, and automated testing
• Integrate control systems with robotics, assembly processes, and test equipment, including tightening, dispensing, pressing, and welding operations.
• Enable IIoT connectivity, including real‑time data acquisition, edge computing, and integration with MES, SCADA, and cloud platforms.
• Develop and support Digital Twin / Process Twin models, ensuring synchronization between virtual and physical systems.
• Lead system commissioning and validation (FAT, SAT, IQ/OQ/PQ), ensuring performance, safety, and compliance.
• Establish end‑to‑end traceability systems, capturing process parameters, test data, and part genealogy.
• Optimize system performance for cycle time, throughput, and line balancing, ensuring synchronization across robots and material handling fleets.
• Develop and implement predictive and preventive maintenance strategies, including diagnostics and fault monitoring.
• Design and validate pneumatic systems, including valve control, actuators, and air management for automation applications.
• Implement auto‑recovery and fault‑handling strategies for lights‑out operation (safe restart, interlock recovery, error‑proofing).
• Ensure ergonomic and safety compliance for hybrid/manual stations and human‑machine interfaces.
• Lead root cause analysis (RCA) and continuous improvement using data analytics and Lean methodologies.

• Bachelor’s or Master’s degree in Electrical, Electronics, Mechatronics, or Automation Engineering.
• 10+ years of experience in PLC programming and industrial automation systems.
• Strong hands‑on experience with PLC platforms (Siemens,…