PLC Engineer Security Clearance

Position: PLC Engineer with Security Clearance
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., Git Lab, 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…