Controls Engineer II (PLC)

Ursa Major designs and delivers propulsion and defense systems that solve urgent national security demands. We are seeking a Controls Engineer II (PLC) to drive the design, delivery, and maintenance of custom automated equipment and facilities for propulsion production.

About the role

You will develop deep understanding of both personnel-operated and unattended processes involving hazardous materials and operations, collaborating with Manufacturing, Test, Quality, Safety, and product owners. The scope spans benchtop test fixtures to facility-scale equipment and multi-campus monitoring. The role focuses on developing new production equipment and infrastructure—including PLC programs, electrical schematics, instrumentation, and P&ID design—from concept through validation, enabling safe, robust, and efficient propulsion production.

Responsibilities

• Be part of a team designing safety-first systems handling hazardous fluids, powders, and energetics mixtures, as well as high pressures and voltages
• Gain deep understanding of functional test requirements of propulsion subassemblies/components to deliver industry-leading production equipment
• Operate as a controls stakeholder throughout conceptualization, specification, design, build, deployment, and validation of automated production equipment, integrated into Ursa Major’s digital manufacturing environment
• Participate in equipment development with consideration of product specifications, process requirements, layout complexity, cost, and lead-time limits
• Integrate motion systems and 3rd party solutions to Ursa Major control platforms
• Integrate PLC-based equipment into SCADA layer
• Be hands-on during commissioning, working alongside engineers and technicians
• Generate documentation including electrical schematics, P&ID, operator manuals, and work instructions for operation, troubleshooting, and maintenance
• Contribute to internal production equipment standards and requirements documentation

Requirements

• BS degree or higher in an engineering field (Mechatronic, Chemical, or Mechanical preferred; suitable experience may be substituted)
• Experience designing single/multi-axis, custom motion systems
• Experience with test/process system design or related role
• Experience working with PLCs (Siemens S7 or other)
• Experience developing systems for personnel-operated and unattended equipment
• Ability to communicate effectively, both written and verbal
• Ability to work flexibly in a fast-paced environment, collaborating with other functions and departments
• Demonstrated ability to balance requirements of multiple stakeholders and deliver projects on time
• Ability to perform physical tasks including standing for long periods, working on ladders, kneeling, crouching, working in tight spaces, lifting objects up to 25 lbs

Preferred Experience

• Demonstrated first-principles approach to instrumentation and process equipment
• Experience with building automation and data acquisition
• Experience with continuous and batch process system design
• Experience in production within ISO 9001 or AS9100 certified organizations
• Experience with Ignition SCADA & HMI
• Experience with machine network design & industrial communications
• Experience designing industrial electrical control panels (Eplan or other)
• Experience building industrial electrical control panels
• Experience designing and building high-pressure fluid systems
• Familiarity with NFPA, NEC, ASME piping codes, and other related standards
• Experience performing Failure Mode and Effects Analysis (FMEA), LOPA, and System Safety and Hazards Analysis
• Experience with equipment validation, IQ, OQ, PQ, Gauge R&R, or other

Pay

Base compensation range: $90,000 – $113,000, determined by education, experience, knowledge, skills, and abilities.

Schedule

Full-time exempt.

Benefits

• Unlimited PTO (vacation, sick, personal, and bereavement)
• Paid parental and adoptive leave
• Medical, dental, and vision insurance
• Tax-advantage accounts (HSA/FSA)
• Employer-paid short- and long-term disability, basic life, AD&D
• Additional benefit options including voluntary life and emergency medical transport
• EAP program
• Retirement savings plan (401k with company match)
• Equity grants in the company