Lead Controls Engineer - PLC

About the role

The Lead Controls Engineer will play a pivotal role in leading a small team of 5 to 6 Engineers while contributing to the design, development, procurement, and operation of Programmable Logic Controller (PLC) systems used in complex science and medical applications. Lead the design and development of distributed PLC control systems for advanced scientific and medical projects. Manage the specification, procurement, production, and installation of PLC systems. Oversee the commissioning, operation, and continuous enhancement of complex distributed control systems.

Responsibilities

• Lead the design and development of distributed PLC control systems for advanced scientific and medical projects.
• Manage the specification, procurement, production, and installation of PLC systems.
• Oversee the commissioning, operation, and continuous enhancement of complex distributed control systems.

Requirements

• Minimum of 4+ years of hands-on experience designing, specifying, procuring, and installing distributed PLC systems from the ground up.
• Minimum of 2+ years of leading engineering teams in developing, programming, and installing PLC control systems.
• Proven ability to manage and document large, complex systems.
• Strong ability to present complex technical problems in simple, clear, and effective ways.
• Excellent analytical skills to identify and correct shortcomings in designs and proposals.
• Collaborative and self-motivated, with the ability to work both independently and within a multidisciplinary team.
• Eagerness to learn and rapidly acquire knowledge of PLC systems and processes.

Technical Expertise

• Experience with distributed PLC control systems using Allen-Bradley ControlLogix or CompactLogix controllers and Ethernet/IP communications.
• Proficiency in planning and analyzing GuardLogix distributed safety systems.
• Expertise in HMI design using modern operator interface techniques (e.g., ISA-101).
• Competence in analyzing and documenting complex, high-value systems, including permits and interlocks.
• Knowledge of software quality standards, traceability, and versioning.
• Familiarity with common industrial networking systems and protocols.

Software Knowledge and Skills

• Proficient in Studio 5000, FactoryTalk View SE, data trending, and alarm handling systems.
• Skilled in modular programming techniques, including UDTs, AOIs, and programming languages such as LAD, SFC, ST, and FBD.
• Experienced with documentation tools (e.g., Confluence, Jira) and CAD software (e.g., E-Plan, AutoCAD).
• Knowledge of medical standards such as IEC61010 is advantageous.
• Experience with other PLC families and hardware platforms (e.g., NI PXIe, cRIO) is a plus.

Qualifications

• A strong interest in large-scale scientific or R&D projects is preferred.
• Occasional domestic and international travel may be required.

Education

B.S. in Electrical Engineering or a related discipline or 10+ years total of managerial or engineering equivalent. Preferred: 6+ years of PLC systems experience in a scientific or advanced industrial environment.

Physical Requirements

• Ability to stoop, bend, and lift/carry items up to 50 lbs.
• Capability to stand for extended periods.

Benefits

• Generous benefits such as Medical, Dental, Vision, 401 (K) with company match, paid vacation + sick time, companywide December holiday, wellness program, parental leave;
• Payment rewards: For referring talent, novel research, and patents;
• A collaborative environment: An organization where talents and interests can plug in to different groups throughout the organization;
• Potential for equity participation;
• HQ in Southern California;
• Employee events on and off-site;
• A commitment to upholding and growing an inclusive organization.

About Us

We are a diverse team of over 500 engineers, scientists, professionals, Maxwell Prize winners, and big thinkers from more than 40 countries with a track record of delivering on the innovative ways science can lead humanity into a brighter era. We are not afraid to envision a future where fusion and science can transform our world.