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.
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.
- Occasional domestic and international travel may be required.
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.
- 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.
- A strong interest in large-scale scientific or R&D projects is preferred.
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).
Qualifications
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.
Pay
The compensation range for this role is $140,000-$170,000.
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.