PLC Programmer/Controls and Power Systems Engineer

The E-Space Manufacturing Solar Team builds the world's most advanced aerospace products.

The PLC Programmer/Controls and Power Systems Engineer is responsible for modifying, troubleshooting, and improving control systems on thin-film manufacturing equipment, with a strong focus on Siemens PLC-based systems.

This role supports both Original Equipment Manufacturer built production machines and a unique developed roll-to-roll (R2R) machine, working closely with equipment manufacturers, process engineers, and production teams to improve reliability, safety, throughput, closed loop system feedback and functionality.

What you'll be doing:

• Modify, debug, and optimize PLC programs on existing production equipment, primarily Siemens-based systems, but not limited to Siemens.
• Work directly with equipment manufacturers (OEMs) to implement fixes, upgrades, and functional improvements.
• Support commissioning, re-commissioning, and acceptance of modified machines.
• Improve machine reliability, uptime, and process stability through control system enhancements.
• Develop and improve PLC logic for a unique R2R machine, with no OEM, including new features and performance improvements.
• Implement and maintain machine safety logic, interlocks, and alarms.
• Troubleshoot electrical, sensor, actuator, and communication issues impacting machine operation.
• Collaborate with process and equipment engineers to translate process needs into control logic.
• Support integration of motion control, web handling, heaters, pumps, vacuum systems, and power supplies.
• Work with HMI improvements for usability, diagnostics, and operator feedback.
• Ensure that machine subsystems receive power within defined electrical and operational requirements (voltage, current, sequencing, protection).
• Maintain PLC documentation, version control, and change records.
• Support production during ramp-up and troubleshooting events.

What you will bring to this role:

• BS or technical degree in Electrical Engineering, Automation, Mechatronics, or related field.
• Minimum 5 years of experience working with PLCs in an industrial environment.
• Strong hands-on experience modifying and troubleshooting existing PLC code (not only new development).
• Experience working with OEM equipment and external machine vendors.
• Knowledge of industrial communication protocols (PROFINET, PROFIBUS, Ethernet/IP).
• Experience with motion control, drives, sensors, and industrial I/O.
• Ability to read and understand electrical schematics.
• Comfortable working in a manufacturing environment and supporting live production equipment.

Extra points for the following:

• Experience with roll-to-roll (R2R) or web-handling equipment.
• Background in thin-film PV, semiconductor, display, or vacuum-based manufacturing.
• Experience with Siemens TIA Portal, HMI, and safety PLCs.
• Familiarity with vacuum systems, heaters, pumps, mass-flow controllers, or power supplies.
• Experience improving legacy control systems or reverse-engineering OEM logic.
• Understanding of machine safety standards (e.g., interlocks, E-stops, safety relays/PLCs).

Additional Requirements

This is a fast-paced, high-impact environment - flexibility to occasionally work extended hours or weekends during critical periods is expected.