Senior Controls Engineer - PLC
Confirmed on the employer's own hiring board on Nov 4, 2026. First seen by Alion on Oct 23, 2026. TAE Technologies scores B on the Alion truth index.
About the Role
To design, engineer and implement Programmable Logic Controller (PLC) systems associated with building, cooling, electrical, vacuum and safety systems.
- PLC Controller programming using advanced techniques and HMI interfaces
- Production, installation and commissioning of PLC systems
- Integrated commissioning of the PLC systems
- Documentation, operation and enhancement of PLC systems
- Supporting physics operations for experimental systems and test beds
About You
- Work with other Engineers and Scientists to produce requirements for PLC based control systems
- Detailed design and specification of hardware, distributed IO and Infrastructure components
- Detailed design of PLC software using structured programming, aliasing and UDTs
- Design of Human Machine Interfaces (HMI)
- Liaison with outside vendors and suppliers of PLC control systems
Education and/or Certification:
Required: B.S. Electrical Engineering, Mechanical Engineering or Computer Science
Preferred: Allen-Bradley Course Certification
Required Job Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities:
- Allen-Bradley Logix range of controllers
- Distributed IO using FlexIO or similar over EtherNet/IP
- Interfacing with EtherNet/IP or Profibus systems
- Safety systems, planning, documentation and implementation
- Commissioning of network infrastructures
- At least 3+ years’ experience with PLC programming and large distributed control systems gained in an industrial or scientific environment
- Evaluation and documentation of equipment permit, interlock and sequence logic
- Experienced in the operation and enhancement of industrial or scientific control systems
- Interfacing with or design of scientific instruments or systems
Software Knowledge and Skills:
- Allen-Bradley Logix range of PLC controllers, programming in all four languages (LD, FBD, SFC, ST)
- Structured approach to software development and documentation
- FactoryTalk View SE, HMI development, alarms and events, trending
- Modern HMI and alarm design philosophies following ISA-101 best practices
- Source code control using GitLab, SVN etc.
- Knowledge of Ignition HMI systems is preferred
- Networking using Ethernet, EtherNet/IP, other industrial protocols
- Ability to work independently as well as a member of a team
- Excellent communication skills with teams using Intranet based systems (e.g. Atlassian, Redmine etc.)
- Ability to analyze faults and to accurately document symptoms and solutions
- Interest in large science or R&D projects
Nice to Have
- Experience with integration of software and hardware in a high voltage or high current environment with due consideration of safety and EMI factors
- Experience of InfluxDB and Grafana would be useful
- Experience with software programming and commissioning of safety systems
At TAE Technologies, we consider a wide range of factors when making compensation decisions including but not limited to skill sets; experience and job-related knowledge, training; licenses and certifications, and other business and organizational needs. The total compensation package for this position may also include other elements depending on the position offered (non-Sr., Sr., Lead or Manager). The compensation range for these roles are $115,000 - $150,000.
Applicants must be authorized to work for ANY employer in the U.S. We are unable to sponsor or take over sponsorship of an employment Visa at this time.
About Us
Imagination, skill, and will
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.
What you’ll get with us
- 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
Learn more
TAE Technologies is an Equal Opportunity Employer. All applicants will be considered for employment without attention to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, veteran, or disability status.
We ensure all individuals with disabilities are provided reasonable accommodation to participate in the job application or interview process, perform essential job functions, and receive other benefits and privileges of employment. Please contact us [email protected] to request accommodations or request more information.
Note to Agencies: TAE prefers to hire directly and maintains an existing preferred supplier list. We do not accept speculative CVs or referrals from agencies. If speculative CVs are sent, no fee will be applicable.