About the Role
Are you an engineer who enjoys a challenge? Are you excited about working for an FFRDC focused on areas critical to national security? Do you want to join a collaborative team that develops and uses best-in-class tools to enable end-to-end software development?
We are seeking a PLC Software Development Engineer to join our engineering team. The ideal candidate will have strong hands-on experience developing software for U.S. vendor-based PLC platforms using Structured Text (ST) programming language. This role will play a key part in designing, programming, testing, and maintaining industrial control systems that support mission-critical operations.
Key Responsibilities
- Design, implement, and maintain PLC programs, with a primary focus on Structured Text (ST).
- Collaborate with cross-functional engineering teams to define control system requirements and ensure software solutions to meet project objectives.
- Conduct thorough testing, debugging, and validation to ensure reliable and safe operation of automation systems.
- Troubleshoot and optimize existing PLC programs to improve system performance and maintainability through technical analysis and objective data.
- Develop technical documentation including system specifications, test procedures, and user guides.
- Provide on-site and remote support for system commissioning and upgrades.
Who you are:
- You have a BS in Computer Science, Electrical Engineering, or a related discipline with 10 years of experience; OR an MS in the same fields with 8 years of experience; OR a PhD with 5 years of experience.
- You have hands-on experience with Rockwell Automation PLCs.
- You are proficient in IEC 61131-3 Structured Text programming language.
- You have a strong understanding of industrial control systems, automation architectures, and communication protocols such as Ethernet/IP and Modbus.
- You are experienced with configuration management tools (e.g., Git, SVN), collaboration software platforms (e.g., GitLab, Jira), along with associated best practices.
- You have worked in a collaborative team environment as a software developer, software engineer, verification engineer, or a similar role.
- You understand the Department of War (DoW) Systems Engineering lifecycle and the Software Development Lifecycle (SDLC) from requirements management to sustainment.
- You have strong communication skills and the ability to convey difficult engineering or technical challenges to stakeholders.
- You are willing to work 100% of your week onsite at either the SEI or customer facility autonomously with minimal supervision.
- You have a willingness to travel (25%) outside of your office location to other SEI offices, sponsor sites, conferences, and offsite meetings.
- You can pass a background check and obtain and maintain an active Department of War (DoW) security clearance.
Preferred Qualifications
- Experience with C and C++ programming languages, particularly in embedded or industrial software environments.
- Familiarity with additional IEC 61131-3 languages (Ladder Diagram, Function Block Diagram, Sequential Function Chart).
- Experience with Windows OS and common tech stacks for development.
- Proficiency in HMI and SCADA development and integration.
- Knowledge of virtualization technologies (e.g., VMware, Hyper-V, Docker) for testing environments.
- Experience with static code analysis tools and checking compliance with industry standards.
- Understanding of safety instrumented systems and standards (IEC 61508, ISO 13849, etc.).
- Knowledge of multiple PLC platforms and industrial control systems.
- Strong problem-solving skills, with the ability to work independently and in team settings.
Who we are
The SEI helps advance software engineering principles and practices and serves as a national resource in software engineering, computer security, and process improvement. The SEI works closely with defense and government organizations, industry, and academia to continually improve software-intensive systems. Our core purposes are to help organizations improve software engineering capabilities, advance cybersecurity methods and technologies, and bring the discipline of software engineering to AI systems.
Learn more about Careers at the SEI.
Why work here?
- Be a part of a world-class organization that has significant impact software in government.
- Work with cutting-edge technologies and leading experts to solve critical government challenges.
- Publish your research, attend or present at prestigious events, and enjoy annual professional development opportunities.
- Get access to university resources, including campus fitness facilities, mindfulness programs, childcare, free transportation on the Port Authority Transit System, and more.
- Take advantage of paid parental and military leave.
- Work in the heart of Oakland, a few blocks from Carnegie Mellon University and the University of Pittsburgh.
- Qualify for relocation assistance.
Joining the CMU team opens the door to an array of exceptional benefits.
Benefits eligible employees enjoy a wide array of benefits including comprehensive medical, prescription, dental, and vision insurance as well as a generous retirement savings program with employer contributions. Unlock your potential with tuition benefits, take well-deserved breaks with ample paid time off and observed holidays, and rest easy with life and accidental death and disability insurance.
Additional perks include a free Pittsburgh Regional Transit bus pass, access to our Family Concierge Team to help navigate childcare needs, fitness center access, and much more!
For a comprehensive overview of the benefits available, explore our Benefits page.
At Carnegie Mellon, we value the whole package when extending offers of employment. Beyond credentials, we evaluate the role and responsibilities, your valuable work experience, and the knowledge gained through education and training. We appreciate your unique skills and the perspective you bring. Your journey with us is about more than just a job; it’s about finding the perfect fit for your professional growth and personal aspirations.
Are you interested in an exciting opportunity with an exceptional organization?! Apply today!
Location
Pittsburgh, PAJob Function
Software/Applications Development/EngineeringPosition Type
Staff – RegularFull Time/Part time
Full timePay Basis
SalaryMore Information:
Please visit “Why Carnegie Mellon” to learn more about becoming part of an institution inspiring innovations that change the world.
Click here to view a listing of employee benefits
Carnegie Mellon University is an Equal Opportunity Employer/Disability/Veteran.
Statement of Assurance
Skills Required
- Bachelor’s degree in Computer Science, Electrical Engineering, or a related discipline with 10 years of experience; or a master’s degree with 8 years; or a PhD with 5 years
- Hands-on experience with Rockwell Automation PLCs
- Proficiency in IEC 61131-3 Structured Text programming
- Understanding of industrial control systems, automation architectures, Ethernet/IP, and Modbus
- Experience with configuration management and collaboration tools such as Git, SVN, GitLab, and Jira
- Experience working as a software developer, software engineer, verification engineer, or similar
- Understanding of Department of War Systems Engineering lifecycle and Software Development Lifecycle practices
- Strong communication skills for explaining technical challenges to stakeholders
- Willingness to work 100% onsite in Pittsburgh-area facilities
- Willingness to travel up to 25%
- Ability to pass a background check and obtain and maintain an active Department of War security clearance
- Experience with C and C++ in embedded or industrial software environments
- Familiarity with IEC 61131-3 Ladder Diagram, Function Block Diagram, and Sequential Function Chart
- Experience with Windows and common software development technology stacks
- Proficiency in HMI and SCADA development and integration
- Knowledge of virtualization technologies including VMware, Hyper-V, or Docker
- Experience with static code analysis tools and industry standards compliance
- Understanding of safety instrumented systems and IEC 61508 or ISO 13849
- Knowledge of multiple PLC platforms and industrial control systems
- Strong independent and collaborative problem-solving skills
Carnegie Mellon University Compensation & Benefits Highlights
The following summarizes recurring compensation and benefits themes identified from responses generated by popular LLMs to common candidate questions about Carnegie Mellon University and has not been reviewed or approved by Carnegie Mellon University.
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Retirement Support — Retirement support is positioned as a standout, with automatic employer contributions to a TIAA-administered plan at 8% of base salary (and 9.78% for 9‑month academic appointments), plus optional employee deferrals. Vesting after three years is clearly specified, which helps set expectations for long-term value.
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Parental & Family Support — Parental and family support is strengthened by 100% paid parental leave for six weeks and 100% paid maternity leave for 6–8 weeks (delivery-type dependent), effective July 1, 2024. Childcare support is also referenced through a Cyert Center subsidy up to $5,000 per family, alongside no-cost EAP access.
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Wellbeing & Lifestyle Benefits — Wellbeing and lifestyle benefits include free Pittsburgh Regional Transit access and access to fitness classes and facilities, adding recurring non-cash value to the overall package. Pittsburgh’s relatively affordable cost of living can further increase the perceived adequacy of a given salary compared with higher-cost coastal hubs.
Carnegie Mellon University Insights
What We Do
Carnegie Mellon University founder Andrew Carnegie said: "My heart is in the work." No statement better captures the passion and drive of our people to make a real difference. At Carnegie Mellon, we're not afraid of the work. Our educational environment creates problem solvers, drivers of innovation and pioneers in technology and the arts. Employers in every field say our graduates are ready to hit the ground running the day they graduate. So, join us. Whether you're looking for a career or an education. Or both.
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