What are the responsibilities and job description for the PLC Controls Engineer position at Synectics Inc.?
Key Responsibilities
Control System Design & Programming
I/O lists
FAT/SAT procedures
System-level documentation packages
Control System Design & Programming
- Design, develop, program, and test PLC software using Structured Text (IEC 61131-3).
- Develop modular, maintainable, and well-documented software architectures using reusable Add-On Instructions (AOIs) or Function Blocks.
- Develop closed-loop motion control systems involving position, velocity, torque, and tension control.
- Interface PLC systems with servo drives, VFDs, encoders, resolvers, load cells, analog/digital sensors, and hydraulic/electric actuators.
- Integrate PLC systems with vessel and plant-level control systems using industrial communication protocols such as EtherCAT, CANbus, EtherNet/IP, Modbus, OPC-UA, J1939, and NMEA 2000.
- Read and interpret electrical schematics, wiring diagrams, and panel drawings to support system integration and troubleshooting.
- Develop and implement safety systems, including interlocks, emergency stops, fault detection, and fault-handling strategies.
- Apply functional safety principles consistent with applicable standards such as IEC 62061, ISO 13849, or equivalent.
- Apply systematic engineering practices to ensure reliable operation in demanding marine, offshore, and specialty environments.
- Develop and configure HMI systems for real-time monitoring, diagnostics, and operator control.
- Design intuitive HMI screens with a focus on operational clarity, alarm management, and operator safety.
- Work with platforms such as FactoryTalk View ME/SE, Siemens WinCC, Ignition, or comparable systems.
- Plan and execute Factory Acceptance Testing (FAT) and Site Acceptance Testing (SAT).
- Develop formal test procedures, documentation, and reports.
- Lead system integration and testing in laboratory and field environments, including vessel and offshore applications.
- Commission deployed control systems and provide technical support for fielded equipment.
- Troubleshoot complex control-system issues under operational and time-sensitive conditions.
- Prepare detailed technical documentation, including:
I/O lists
FAT/SAT procedures
System-level documentation packages
- Maintain software configuration using Git or other version-control systems.
- Maintain clear revision histories and software documentation throughout the development lifecycle.
- U.S. citizenship required.
- Ability to successfully complete applicable background checks or security-clearance requirements imposed by relevant U.S. government agencies.
- Bachelor's degree in Engineering, Computer Science, or a related technical discipline; a Master's degree is preferred.
- 5 years of PLC programming experience.
- Strong experience with PLC programming using Structured Text / IEC 61131-3.
- Experience developing HMI applications using FactoryTalk View ME/SE, Siemens WinCC, Ignition, or equivalent platforms.
- Experience with real-time motion control and industrial automation systems.
- Ability to read and interpret electrical schematics, wiring diagrams, and control-panel drawings.
- Experience with industrial communication protocols and control-system integration.
- Programming or scripting experience in Python, MATLAB, C, or C for analysis, simulation, or engineering support.
- Experience with Git or other version-control systems.
- Experience with maritime, marine, offshore, robotics, specialty equipment, or themed entertainment systems.
- Experience with winches, cranes, LARS, robotic handling systems, electromechanical actuators, or similar motion-control applications.
- Experience with servo drives, VFDs, encoders, resolvers, load cells, and hydraulic/electric actuators.
- Experience with FAT/SAT, field commissioning, and system-level troubleshooting.
- Familiarity with functional safety standards and safety-critical control systems.
- Competitive salary
- Medical insurance
- Dental insurance
- Paid time off
- On-site work environment
Salary : $77,640 - $93,502