Controls/PLC Engineer II

Controls/PLC Engineer II

Specter Aerospace is seeking a Controls/PLC Engineer II to manage and own a controls system for a state-of-the-art scramjet test facility. A successful candidate will have prior experience with programable logic controllers, data acquisition, facility management, and industrial systems. They will have the opportunity to work on next-generation propulsion and flight systems in a high-impact role.

About Specter Aerospace:
Specter Aerospace is building the next generation of hypersonic vehicles for defense and commercial applications. Specter is headquartered in Peabody, MA, just north of Boston, where it leverages its advanced propulsion technologies, manufacturing, and testing capabilities to rapidly develop supersonic and hypersonic systems. Funded by a mix of government R&D organizations, commercial customers, and private funding, Specter is a growing aerospace and defense startup. Close relationships with MIT, Notre Dame, AFRL, NRL, ANL, and other research organizations provide access to cutting-edge developments, facilities, and personnel. Specter is expanding its team in preparation for flight testing and full-scale production.

Role & Responsibilities:

• Coordinate with test operators to develop new features for existing test cells controls to improve usability, safety and reliability
• Own controls design for new test cells to aid with emerging technologies
• Work with propulsion and mechanical engineers to choose sensors and integrate them into the test facility.
  
•  Design and fabricate industrial control panels/IO systems
  
•  Calibrate and maintain sensors, actuators, and controls for hypersonic engine test facilities
• 
  Implement control system features, sensors and sequences in collaboration with test engineers to expand engine test capabilities
• Manage database systems for facility test data and develop relevant PLC-to-database and database-to-analysis pipelines
  
• Up to 10% travel in support of remote test activities
  
• Other duties as assigned by the company
  

Required Qualifications:

Bachelor’s degree in computer science, Mechanical Engineering, or other related discipline.

•  2+ years of relevant full-time experience
  
•  Experience with structured text based PLCs such as Beckhoff, B&R, or similar
•  Experience with time-based databases (Influx/SCADA) and Scheme-based databases (SQL)
  
•   Ability to obtain a DoD security clearance (U.S. Citizenship required)
  
•   Comfort with organizing feature requests in collaboration with the test engineering team

Preferred Qualifications:

•   Understanding of python and object-oriented programming is recommended
  
•   Experience with closed loop control of motors, valves etc, including characterization of response and optimization of control schemes
  
•  Previous fluids or propulsion experience
  
•  Previous experience with safety-critical control systems
  
•  Familiarity with standard aerospace, automotive, or research environment sensor types, communication standards, wiring standards, and calibration processes
  

Benefits at Specter:

• Competitive salary

• Opportunity for equity compensation

• Health and dental insurance

• 401(k) plan with company match

• Unlimited paid time off (PTO) policy

• Paid federal holidays