PLC/Controls Engineer Co-Op Spring 2027
$47,840–$62,400 year
On-sitePeabody, Massachusetts, United States
Job Summary
Develop, integrate, and test PLC software for control systems within the engine test facility using the Beckhoff PLC ecosystem. Design, assemble, wire, and test electrical control panels supporting new sensing and control capabilities. Integrate sensors, actuators, PLCs, data-acquisition hardware, and other control-system components. Interface with controls, propulsion, electrical, mechanical, and test engineering teams to refine requirements and define technical scope. Develop testing protocols for system shakedown, debugging, characterization, and validation. Diagnose hardware, wiring, communications, and control-system issues using electrical test equipment and software tools. Interpret electrical schematics, wiring diagrams, and control-system documentation as systems evolve. Participate in technical meetings, design reviews, and cross-functional discussions. Take ownership of assigned projects from initial concept through implementation, testing, and documentation.
Required Qualifications
- Pursuing a bachelor's degree in computer engineering, electrical engineering, mechanical engineering, computer science, or a related field.
- Familiarity with fundamental software development and controls engineering principles.
- Experience programming in one or more languages through coursework, research, professional work, or student projects.
- Experience debugging and wiring commercial off-the-shelf (COTS) embedded hardware such as PLCs, Arduino platforms, Raspberry Pi systems, or similar devices.
- Familiarity with electrical schematics, wiring diagrams, sensors, actuators, or control-system interfaces.
- Previous hands-on experience in a technical shop, laboratory, or student organization.
- Ability to work independently in a fast-paced environment with changing requirements.
- Strong collaborative skills and a drive to produce high-quality work.
- Eligible to obtain and maintain a U.S. Secret security clearance; U.S. citizenship is required.
- Ability to pass a pre-employment drug screen and background check.
Desired Qualifications
- Previous applicable professional, research, or student-team experience.
- Familiarity with the Beckhoff PLC ecosystem, TwinCAT, or similar platforms.
- Experience integrating sensors, actuators, data-acquisition hardware, industrial communication networks, or other facility-control components.
- Familiarity with industrial communication protocols such as EtherCAT, EtherNet/IP, Modbus, CAN, or similar.
- Experience with Python, MATLAB, or other scripting languages.
- Comfort writing technical documentation regarding control-system operation, software development, and user-facing procedures.
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