PLC Controls Engineer III

Viable is seeking a PLC Controls Engineer III with hands-on commissioning experience and strong PLC programming capabilities. In this role you will own the controls for assigned portions of automated systems, take on loosely defined tasks, work out the details, and deliver them independently from design through commissioning, working within the technical direction set for each project. The role combines automation design, R&D support, on-site commissioning, hardware troubleshooting, and full lifecycle development, working with actuators, sensors, motors, robots, safety devices, and control hardware from concept through deployment and later into service and upgrades.

This position is ideal for an engineer who owns controls work end to end, works through ambiguity without close direction, and combines strong PLC programming skills with the ability to troubleshoot mechanical components and electrical circuits in automation equipment.

Key Responsibilities

• Own the controls for assigned portions of automated systems, such as a machine station, a group of motion axes, or a device integration, from design through commissioning with minimal oversight.
• Take loosely defined tasks, work out the sequence of operations, I/O, and acceptance criteria with the project team, estimate the effort for your work, and raise risks early.
• Design, develop, and deploy PLC-based control systems using ladder logic as the primary language, within the project's control architecture and programming standards.
• Build PLC programs from scratch, including logic for sensors, actuators, motors, robots, motion systems, and safety circuits, and test them in simulation or on the bench before deployment.
• Develop HMI screens, alarms, and diagnostics for the portions of the system you own.
• Research and support new R&D automation solutions by performing focused feasibility studies and prototype testing, and present findings and recommendations to the project team.
• Integrate hardware such as sensors, actuators, servo systems, robotics, and safety devices (e.g., light curtains, safety switches, interlocks) using digital, analog, Ethernet, and serial communication protocols, implementing the handshakes and I/O mapping defined for the system.
• Commission, validate, and optimize your portions of the system on site with minimal support, and run validation tests against performance and cycle-time requirements.
• Perform hands-on mechanical and electrical tasks, including wiring, instrumentation setup, and troubleshooting.
• Diagnose and resolve PLC, electrical, mechanical, and network-related faults, and lead root-cause analysis for issues in your area.
• Tune servo, motion, and process control loops, and optimize performance during and after deployment.
• Implement and test safety circuits and safety PLC logic according to the system's safety design, and verify that your logic behaves correctly with safety functions, interlocks, and guarding.
• Work closely with the electrical, mechanical, robotics, and software teams to develop robust mechatronic solutions, and communicate directly with customers on the technical details of your work when needed.
• Contribute to control panel design and component selection for your portions of the system.
• Participate actively in program and design reviews, and guide newer team members on the work you own.
• Create functional design specifications, wiring diagrams, test procedures, and commissioning reports for the work you own.
• Maintain accurate system documentation, program backups, and change records for future maintenance and upgrades.

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in Mechatronics, Electrical Engineering, Mechanical Engineering, or a related technical field.
• 5+ years of industrial automation controls experience.
• Proven experience designing, programming, commissioning, and troubleshooting industrial automation systems.
• Strong proficiency in PLC programming (Allen-Bradley, Siemens preferred), primarily using ladder logic.
• Experience with servo and motion control systems, including loop tuning.
• Experience implementing safety circuits and safety PLC logic, and familiarity with machine safety components.
• Familiarity with industrial hardware: actuators, sensors, and robotics.
• Ability to troubleshoot electrical systems, read schematics, and perform hands-on repairs.
• Experience with HMI and SCADA development.
• Knowledge of industrial communication protocols (EtherNet/IP, PROFINET, Modbus, CAN, etc.).
• Experience with program backups, version control, and change management.
• Owned the controls for a major portion of at least one delivered automated system through commissioning.
• Functional knowledge of ISO, ANSI, and NFPA standards relevant to industrial machinery, such as NFPA 79.
• Strong problem-solving skills and a willingness to work both at the computer and on the production floor.
• Clear written and verbal communication, including documenting your work, reporting test results, and discussing technical details with customers.
• CMSE and/or CFSE preferred.

The Company:

Viable Engineering Solutions is a world-class concept-to-completion center for the industrial market. We take Research and Development to the next level providing rapid prototyping, robotics, automation, and non-destructive testing solutions in our state-of-the-art concept-to-completion facility. We are located in Orlando in the heart of the Central Florida Research Park

Affirmative Action / Equal Opportunity Employer Statement:

Viable Engineering Solutions is an Equal Opportunity Employer and takes affirmative action to employ and advance qualified individuals without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, protected veteran status, or disability.

In compliance with federal law, we encourage qualified individuals with disabilities and protected veterans to apply. Reasonable accommodations are available upon request. As a federal contractor, Viable is committed to complying with Section 503 of the Rehabilitation Act and the Vietnam Era Veterans’ Readjustment Assistance Act (VEVRAA).