Controls/PLC Engineer II

Controls/PLC Engineer II

Specter Aerospace is seeking a PLC and Controls Engineer 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