Controls & Automation Engineer (PLC/SCADA) at General Matter · Los…

Summary: General Matter is enriching uranium in America, aiming to restore the country's ability to produce nuclear fuel. The Controls & Automation Engineer will design, implement, commission, and maintain industrial control systems, focusing on PLC programming and SCADA development while collaborating with other engineers to support ongoing experimentation and system improvements. Responsibilities: - Develop, test, and maintain PLC control logic for industrial automation systems - Design and implement SCADA applications for monitoring, control, and diagnostics - Commission and support control systems for: - R&D prototypes - Test stands and experimental systems - Pilot and facility-scale automation systems - Participate directly in controls commissioning and bring-up, including: - I/O checkout - Loop checks - Interlock validation - Debugging hardware and software issues in the field - Support ongoing operation, maintenance, and feature development for existing test stands and automation systems - Collaborate with electrical engineers on control panels, I/O architecture, and instrumentation integration - Work closely with mechanical and process engineers during commissioning and system integration - Develop and maintain clear documentation for control logic and SCADA configurations - Support testing, troubleshooting, and continuous improvement across R&D and facility deployments Required Qualifications: - Bachelor's degree in Electrical Engineering, Computer Engineering, or related discipline - Experience with PLC-based control systems - Experience with SCADA systems - Ability to work in a hands-on environment and participate directly in system commissioning and debugging - Ability to perform trade studies, reason from first principles, and make sound engineering decisions with incomplete information - Excellent problem-solving and communication skills for cross-functional collaboration - Evidence of exceptional ability (prior projects, portfolio of work, completed products, etc) Preferred Qualifications: - Experience programming PLCs using IEC 61131-3 industrial control languages (e.g., Structured Text, Function Block Diagram, Instruction List, Sequential Function Chart) - Experience developing SCADA applications for industrial or process systems - Experience commissioning industrial automation systems, including I/O checkout and loop validation - Familiarity with industrial communications and networking protocols such as EtherCAT, Ethernet/IP, CAN bus, Modbus (TCP/RTU), etc - Experience integrating PLCs with instrumentation and sensors - Experience integrating PLCs with VFDs, drives, and motion systems - Experience integrating PLCs with industrial networks and managed switches - Experience in industrial automation, chemical plants, process industries, or similar environments - Experience supporting safety and critical systems, including interlocks and permissives - Experience supporting safety and critical systems, including safety PLCs - Experience supporting safety and critical systems, including E-stop systems - Experience supporting safety and critical systems, including SIL-rated safety systems and function safety practices (ex. IEC 61511/IEC 61508) Required Skills: PLC programming, SCADA development, Industrial automation Important Skills: IEC 61131-3, Industrial communications Nice-to-Have Skills: Problem-solving, Communication skills Benefits: Long-term incentives, in the form of stock options, Medical, vision & dental coverage, Access to a 401(k) retirement plan