PLC Controls Engineer (Semiconductor)

Location: Ann Arbor, Michigan, United States. The role includes work in clean-room environments for 10–20% of the time and up to 20% domestic and international travel for customer-site installations and commissioning.

Salary: $76,300–$111,900 annually.

Company

hirify.global develops inspection tools, metrology systems, process solutions, and computational analytics for semiconductor manufacturing and electronics production.

What you will do

• Design, develop, optimize, and implement PLC control systems for safety and automation on next-generation semiconductor inspection platforms.
• Develop and maintain electrical and mechanical schematics while translating automation requirements into production-ready solutions.
• Use safety automation software to deploy PLC systems and conduct code, architecture, and design reviews.
• Define test strategies, establish validation criteria, and improve system performance, reliability, maintainability, and safety.
• Perform root cause analysis and implement long-term corrective actions for complex automation issues.
• Collaborate with physicists, engineers, computer scientists, and external vendors, including hands-on support during global customer-site installations.

Requirements

• Master’s degree with no related experience, or bachelor’s degree with at least two years of related experience.
• Professional experience programming PLCs and implementing complex safety and automation systems, including replacement of end-of-life devices.
• Strong proficiency with Siemens TIA Portal or similar safety automation software.
• Knowledge of IEC 61131-3, ISO 13849-1, real-time control systems, and PLC communication protocols such as Profinet, Profisafe, and DeviceNet.
• Strong analytical, diagnostic, problem-solving, communication, and cross-disciplinary collaboration skills.
• Ability to work in Ann Arbor, Michigan, work in clean-room environments as needed, and travel up to 20% domestically and internationally.

Nice to have

• Certification in software for advanced PLC platforms and experience leading or mentoring PLC development teams.
• Experience with vacuum control, fluid control, PID or advanced control-loop tuning, and SCADA integration such as Ignition.
• Familiarity with SEMI standards and capital equipment used in semiconductor manufacturing.
• Hands-on Python scripting for automation and data handling.

Culture & Benefits

• Hands-on engineering environment focused on solving complex cross-disciplinary challenges.
• Medical, dental, vision, life, and other voluntary benefits.
• 401(k) with company matching and an employee stock purchase program.
• Paid time off, company holidays, family care and bonding leave, and wellness support.
• Tuition reimbursement, student debt assistance, financial planning, and career development programs.