ASCENDING

QA Enginer, PLC Automation

ASCENDING Houston, Texas, United States

IT Services and IT Consulting · 11-50 employees

Yesterday
Remote qa Senior (5-10 yrs) Full-time United States
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About the role

The Quality Assurance Engineer will design and execute comprehensive test cases for PLC-based control systems and develop Python-based automated test scripts. They will also collaborate with controls engineers to validate system requirements and document defects using tools like Azure DevOps.

What they look for

PLC Programming Python Siemens TIA Portal Automation Testing Unit Testing Integration Testing Regression Testing Ladder Logic Function Block Diagram Structured Text Modbus TCP/RTU OPC-UA Azure DevOps Hardware-in-the-Loop Software-in-the-Loop SCADA

Requirements

Candidates must have a university degree in a technical field and at least 5 years of experience in PLC programming and automated test framework development. Proficiency with Siemens TIA Portal and industrial communication protocols is essential for this role.

Full description

Title: Quality Assurance Engineer, PLC Automation Location: Remote/Hybrid  Term: FTE, Direct Hire

Position Overview Our client is building the backbone of energy and AI infrastructure powering grid-safe data centers and mission-critical facilities. The company supplies and operates hyperscale power systems that solve the toughest resilience challenges, delivering custom solutions for AI data centers, mission-critical facilities, and front-of-the-meter assets. Our client recently announced a 5GW partnership, with 3GW currently under construction across multiple hyperscale data center campuses. With patented technology and proprietary software, our client develops projects worldwide that set new benchmarks for resilience. The Quality Assurance Engineer is responsible for hands-on experience in PLC programming, industrial protocol testing, and Python-based test automation. Skilled in designing and executing functional and integration test cases across PLC platforms and communication protocols. Key Responsibilities:• Design, develop, and execute Unit tests, functional, integration, and regression test cases for PLC-based control systems

  • Write and maintain Python-based automated test scripts for testing PLC I/O, HMI interfaces, and communication protocols
  • Develop, review, and validate PLC code (Ladder Logic, Function Block Diagram, Structured Text) across Siemens S7-1200/1500
  • Collaborate with controls engineers to define acceptance criteria and validate system requirements
  • Identify, document, and track defects using tools such as Azure Devops or equivalent; lead root cause analysis for critical failures
  • Conduct Hardware-in-the-Loop (HIL) and Software-in-the-Loop (SIL) testing where applicable
  • Produce clear test plans, reports, and traceability matrices aligned with release timelines

Required Experience & Skills• University degree in Software Engineering, Computer Science, Quality Engineering, or a related technical field.

  • 5+ years of hands-on experience in PLC programming and testing across Siemens platform.
  • 5+ years of experience building and maintaining automated test frameworks using pytest or equivalent python framework.
  • 3–5 years of experience with Siemens TIA Portal for PLC development, diagnostics, and commissioning support.
  • Experience designing and executing functional and integration tests, including test case development, defect tracking, and validation of fixes.
  • Working knowledge of industrial communication protocols such as S7, Modbus TCP/RTU, and OPC-UA.

Preferred Experience• Proficiency in automated unit testing the PLC Logic

  • Experience with SCADA systems
  • Familiarity with Agile / Scrum methodologies in industrial settings
  • Knowledge of functional safety standards such as IEC 61508 / IEC 62061

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