Control Systems Programmer
The Control Systems Programmer will support the U.S. Navy by developing, testing, and maintaining software for marine Machinery Control Systems used on warships. This role involves working within an Agile team to perform software updates, troubleshooting, and system integration, with responsibilities including technical analysis, risk assessment, and supporting software installations at shipyards. The position offers a hybrid work environment based in Philadelphia with travel to shipyards for hands-on support and testing.
About Careertakes
👉 Important disclosure: Careertakes is a third-party recruiting platform supporting this hiring process. If selected, you will be employed directly by our client, Engineering.
Applicants for this role may also receive access to additional matched opportunities through the Careertakes platform.
Overview
Confidential Client is seeking a Control Systems Programmer to join an in-service engineering and software development team supporting a U.S. Navy Machinery Control System (MCS) application. This is a hybrid role based out of the Philadelphia Naval Yard (William Penn Annex East, PA) with an opportunity for a 50/50 remote/hybrid schedule. The role includes software development, system integration, testing, shipboard installation support, and troubleshooting in a disciplined Systems Engineering environment.
What You’ll Do
- Grow into a subject-matter expert on marine Machinery Control Systems (MCS) and related propulsion, electrical, and auxiliary systems.
- Perform software updates, reviews, testing, deployment, configuration management, and release activities consistent with the Navy’s Systems Engineering Process (SEP).
- Provide software engineering, integration, and test support including technical analysis, development of test tools, and participation in technical interchange meetings.
- Review technical documentation and provide recommendations to optimize system development and delivery.
- Troubleshoot software and system-level issues; produce test reports, findings, and remediation steps.
- Conduct risk assessments and employ modeling/simulation techniques to evaluate technical solutions.
- Identify, track, and help resolve systems engineering issues across software and hardware interfaces.
- Prepare and deliver technical briefings and participate in design reviews and technical review boards.
- Support transition of developmental efforts into production and execute verification & validation testing in simulated shipboard environments.
- Serve as a point of technical escalation during project lifecycle.
- Travel to shipyards (approx. 20–25%) to support software installations, troubleshooting, and test events (primary travel locations include Pascagoula, MS and San Diego, CA).
Required Qualifications
- Bachelor’s degree in Computer Science, Electrical Engineering, Software Engineering, or another relevant STEM/Engineering field.
- 0–3 years of professional experience in software development using C, C++, and/or C#; candidates with 0 years of professional experience should have relevant internships, co-ops, or academic project experience that demonstrates proficiency.
- Practical software development experience with one or more of: C, C++, C#, .NET, or Java.
- Must be a U.S. Citizen and either possess an active Secret clearance or be able to obtain one.
- Willingness and ability to travel approximately 20–25% (shipyard visits and test events).
Desired Qualifications
- Experience with PLC development (Step7, TIA Portal, Ladder Logic).
- Prior work on DoD or Navy-related projects.
- Experience installing/removing PLC equipment.
- Familiarity with Siemens software and hardware.
- Background in systems integration, embedded software, or marine control systems.
Compensation & Benefits
- Posted salary range: USD $65,200.00 – USD $101,950.00 per year (projected range for full-time status).
- Confidential Client offers a comprehensive benefits package (health, life, disability, retirement, paid leave, professional development, tuition assistance, employee recognition programs). Actual compensation is determined by education, experience, clearance, and location.
Location & Work Arrangement
- Primary work location: William Penn Annex East, Pennsylvania (Philadelphia Naval Yard). Hybrid work (approx. 50/50) is available but subject to government and program requirements.
- This role requires shipyard travel (~20–25%), including multi-day onsite support and testing.
Who We Are
Confidential Client works with federal mission partners to deliver engineering and technical solutions for complex defense and civilian challenges. The environment emphasizes technical excellence, collaboration, and mission impact. Confidential Client maintains a drug-free workplace.
Key Search Terms (for applicants)
- Control Systems Programmer William Penn Annex East PA
- MCS software engineer Philadelphia
- C/C++ embedded software engineer Navy
- PLC developer Siemens TIA Portal
- Hybrid controls programmer shipboard systems
Equal Opportunity & Hiring Transparency
Careertakes and our client are Equal Opportunity Employers committed to building a diverse and inclusive workforce. We prohibit discrimination or harassment of any kind. To support a fair and efficient hiring process, AI tools may be used to assist with application review or resume screening. These tools do not replace human decision-making. Final hiring decisions are made by people.
If you have questions about how your data is used, please contact us directly.
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