Staff Engineer, Controls and Software

As a Staff Controls and Software Engineer, you will be responsible for developing machine and operational concepts in collaboration with R&D staff and engineering peers. You will create a robust system architecture to support all controls components such as PLCs, safety devices, HMIs, servo drives, and more. For each project you will work from initial design all the way through commissioning, operational fine-tuning, and validation to ensure that all systems function reliably and meet their design goals. Additionally, you will work closely with cross-functional teams throughout the entire life cycle of the equipment and its operation. You will work with simulation and test engineers to integrate your designs into software testbeds, hardware testbeds, and the tools.

• Work closely with R&D team to outline interfaces and requirements for equipment and software operation for equipment control
• Participate in initial equipment conceptual development and balance product specifications, operational control requirements, layout complexity, cost, quality, and lead time limits
• Design, modify, and approve electrical schematics for industrial and test equipment (compliant with NFPA79/NEC/UL508A standards)
• Create machine interactions with plant-wide SCADA to communicate product acceptability, machine status, and operational variables
• Write, and debug PLC structured text with an emphasis on generating code that is organized, structured, documented, maintainable, and reusable. PLC code will interact with subsystems and 3rd party equipment
• Implement (ANSI/RIA15.06/OSHA compliant) control reliable safety systems for safeguarding industrial equipment
• Generate aesthetically simple HMI screens for complex machinery while providing sufficient feedback for troubleshooting
• Debug and optimize automated operations to maximize cycle time, improve availability, and yield
• Work with external software contractors to develop the control systems for internal tools (Define requirements, manage priorities, drive testing and implementation plans)

A bachelor’s degree in a relevant engineering field (e.g., EE, mechatronics, software)

10+ years of experience as a controls engineer on complex mechanical systems -- for example: design, construction, and operation of controls for industrial, large-scale equipment

Hands-on experience with industrial control system implementation, including specifying, building, and commissioning industrial control panels, experience with 480VAC power systems, configuring industrial fieldbus’ and components

Proficient in AutoCAD Electrical, for schematic and cable designs

Familiar in structured text programming and the TwinCAT IDE

Familiar with TwinSAFE safety PLC programming

PLC programming experience in IEC 611:31-3 languages

Familiar with modern tools like GitHub and CI/CD release management

Familiarity with Python

HMI design, implementation and maintenance

Inductive Automation’s Ignition platform

Experience with Semiconductor Capital Equipment manufacturing

Experience with enclosure design compliant with NFPA79/NEC/UL508A standards

Experience developing and tuning control loops