Engineer 1-3: Controls / Software Engineer

Position: Engineer 1 – Software                                                                                 Salary Grade: E1

Primary Purpose: Design software and controls systems for machines and mechanisms based on customer orders, special requests, industry trends, advancing technology and current standards of excellence.  Make changes to existing designs and processes to improve quality and reduce costs.

 Roles: Expected behaviors and activities performed to fulfill responsibilities

• Practice and encourage the best safety practices resulting in zero lost time within department.
• Implement and practice effective 5S and participate in regular team 5S audits.
• Set an example of working hard and doing the right things, exhibit energy and positivity.
• Accountable to work independently; observe and recommend procedures to achieve impactful results.
• Solve semi-routine issues utilizing problem solving analysis and prioritizing processes and routines.
• Understand and achieve Reasonable Expectations (REs) for current position and responsibilities (excellent productivity and quality) and participate in regular team process audits.
• Engage in clear, courteous, effective, honest, and open communications with team members and others within and outside the company.
• Develop and seek positive relationships; actively participate in regular huddles and goal setting.

Responsibilities: Quantifiable metrics to which a person is held accountable

• Develop PLC software using ladder logic and structured text to control automated machinery.

• Modify and enhance existing machine programs to support new features, options, and performance improvements.

• Design, develop, and maintain HMI applications that provide operators with intuitive machine control, diagnostics, and troubleshooting capabilities.

• Configure, program, tune, and validate servo and motion control systems to achieve machine performance and reliability requirements.
• Test, debug, and commission machine control systems by operating equipment, validating functionality, and resolving software, electrical, and machine integration issues.
• Collaborate with mechanical engineers during machine design to define control requirements, develop machine sequences, create logic diagrams, and select controls hardware including PLCs, HMIs, and motion control components.
• Work closely with assembly technicians during machine build and startup activities to integrate, test, troubleshoot, and optimize machine operation.
• Perform root cause analysis and troubleshooting of machine, controls, and software issues in both development and production environments.
• Provide technical support to customers and field service technicians through phone and remote troubleshooting of machine controls, motion systems, and operational issues.
• Support machine startup, customer training, and troubleshooting activities.  Limited travel (<5%) may be required.

Skills: Essential qualifications and functions gained through training and experience

• 4-year degree in computer science, information technology, a related degree, or comparable work experience.
• Proficiency with the following:
  • PLC programming (ladder logic and structured text)
  • HMI development
  • Servo / motion control experience (ability to configure, program, and commission servo controls).
  • Machine startup and debugging
• Strong electrical and mechanical troubleshooting skills
• Preferred experience with the use of E-Plan (or equivalent), and able to create technical CAD layouts.
• High energy level, comfortable performing multi-faceted projects in conjunction with day-to-day activities.
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills.
• Strong interpersonal skills. Ability to get along with diverse personalities, tactful, mature, and flexible.
• Comfortable interacting directly with customers by phone.
• Documentation of a drug screen must be provided prior to starting this position.