What are the responsibilities and job description for the Software Engineer - Control Systems position at GCS?
You’ll join an internal automation team building custom, semi-automated manufacturing equipment for a new fiber optic connector product currently in early development (prototype stage).
This is a true greenfield opportunity — no legacy code, no established architecture. You’ll be designing and building everything from scratch across a mix of technologies:
- Allen-Bradley PLCs (Studio 5000, Structured Text & Ladder Logic)
- Python-based control systems (with AI-assisted development in play)
What You’ll Do
- Develop PLC programs from scratch for custom equipment
- Build HMI screens (ProFace)
- Program machine vision systems (Keyence preferred)
- Integrate robotic systems (Epson preferred)
- Design electrical schematics & panel layouts
- Configure sensors, I/O, and field devices
- Debug, test, and commission full systems end-to-end
- Provide technical guidance to junior engineers
- Collaborate closely with mechanical and process engineers
What We’re Looking For
Required:
- 5 years in controls/automation engineering
- Proven experience building controls systems from the ground up (blank-slate projects)
- Strong Structured Text skills
- Experience with Allen-Bradley (or similar platforms like Siemens or Beckhoff)
- Hands-on commissioning and troubleshooting
- Background in custom or special-purpose automation
Preferred:
- Python in automation/control systems
- Machine vision (Keyence/Cognex)
- Robotics integration (Epson/FANUC/KUKA)
- HMI development (ProFace)
- Electrical design experience
- System integrator or custom equipment builder background
- Experience using AI-assisted development tools