Automation Software Engineer I

Position Summary: 

The  Automation Software Engineer is responsible for supporting the development, integration, and standardization of software systems supporting automation, data collection, and smart manufacturing initiatives across the factory. This role ensures all automated processes are supported by reliable, scalable, and standardized software solutions that enable data-driven decision-making, performance visibility, and predictive improvements. 

The ASE collaborates with Controls, Process, and Maintenance pillars to define the digital layer of the automation ecosystem developing and maintaining applications, databases, dashboards, and connectivity solutions between machines, robots, and enterprise systems. 

Essential Functions: 

• Design and deploy software architectures supporting manufacturing automation, data acquisition (DAQ), and analytics systems. 

• Oversee the development and maintenance of OEE dashboards, traceability systems, MES integrations, and equipment data pipelines. 

• Define and enforce software coding standards, documentation practices, and version control (Git, SVN, etc.). 

• Maintain Python, C#, and database-based applications that interface with automation equipment (robots, PLCs, test stations, sensors, vision systems). 

• Collaborate with Controls Engineers to integrate machine data into central databases, ensuring seamless connectivity through OPC UA, MQTT, and REST APIs. 

• Partner with Process Engineering to define KPIs and metrics to be visualized in Power BI or web dashboards. 

• Prioritize software-related requests from production, ensuring quick resolution while maintaining long-term scalability. 

• Determine data governance standards, backup systems, and network architecture for automated systems. 

• Support continuous improvement through data analysis and automation of repetitive tasks (reporting, data entry, and analytics). 

• Support validation and qualification of software used in automated production lines. 

• Support global and local initiatives to align with Industry 4.0 and smart factory standards. 

Education and Experience: 

• Bachelor’s degree in computer science, Software Engineering, Automation Engineering, or related field. 

• Minimum of 1 year of software development experience in manufacturing, automation, or industrial environments. 

Other Skills and Abilities: 

• Proficiency in programming languages such as Python, C#, or JavaScript, and experience with SQL databases (MySQL, SQL Server, PostgreSQL). 

• Experience with data visualization tools such as Power BI, Grafana, or equivalent. 

• Understanding of machine communication protocols (OPC UA, Modbus, TCP/IP, MQTT). 

• Experience with version control systems (Git, GitHub, GitLab) and agile development environments. 

• Knowledge of cloud platforms (Azure, AWS, or GCP) for IoT or data pipeline integration is a plus. 

• Strong leadership and mentoring skills for technical teams. 

• Excellent communication and project management abilities. 

• Creative problem-solving with a focus on scalability and maintainability. 

• Familiarity with automation equipment, robots, or vision systems preferred. 

• Occasional travel to global sites for deployment and training. 

• Knowledge of cybersecurity principles and networked industrial systems. 

• Ability to work cross-functionally with engineers from various disciplines. 

Physical Requirements: 

• Ability to lift up to 30 pounds. 

• Able to stand, stoop and bend. 

• Ability to walk and stand on cement floors for long periods. 

• Able to work in warehouse environment with no central heat or air. 

• Able to sit at desk and use/view computer for prolonged periods of time, up to 8 hours daily. 

• Able to use a telephone for prolonged periods, up to 8 hours daily.