Controls Software Engineer
Major Duties: Report to the Electrical Engineering Manager for project assignments and report on daily activity progress and responsibilities. Responsible for software design including PLC, HMI, Drives, Device Interfacing, etc. for automation systems. Aid the sales and applications departments in evaluating future projects and customer request(s) for quotes. Typically providing controls architecture, cost, and labor estimates. Work with various teams including controls and mechanical engineering, build team, etc. to test, commission, and debug equipment. Coordinate and perform the installation, startup, validation, and commissioning of systems at customer facilities. Coordinate with the Engineering Department on a timely basis to ensure that all PLC Programs, HMI functionality, manuals, sequence of operation, etc. are kept current and correct. Provide improvement suggestions regarding departmental standards, processes, product or process improvement suggestions and customer feedback to the management team. Attend project kick off meetings including internal and external kick offs, lessons learned meetings, project status meetings, etc. Develop and review PLC programming templates including Function Blocks/Add-On Instructions, HMI templates, user manuals, controls architectures, and other pertinent information to determine the best solution and proper tools for system set up or problem resolution. Perform field checks to validate processes, download/compare program archives and other configuration files of packages received for either retool or replacement type projects with or without existing documentation. Design of PLC Software programs and develop HMI screens to customer specifications. Needs to be familiar with Allen Bradley, Siemens and other PLC, HMI, operating systems plus drive systems. Conduct the peripheral device setup (hardware configurations) and machine PLC programming for various systems. Set up and configure communication networks including but not limited to device net, Profibus, Profinet, Ethernet IP, Modbus TCP, IO Link, and remote I/O. Prepare service/warranty and other reports for customers and internal distribution in a timely manner. May be requested to perform onsite or in-house training for customers or new employees. Training onsite may be formal training in a classroom setting. Required Skills: B.S. Degree in Electrical Engineering or equivalent work experience. 3-5 years’ experience in controls systems engineering preferred. Strong experience with Rockwell Automation and/or Siemens Automation equipment. Consideration will be given to those with Modicon/ Telemecanique, Mitsubishi, Fanuc, Omron, or other not listed. Preference will be given to those with Robot Programming experience including but not limited to ABB, Kuka, Fanuc, Yaskawa/Motoman, Nachi, etc. Experience with AutoCAD, AutoCAD Electrical, or EPlan P8 or higher preferred. Proficient with Microsoft Office Suite. Experience with Industry 4.0, SCADA (supervisory control and data acquisition) or IIoT (Industrial internet of things), MES, FIS, Andon systems or any other plant level infrastructure preferred. Excellent verbal and written communications skills. Excellent interpersonal, organizational, and time management skills. Excellent customer focus and strong attention to detail. Strong analytical, problem solving, and troubleshooting skills. Must be self-directed and exhibit the ability to work independently. Must also be able to take direction and be able to work as part of a team. Requirements: Must be a legal US citizen or resident or eligible to work in the US. Possess a current driver’s license and passport. Must be able to pass drug screen and criminal background check. Must project a professional appearance and attitude. Must have good customer relation skills. Follow safety practices as defined by GRG America and customers’ site safety requirements. May be required to lift and/or move up to 50 pounds. Previous automation installation experience with powertrain assembly is strongly desired, but other automotive automation/assembly installation experience will be considered. Must be willing to travel 30-40% locally, domestically, and internationally, including on short notice, holidays, and weekends.
