Research and Development Software Engineer (Innovation Engineer)

Research and Development Software Engineer (Innovation Engineer)

Lakeshore/ Bridgman, MI

We are seeking talented and energetic individuals to join our growing team! Greatness takes continuous evolution. That's why we're bringing together relentless problem solvers, proven processes, and audacious thinkers. We are driving to become one unrivaled force in automation - pushing what's possible for ourselves and our customers. One team. Any challenge.

Convergix is a global automation systems integrator that serves diverse end markets. We design, build, test, and integrate custom solutions to automate our customers' operations with a focus on solving unique challenges that others struggle to address. As a team, we are on an improvement journey in pursuit of our vision: to become the ultimate trusted partner to our customers, capable of solving any industrial automation challenge with our passionate people, world renowned processes and diverse experience. If you want to join a team whose mission is to elevate the automation industry, we want to hear from you.

The Role

An Innovation Engineer develops and implements advanced programming tools to streamline and enhance the workflows of electrical, mechanical, robotics, and controls engineers. By leveraging artificial intelligence and a strong foundation in object-oriented programming, this role researches emerging technologies, gathers requirements from stakeholders, and prototypes creative solutions to engineering challenges. The Innovation Engineer bridges the gap between technical possibilities and user needs, ensuring new tools are practical, impactful, and aligned with business objectives, while also providing support, documentation, and training to drive adoption and continuous improvement.

Key Responsibilities

1. Tool and Application Development

• Design, develop, and maintain software tools that streamline and enhance the workflows of electrical, mechanical, robotics, and controls engineers.
• Utilize object-oriented programming languages (such as Python, Java, or C#) to build robust, scalable, and user-friendly engineering tools.

• AI Integration and Utilization

• Incorporate artificial intelligence and machine learning techniques to automate repetitive engineering tasks, aid design processes, or optimize system performance.
• Research and experiment with new AI technologies, applying them to create innovative solutions within the engineering toolset.

• Stakeholder Collaboration and Requirement Gathering

• Engage with engineering teams and key stakeholders to identify pain points, gather user requirements, and prioritize features for new tools and applications.
• Translate complex stakeholder needs into actionable software development tasks and user stories.

• Research and Prototyping

• Stay current with emerging technologies, trends, and best practices in software development, automation, and AI.
• Rapidly prototype new ideas, evaluate feasibility, and iterate based on feedback and data.

• Process Innovation and Continuous Improvement

• Analyze existing engineering workflows to identify bottlenecks and opportunities for process automation and improvement.
• Implement solutions that increase efficiency, accuracy, and collaboration across engineering disciplines.

• Technical Documentation

• Prepare clear, concise documentation including user guides, API references, and workflow diagrams for developed tools and processes.
• Contribute to knowledge sharing and best practices within the engineering team.

• Testing and Quality Assurance

• Develop and execute test plans to validate tool functionality, reliability, and usability.
• Troubleshoot issues, gather user feedback, and drive continuous refinement of developed solutions.

• Training and Support

• Provide training and technical support for engineering teams adopting new tools.
• Create learning resources and promote knowledge transfer to maximize the value of innovation initiatives.

• Cross-Functional Collaboration

• Work alongside IT, engineering, and operations teams to ensure seamless integration and deployment of new tools.

• Ethics, Security, and Compliance

• Adhere to ethical and secure AI and software development practices, ensuring compliance with company and regulatory requirements.

Qualifications and Experience

Essential

• Bachelor's degree in Computer Science, Electrical Engineering, Information Systems, Mechanical Engineering, or related field (or equivalent experience)
• Relevant industry experience
• Technical document creation experience
• Experience performing user acceptance testing and working with end-users to validate data
• Excellent problem-solving skills and attention to detail.
• Strong communication skills and ability to work collaboratively with both technical and non-technical stakeholders.
• Highly coachable and trustworthy

Desirable

• An ambitious and persuasive achiever with a casual and direct communication style
• Experience in training

Physical Demands

• While performing the duties of this position, the employee is regularly required to stand, walk, sit, use hands to feel objects, reach with hands and arms, stoop, kneel, talk and hear.
• Occasionally lifts or move up to 25 pounds.

Perks of Being Part of the Team

• Comprehensive Medical, Dental, and Vision insurance plans
• 401K, including company match
• Company-paid life insurance with optional supplemental coverage for you and your spouse/children
• Company-paid short and long-term disability
• Employee Assistance Program
• Paid-time off and company-paid holidays
• Profit Sharing

What does CONVERGIX value?

• Integrity - Respect, Transparency, Commitment
• Excellence - Continuous Improvement, Innovation, Collaboration, Communication
• Passion - Momentum, Sense of Urgency, Growth, Success, Velocity

We thank all candidates for their interest, however only those considered for an interview will be contacted.

CONVERGIX Automation Solutions has an accommodation program in place that provides reasonable accommodations for employees with disabilities. If you require a specific accommodation because of a disability or a medical need, please contact Human Resources.

Equal Opportunity Employer This employer is required to notify all applicants of their rights pursuant to federal employment laws. For further information, please review the Know Your Rights notice from the Department of Labor.