Controls Programmer - C#/.NET

  Bring Your Software Expertise to Steven Douglas Corp. (SDC)

At SDC , we design, engineer, and build custom automation systems that solve complex manufacturing challenges for customers across medical, consumer products, industrial, automotive, and other industries. As a family-owned and growing business, we are committed to delivering innovative solutions by blending proven engineering principles with creative approaches to automation.

We are looking for a Controls Programmer who combines strong C#/.NET development skills with a hands-on understanding of industrial hardware. In this role, you will work primarily on advanced test and process equipment we build for one of our key customers in the solar manufacturing industry. Most of these systems are PC-controlled, meaning the application you build is the sole controller, directly driving sensors, motors, drives, and data acquisition hardware in real time. We are looking for team players who enjoy working side by side with our controls engineers and technicians to design, build, and deploy software that keeps this equipment running reliably.

Why Join SDC?

• Software That Runs Real Machines: Your applications won’t sit on top of the equipment; they’ll be the controller, running machines on the plant floor and through months-long tests.
• Collaborative Environment: Work closely with our controls engineers, technicians, and project managers from design through debug, runoff, and customer startup.
• Family-Owned Culture: Experience a supportive and agile environment that values technical excellence and personal growth.

What You’ll Do

• Design, develop, test, and deploy C# Windows applications that run on industrial machinery and interface directly with sensors, motors, drives, data acquisition devices, and other controls hardware.
• Build and support applications where the PC serves as the primary controller in the system, managing real-time I/O and device communication.
• Work directly with controls engineers to understand machine behavior, hardware interfaces, and operator workflows, and translate them into clean, maintainable software.
• Support deployment and troubleshooting of your applications during machine debug, runoff, and customer Factory Acceptance Testing (FAT).
• Maintain and improve existing software tools and code libraries, applying good source control and documentation practices.
• Collaborate with the controls team to identify where custom software can improve machine reliability, data visibility, or troubleshooting speed.
• Travel approximately 10% to support customer startups and project implementation.

  What We’re Looking For

• 5+ years of experience designing, developing, and deploying C# Windows applications in a .NET environment.
• Hands-on experience developing applications that interface directly with industrial hardware, such as sensors, motors, drives, data acquisition devices, or instrumentation, on machinery or manufacturing/test equipment.
• Experience building applications where the PC is the primary controller in the system, handling real-time I/O, device communication, and control logic.
• Solid understanding of software fundamentals, including object-oriented design, application architecture, debugging, and version control workflows.
• Comfortable working on the plant floor alongside engineers and technicians to understand machine behavior and translate it into usable software.
• Ability to use AI tools and code generation to work more efficiently while maintaining full responsibility for all output.
• Bachelor’s degree in Computer Science, Software Engineering, Electrical/Computer Engineering, or equivalent hands-on experience.

Preferred Qualifications

• Experience with SQL or other databases for storing and retrieving machine or process data.
• Experience with GitHub or other source control platforms.
• Working knowledge of Python for scripting, data processing, or test automation.
• Experience with other industrial controls platforms, such as Allen-Bradley PLCs, HMIs, Ignition, robotics, or machine vision systems.
• Ability to read and understand electrical schematics.

What Success Looks Like

• Successful Electrical Controls Programmers at SDC:
• Deliver reliable, well-structured Windows applications that operators and engineers can use every day.
• Build software that communicates cleanly and reliably with the sensors, motors, and hardware it controls.
• Develop software capable of running months-long tests without interruption.
• Communicate clearly with engineers, technicians, and project teams about what the software does and why.
• Continuously improve our code libraries, tools, and development practices.
• Help make every machine's software as solid as the hardware it runs on.

What We Expect From Everyone at SDC

• Every role at SDC is built on a shared set of expectations that define how we work together.
• Demonstrate professionalism, integrity, and accountability in everything you do.
• Treat coworkers, customers, suppliers, and partners with respect.
• Communicate openly and collaboratively across all departments.
• Take ownership by identifying issues early, proposing solutions, and following through.
• Adapt to changing priorities while maintaining a positive, team-first attitude.
• Produce high-quality, detail-oriented work that supports safety, quality, and continuous improvement.
• Be dependable, willing to learn, and ready to support teammates whenever needed.
• Contribute to a workplace built on trust, teamwork, and shared success.

Why Join Steven Douglas Corp.?

• Work on challenging, custom automation projects—not repetitive production support.
• Collaborate with an experienced team of engineers, machinists, electricians, assemblers, and project managers.
• See your designs come to life from concept through customer startup.
• Help shape engineering standards and influence how future machines are built.
• Grow your technical skills while working with robotics, vision systems, servo motion, AI-enabled inspection, and advanced automation technologies.
• Join a stable, family-owned company committed to long-term growth, innovation, and investing in its people.

Benefits

• Competitive salary based on experience.
• Performance-based incentive opportunities.
• 100% employer-paid medical, dental, and vision insurance, with supplemental coverage options.
• Company-sponsored Health Savings Account (HSA).
• Employee Assistance Program (EAP).
• 401(k) with a 4% employer match per pay period.
• Paid vacation, sick leave, and 10 company-paid holidays.
• Ongoing opportunities for professional development and career growth.

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