Controls Software Engineer (United States)

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Astec is a global, environmentally focused infrastructure and manufacturing company of asphalt road building and aggregate processing. Our mission is to design and build the most innovative products for the industries we serve. Leveraging innovative solutions and technologies, we serve customers all over the world.

Location: 100% remote with 30% travel

ABOUT THE POSITION

At Astec, we are building a world class electrical and software engineering team. A team that values free thought for innovative idea generation and disciplined engineering for the realization of those ideas to drive solutions for our customers. By freeing our creative minds, we bring solutions our customers haven’t even realized they need yet. Through disciplined engineering we ensure the solutions we provide are effective, simple to use, reliable, and cost effective.

The Controls Software Engineer will be a part of a dynamic team of engineers working on the development of control/automation code for heavy construction equipment, ranging from road pavers, road mills, rock crushers, woodchippers, etc. The engineer will be involved in the creation of product requirements, decomposition to software requirements, structured software decomposition, code development, software design reviews, and software unit and integration testing. The engineer will move from project to project as required and may be working on multiple projects within a given timeframe. All project work will be scheduled by the New Product Development Manager(s) and the Continuous Improvement Manager(s) such that the engineer will not be over allocated but will have definite deadlines and visibility into upcoming work.

Software will be developed on PLCs, embedded controllers, and HMI displays. Some legacy systems are coded in Ladder Logic, but all new systems will be coded in either CodeSys or C/C++. The Control Software Engineer will work with the Electrical Engineer(s) on a project to map I/O, define necessary configurations, understand sensor input requirements as well as device output drive requirements. The Control Software Engineer will work cooperatively with the Electrical Engineer(s) and the Mechanical Engineer(s) to develop the appropriate control algorithms to produce the equipment functionality required by the customer and Product Management.

The Control Software Engineer will also work with other cross-functional teams, including but not limited to sales, manufacturing, purchasing, and service to ensure the successful completion of projects and launch of equipment.

Controls Software Engineer may at times be asked to travel for project testing and system integration testing, as well as to develop business relationships with customers, dealers, and suppliers. They may also participate in product focus groups to gain critical customer application and design suggestions to assist in the development of product lines.

ESSENTIAL DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES (may include but not limited to)

Use structured systems engineering approach for the development of the software used to control heavy construction equipment.

Uses knowledge of process automation techniques to advance the simplicity of operation and troubleshooting of equipment to maximize productivity by enhancing operator functionality and the minimization of equipment downtime.

Uses structured software design techniques to distill product requirements into a product software specification, product software design, and product software test plan and creates the corresponding documents.

Completes the controller/PLC programming and the HMI screen programming for product projects based on the software design.

Performs unit testing and integration testing of all controller/PLC/HMI systems to insure performance and realization of all product requirements.

Develops the software test plans for new designs and changes to existing designs, and coordinates the testing and validation using these plans,

Contributes to the development of product documentation, including production work instructions, training manuals, troubleshooting guides, and product test plans.

Identifies improvement opportunities and enhancements for product enhancements and/or cost reductions.

Contributes to project teams to ensure the successful completion of project objectives, including schedule, budget, and feature set.

Contributes to the development of new processes and procedures to enhance the software and hardware design capabilities and work products of the engineering team.

Leads cross-functional software and HMI design reviews.

Leads software design reviews for developed control software.

Assists customers, via telephone or on site, to resolve function and/or application issues.

Works with the Service Department to resolve field and warranty issues.

Works with the Technical Publications Department to develop and update operation/parts/service manuals.

Adheres to all Astec design and coding standards.

Performs engineering calculations as required during design cycle.

Follows proper safety procedures.

Performs other duties as assigned.

MINIMUM EDUCATION and/or EXPERIENCE REQUIRED

Bachelor of Science (B.S.) degree in Electrical / Computer Engineering or related field.

Minimum of three (3) years of experience in the design and development of industrial or mobile equipment control software.

SKILLS AND ABILITIES REQUIRED

Job-related Skills and Abilities

Knowledgeable of development software and tools for embedded systems.

Proficient in C / C+ / Structure Text programming, preferably in automotive or mobile equipment applications.

Knowledgeable of network protocols such as CAN, Ethernet, Wireless 802.11, etc.

Proficient at interfacing software with the control and data acquisition from sensor, including pressure, proximity, angular, temperature, etc.

Proficient with developing code for the control of valves, motors, and other industrial devices.

Ability to work satisfactorily as a team member.

Good communication skills (both verbal and written).

Good organization and time-management skills.

Willingness to accept responsibility and take on new challenges.

Ability to exercise discretion and independent judgment on a customary and regular basis.

Proficiency with personal computer and Microsoft Office Suite software applications.

Adept at problem solving.

Language Skills

Ability to write reports, business correspondence and procedure manuals.

Ability to effectively present information and respond to questions from groups of managers, clients, customers, and the public.

Ability to write routine reports, correspondence, and effectively present information to customers and/or employees of organization and respond to questions from groups of managers, clients, customers, and the public.

Reasoning Ability Skills

Ability to define problems, collect data, establish facts, and draw valid conclusions.

Ability to interpret an extensive variety of technical instructions in mathematical or diagram form and deal with several abstract and concrete variables.

Must have strong analytical and troubleshooting skills.

OTHER REQUIREMENTS

Pre-employment drug screen, physical (if required), and background check.

Flexibility to work additional hours as required.

Occasional travel (including international).

Valid driver's license and ability to safely operate a motor vehicle.

PREFERENCES

Experience with CodeSys, C/C++, and Ladder Logic programming.

Experience developing software/firmware controls for and interfaces to Telematics, hydraulic circuits, 12V/24V DC electric circuits, A/C motors, and/or control systems for off-road construction equipment.

Experience in the design and creation of software for the control & automation of off-road construction equipment.

SAFETY

Astec is dedicated to a culture of Behavior Based SAFETY and a Healthy Environment!

Proficient in promoting safe and healthy work environment.

Notify area supervisor of product discrepancies or equipment malfunctions.

Adhere to established company policies and procedures paying special attention to safety regulations.

Report defective materials, equipment, or questionable conditions to the area supervisor/manager to identify and correct the root cause.

Wear personal protective equipment (PPE) in accordance with training guidelines.

PHYSICAL DEMANDS

The physical demands described here are representative of those that must be met by an employee to successfully perform the essential functions of this job. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.

While performing the duties of this job, the employee is regularly required to remain in a stationary position a minimum of 50% of the time, move and frequently operate a computer and other office equipment and occasionally properly employ objects, tools and/or controls. The employee is frequently required to communicate and exchange accurate information. The employee is regularly required to reach and occasionally attain non-standard physical positions for varying amounts of time. Specific vision abilities include close vision, distance vision, peripheral vision, depth perception and ability to adjust focus.

The employee must regularly transport up to 10 pounds and occasionally transport up to 25 pounds. Lifting devices must be used or help must be requested for anything over 25 pounds.