Automation Software Engineer – PC & Industrial Controls Integration
On-siteFremont, California, United States
Job Summary
Design, develop, and maintain software for automated process and equipment control systems using Beckhoff TwinCAT, PLC environments, and PC-based platforms. Integrate Windows-based PCs with industrial controllers, sensors, actuators, and instrumentation while configuring EtherCAT networks and troubleshooting communication protocols. Develop control applications, state machines, and interlocks for process equipment involving gas flow, vacuum systems, and temperature control. Create graphical user interfaces, data acquisition systems, and diagnostic tools to support engineering teams. Perform hands-on commissioning, system testing, and technical support for prototype and production equipment in a high-tech manufacturing environment.
Required Qualifications
- Bachelor's degree in Electrical Engineering, Computer Engineering, Computer Science, Automation Engineering, Mechatronics, or a related technical discipline.
- Approximately 3+ years of experience developing industrial automation, equipment-control, or process-control systems.
- Strong understanding of PC-based industrial automation.
- Experience integrating software with physical hardware.
- Experience with PLC or industrial controller programming.
- Working knowledge of industrial analog and digital I/O.
- Experience with serial and Ethernet-based equipment communications.
- Ability to interpret electrical schematics, wiring diagrams, I/O drawings, and equipment specifications.
- Strong systematic troubleshooting and debugging skills.
- Ability to work directly with prototype and production equipment in a laboratory or manufacturing environment.
- Maintain software using appropriate version-control and change-management systems, such as Git.
Desired Qualifications
- Experience with several of the following is highly desirable: Beckhoff automation hardware, TwinCAT 3, EtherCAT, TwinCAT ADS, IEC 61131-3 Structured Text, C# / .NET, C++, Python, Visual Studio, RS-232 / RS-485, Modbus RTU/TCP, OPC UA, CAN/CANopen, SQL mySQL or Mongo databases, Industrial Ethernet, Real-time control systems, PID control, Motion control, Servo and stepper systems, Industrial instrumentation, Automated test equipment, Data acquisition systems.
- Experience developing automation systems for semiconductor manufacturing, semiconductor equipment, vacuum systems, gas delivery, analytical instrumentation, or other high-technology process equipment is strongly preferred.
- Familiarity with SEMI equipment standards and SECS/GEM communications is an additional advantage.
- The successful candidate should be comfortable working across the boundary between software, electronics, instrumentation, controls, and physical process equipment.
- This is not strictly a PLC programming position. The engineer should be capable of understanding the entire control chain: PC Software ↔ Industrial Controller ↔ Communication Network ↔ I/O Hardware ↔ Instrumentation ↔ Physical Process.
- The position is particularly suited to an engineer who enjoys hands-on development and can move effectively between software debugging, network troubleshooting, electrical I/O, instrumentation, and process-control problems.
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