Sr. Software Controls Engineer
Sr. Software Controls Engineer
- Contract or Contract to Hire opportunity
- Hybrid role, must be willing to commute to office in New Richmond, Wisconsin 3 days per week
We're looking for an experienced software engineer with a strong foundation in object-oriented design and a genuine interest in mechanical systems, motion, and how software controls physical machines. You don't need to know Beckhoff today — we'll invest in making you an expert. What you do bring is the ability to hold complex software architectures in your head, write clean and maintainable code, and think critically about how systems behave in real time. You'll work on complex, high-performance control systems where your code directly drives physical motion — precision-engineered machines that operate at scale, globally.
Key responsibilities:
- Participate in the design, programming, and implementation of PLC/HMI software solutions.
- Oversee and review electrical schematics, bills of material, and engineering change notices.
- Provide technical guidance, mentoring, and training to junior engineers and technicians.
- Coordinate project execution, ensuring compliance with safety, quality, and industry standards.
Your profile
Basic requirements:
- Bachelor's degree in related fields, or commensurate experience.
- 3+ years of professional software development experience in an object-oriented language — C++, C#, Java, or equivalent.
- Demonstrated ability to design and implement complex OOP architectures — class hierarchies, state machines, modular design patterns
- Experience developing software for systems with real-time or time-sensitive behavior — robotics, CNC, motion control, simulation engines, game engines, physics-based systems, or similar.
- Strong understanding of multi-threaded programming and concurrent system behavior.
- Hands-on experience with Microsoft Visual Studio (C++ or C#).
- Familiarity with industrial, mechanical, or electromechanical systems — you understand torque, velocity, axes of motion, and how software commands translate to physical outcomes.
- Ability to read and interpret mechanical or electrical schematics at a conceptual level
- Proficiency with Windows-based development environments and embedded or real-time OS concepts.
Preferred qualifications:
- Exposure to PLC programming (any platform — Beckhoff, Rockwell, Siemens, etc.)
- Familiarity with Beckhoff TwinCAT 2 or 3.
- Experience with EtherCAT, industrial Ethernet, or fieldbus protocols.
- Knowledge of HTML, JavaScript, or HMI/UI development for industrial interfaces.
- Exposure to robotic systems, pick-and-place, delta robots, or packaging automation.
- Experience with vision systems such as Cognex.
- Familiarity with safety standards (UL508A, CE, NFPA79, OSHA).
Pay/ Hourly Rates
$100,000 – $130,000+
Hourly rate comparable with salary range