Controls Software Engineer

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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.

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.

Required to occasionally ascend / descend, balance and work at various heights.

Ability to travel by land and / or air for extended periods of time.

Specific vision abilities required by this job include close, distance, color, and peripheral vision, depth perception, and ability to adjust focus.

Our Culture and Values

Employees that become part of Astec embody the values below throughout their work.

Continuous devotion to meeting the needs of our customers.

Honesty and integrity in all aspects of business.

Respect for all individuals.

Preserving entrepreneurial spirit and innovation.

Safety, quality, and productivity  as  means to ensure success.

WORK ENVIRONMENT

The work environment characteristics described here are representative of those an employee encounters while performing the essential functions of this job .   Reasonable  accommo dations  may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.

While performing the duties of this job, the employee is regularly exposed to a climate-controlled office environment and is occasionally exposed to a  shop  manufacturing environment.

Office  environment  exposures include frequent and extensive telephone and computer use .   The noise level in the office setting is usually  moderate  consistent with an office environment.

Shop manufacturing environment exposures include exposure to moving mechanical parts, machinery, tools and equipment, vibration, fumes or airborne particles, motorized vehicles,  welding  and machining operations, outside weather conditions and exposure to the risk of electric shock .   The employee may occasionally be exposed to varying levels of dirt, dust, toxic or caustic chemicals, very warm and / or very chilly temperatures .   The noise level in the shop can be very loud at times consistent with an industrial assembly facility and may require hearing protection.

Mines, road  construction  and forestry job site exposures include exposure to climate conditions indicative of the geographic location and the season .   Field duties require that the employee work  in close proximity to  heavy roadbuilding and construction equipment (dump trucks, loaders, cranes, crushers, pavers, cold planers, material transfer vehicles, stabilizers, wheel loaders, excavators, skidders, feller buncher, chippers, grinders etc.) and traffic associated with mines, road construction, forestry and recycling sites.  The employee is  frequently  exposed to moving mechanical parts and fumes or airborne particles .   The employee is occasionally exposed to high, precarious places, toxic or caustic chemicals, vibration, and risk of electrical shock .   The noise level in this environment is usually loud and may require hearing protection.

The employee is occasionally exposed to travel hazards associated with automobile and / or airplane travel.

Equal Opportunity Employer

As an Equal Opportunity Employer, Astec does not discriminate  on the basis of  race, creed, color, religion, gender (sex), sexual orientation, gender identity, marital status, national origin, ancestry, age, disability, citizenship status, a person’s veteran status or any other characteristic protected by law or exe