Senior Instrumentation & Control Software Engineer

AVL in Italy; Piemonte; On-site; EUR 55,000 - 85,000; Full time

Job summary

AVL Italia S.p.A. seeks an experienced PLC software engineer to design, test and commission industrial process control systems for HVAC and thermofluid applications.

The role covers PLCs, HMIs, SCADA, drives, and network integration across automotive and Green Tech sectors. You will develop PLC software and HMI/SCADA interfaces, perform commissioning at client sites, and prepare comprehensive documentation.

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in Computer Science, Automation Engineering, Electronics or related field.
• 5+ years of PLC software design in industrial or automotive environments.
• Strong knowledge of PLC-based control systems and Siemens environments (TIA Portal, S7).
• Experience with HMI/SCADA (WinCC Unified, Movicon, Ignition).
• Knowledge of industrial Ethernet protocols (Profinet, Profibus, EtherCAT, OPC UA, CAN, Modbus, IO-Link, MQTT).
• Programming skills in JavaScript, HTML, Python, C#, C++.
• Willingness to travel within Italy and abroad.
• English language knowledge (good to advanced).

Responsibilities

• Design core architecture of process control systems including PLCs, HMIs, SCADA, drives and networks.
• Develop PLC software and HMI/SCADA interfaces with external partners.
• Perform commissioning and start-up at customer sites.
• Produce final documentation and user manuals for control systems.
• Deliver internal and end-user training on developed systems.
• Improve systems with new technologies focusing on modularity and standardization.
• Define technical specs for outsourced developments when needed.

Skills

PLC programming

HMI/SCADA design

Industrial networking

Programming languages

English proficiency

Agile mindset

UX/UI focus

Education

Bachelor's degree in CS / Automation engineering

Tools

Siemens TIA Portal

WinCC Unified

Emerson Movicon

Ignition

OPC UA

CAN/Modbus/Profinet

Job description

Job Description

Reporting to the Instrumentation & Control Team Leader, the candidate will be responsible for software design, testing, and commissioning of industrial systems for HVAC and thermofluid process control. These solutions are applied to engine and vehicle testing, as well as to innovative applications in the Green Tech and Renewable Energy sectors.

Responsibilities

• Design the core architecture of process control systems, including PLCs, HMI interfaces, SCADA systems, drives, and communication networks.
• Develop, both internally and in collaboration with external partners, PLC software, HMI/SCADA interfaces, and communication protocols with third-party systems.
• Perform commissioning and start-up activities of industrial plants at customer sites.
• Prepare final documentation for the process control system, including user manuals and operating instructions.
• Deliver internal and end-user training on the developed control systems.
• Continuously improve and update process control systems by integrating new technologies, with a focus on standardization, modularity, and flexibility.
• Define technical specifications for outsourced developments, when required.

Profile Description

• At least 5 years of experience in PLC software design within industrial and/or automotive environments.
• Technical diploma or degree in Computer Science, Automation Engineering, Electronic Engineering, or a related field.
• Solid fundamental knowledge of electrical engineering, process control, thermodynamics, and mechanics.
• Strong expertise in PLC-based control systems, particularly with Siemens environments (TIA Portal, S7).
• Knowledge of integrated safety systems (Safety Integrated), preferably within Siemens TIA Portal.
• Proven experience in developing HMI or PC-based interfaces and SCADA applications (e.g. WinCC Unified, Emerson Movicon, Ignition).
• Good knowledge of industrial Ethernet communication protocols and major fieldbuses used in automotive automation (e.g. Profinet, Profibus, EtherCAT, OPC UA, CAN, Modbus, IO-Link, MQTT), including the ability to develop communication drivers and interfaces.
• Programming skills in languages such as JavaScript, HTML, Python, C#, and C++.
• Strong aptitude for structured, modular, and standardized PLC software development. Experience in designing HMI/SCADA interfaces with a focus on User Experience (UX), User Interface (UI), and web-based technologies.
• Knowledge of applicable standards, regulations, and directives related to industrial plants and safety.
• Availability to travel to customer sites within Italy and occasionally abroad.
• Strong interpersonal and communication skills, with the ability to work effectively in a team environment.
• Agile mindset, with a proactive approach to problem solving and the ability to manage dynamic, project-based activities.
• English language knowledge (good to advanced)

Nice to have

• Degree in Computer Science or a related field.
• Knowledge of industrial cybersecurity principles and control network protection.
• Experience with SQL database management and basic networking concepts (e.g. VLANs, subnetting, routing).
• Previous experience in automotive test cells or complex process plants.
• Familiarity with risk analysis methodologies (e.g. FMEA, HAZOP).

ABOUT AVL Italia S.p.A

AVL Italia, founded in 1980, provides the full portfolio of AVL technologies at the local level, offering customized solutions tailored to its customers.
With more than 40 years of experience and the support of a strong, highly qualified local team, AVL Italia is committed to making sustainable mobility a reality for everyone. It also supports companies and industrial partners in transitioning to cleaner energy sources and adopting advanced technologies to reduce environmental impact.