Automation Controls Software Engineer

Boring Company; Nashville, Las Vegas (TN, NV); On-site; USD 110,000 - 170,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Medical, dental & vision coverage

401(k) plan

Paid holidays

Paid vacation

Equity for permanent employees

Job summary

The Boring Company is seeking a highly skilled Automation and Controls Software Engineer in Nashville, TN to sustain tunneling operations with advanced automation systems. You will design, implement, and maintain PLC-based controls for TBMs and related equipment, focusing on Beckhoff/TwinCAT environments and field troubleshooting.

You will diagnose field issues, calibrate PLCs, and ensure safe, efficient operation while collaborating with mechanical and electrical engineers.

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in Electrical Engineering, Industrial Automation, or related field.
• Proven experience designing and troubleshooting automation controls in industrial settings.
• Experience with PCBs, HMIs, enclosures, and wiring harnesses.
• Proficient in PLC programming using structured text; Beckhoff/TwinCAT experience highly desirable.
• Strong knowledge of Modbus, EtherCAT, OPC-UA.
• Familiarity with electrical schematics, wiring diagrams, and control panels.
• Ability to work with uncertainty, own root-cause analysis, and field inspections.
• Excellent problem-solving and teamwork under time-sensitive conditions.
• Experience with heavy machinery is a plus.

Responsibilities

• Design, develop, and deploy automation controls for TBMs and related equipment.
• Program PLCs using structured text, focusing on Beckhoff/TwinCAT systems.
• Diagnose failures, inspect equipment, and troubleshoot in the field.
• Perform maintenance and calibration of PLC systems and resolve malfunctions.
• Bridge field reality with software design; collaborate with HQ on solutions.
• Optimize controls for efficiency, safety, and performance.
• Create and maintain documentation, specs, and procedures.
• Collaborate with mechanical, electrical, and field technicians for integration.
• Stay updated on automation tech and implement innovative solutions.

Skills

Beckhoff TwinCAT

PLC programming (Structured Text)

Industrial automation

Field troubleshooting

Documentation & compliance

Education

Bachelor's degree in Electrical Engineering or Industrial Automation

Tools

PCBs

HMIs

Electrical enclosures

Wire harnesses

Job description

The Boring Company was founded to solve the problem of soul-destroying traffic by creating an underground network of tunnels. Today, we are creating the technology to increase tunneling speed and decrease costs by a factor of 10 or more with the ultimate goal of making Hyperloop adoption viable and enabling rapid transit across densely populated regions.

The Boring Company is seeking a highly skilled and experienced Automation and Controls Software Engineer to join our team. In this role you will play a critical role in keeping tunneling operations running through the development, implementation, and maintenance of the automation controls systems used in our groundbreaking tunneling operations. This role requires expertise in industrial automation, electrical engineering, and PLC design and troubleshooting. The primary focus of this position is field-oriented, with an emphasis on troubleshooting and optimizing performance, acting as a frontline authority for automation issues in the field.

Responsibilities

• Collaborate with the engineering team to design, develop, and deploy automation controls systems for tunnel boring machines (TBMs) and related equipment.
• Implement and program Programmable Logic Controllers (PLCs) using structured text, with a particular emphasis on Beckhoff/TwinCAT systems.
• Act as the most qualified person in the field: diagnose failures, conduct inspections, and troubleshoot to ensure the smooth operation of automation controls systems during tunneling operations.
• Perform regular maintenance and calibration of PLC systems, identifying and resolving any issues or malfunctions that may arise.
• Close the feedback loop between field reality and software design, and work with HQ team to conceptualize (when necessary) solutions.
• Optimize and fine‑tune automation controls systems to improve efficiency, safety, and overall performance.
• Develop and maintain detailed documentation, including system specifications, operating procedures, and troubleshooting guides.
• Collaborate with cross‑functional teams, including mechanical engineers, electrical engineers, and field technicians, to ensure seamless integration of automation controls systems with other components.
• Stay updated with the latest advancements in automation technology and industry best practices, and recommend innovative solutions to enhance operational efficiency.

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in Electrical Engineering, Industrial Automation, or a related field.
• Proven experience in designing, implementing, and troubleshooting automation controls systems in an industrial or manufacturing environment.
• Experience working with PCBs, HMIs, electrical enclosures, wire harnesses.
• Proficiency in PLC programming using structured text, with hands‑on experience in Beckhoff/TwinCAT systems being highly desirable.
• Strong knowledge of industrial automation protocols, such as Modbus, EtherCAT, and OPC‑UA.
• Familiarity with electrical schematics, wiring diagrams, and control panel layouts.
• Ability to operate in uncertainty and incomplete information, with root‑cause ownership.
• Ability to conduct field inspections, diagnose issues, and perform troubleshooting on automation controls systems.
• Excellent problem‑solving skills and the ability to work well under pressure in time‑sensitive situations.
• Experience working with heavy machinery is a plus.
• Effective communication and interpersonal skills, with the ability to collaborate effectively with cross‑functional teams.
• Strong attention to detail and a commitment to delivering high‑quality work.

Additional Requirements

• Comfortable with shift based work, long hours and working weekends as necessary.
• Ability to work night shifts (occasional, rotating between team)
• Ability to travel last minute up to 20%.

Benefits

• Employer‑paid medical, dental, and vision coverage
• 401(k) plan
• Paid holidays
• Paid vacation
• Competitive amount of equity for all permanent employees

The Boring Company is an Equal Opportunity Employer; employment with The Boring Company is governed on the basis of merit, competence and qualifications and will not be influenced in any manner by race, color, religion, gender, national origin/ethnicity, veteran status, disability status, age, sexual orientation, gender identity, marital status, mental or physical disability or any other legally protected status.