Controls Engineer

Alamo Group Inc.; Michigan; On-site; USD 90,000 - 120,000; Full time

Job summary

Morbark, a division of Alamo Group, is seeking a Controls Software Engineer to develop and support embedded software and control systems for industrial equipment. You will design software modules and control logic to ensure safe, efficient operation and real-time feedback to operators.

Join a team focused on integrating electrical and hydraulic systems, developing diagnostics, and refining software through bench and field testing. Some travel may be required.

Qualifications

• Must demonstrate ability to work in a team and adapt quickly
• Knowledge of vehicle electrical systems and CAN networks
• Experience with graphical programming environments like MATLAB/Simulink for control systems
• Experience with CAN Bus, CANopen, J1939, OBD
• Familiar with structured language programming and software development operations
• Experience with high and low voltage electric drive systems (motors/inverters/batteries)
• Ability to read and create drawings, schematics and manuals
• Proficient with PC software (Word, Excel, etc.)
• Willingness to travel including international travel

Responsibilities

• Design, develop, and implement embedded software that controls machine functions and interfaces.
• Develop control logic for machine operation in environments like Parker IQAN, CODESYS, or CodeSys.
• Tune control loops using PID, discrete time, ladder logic, and scripting.
• Write and maintain code for machine functionality, diagnostics, and operator displays.
• Define control algorithms for electrical and hydraulic systems.
• Integrate software with electrical and hydraulic components in machine designs.
• Collaborate with engineers to ensure control system integration.
• Support operator interfaces and machine diagnostics.
• Simulate and debug software before machine implementation.
• Validate software and control performance at bench and machine levels.
• Diagnose and troubleshoot software, electrical, and control system issues.

Skills

Teamwork

CAN networks

MATLAB/Simulink

Control systems

HMI development

PID control

Scripting

Electrical & hydraulic systems

Tools

Parker IQAN

CodeSys

CODESYS

Job description

Position Summary:

Under general direction, Controls Software Engineer is responsible for developing and supporting embedded software and control systems that operate Morbark's industrial equipment. This role combines software development and machine controls engineering, The designing software modules and control logic that ensure machines operate safely, efficiently, and reliably.

Working as part of the Electrical & Hydraulic Engineering team, the Controls Software Engineer develops software used to control machine functions, integrate electrical and hydraulic systems, and deliver real-time feedback to machine operators.

This role focuses on designing, developing, testing, and troubleshooting machine control software used in Morbark equipment. The role contributes to both new product development and continuous improvement of existing equipment, ensuring software performance meets operational and safety requirements.

Essential Functions of the Job:

• Design, develop, and implement embedded software that controls machine functions and operator interfaces.
• Develop software modules and control logic for machine operation using platforms such as Parker IQAN, CODESYS, CodeAssist, or similar control environments.
• Design implement and tune control loops using PID, discrete time operations, ladder logic, scripting, and structured programming language
• Write and maintain code that enables machine functionality, diagnostics, and operator displays.
• Define and implement control algorithms to manage electrical and hydraulic machine systems.
• Design and implement machine control systems integrating software, electrical components, sensors, and hydraulic systems.
• Develop functional requirements and control strategies that support safe and efficient machine operation.
• Collaborate with electrical, hydraulic, and mechanical engineers to integrate control systems into machine designs.
• Support development of operator interfaces and machine diagnostics.
• Simulate and debug software during development prior to machine implementation.
• Validate software and control system performance at bench and machine levels.
• Diagnose and troubleshoot software, electrical, and control system issues on machines.
• Diagnose and troubleshoot software, electrical, and control system issues on machines.
• Identify root causes of machine control problems and implement corrective solutions.
• Additional duties as assigned.

Knowledge, Skills and Abilities (KSA's):

1. Must demonstrate the ability to work in a team, learn and adapt quickly to new information.
2. Must demonstrate a minimum of knowledge of vehicle electrical systems, CAN networks, electric vehicles or similar complex systems.
3. Experience using graphical programming environments like MATLAB, Simulink, Parker IQN, CodeSys or similar to create control systems and HMI.
4. Experience with CAN Bus, CANopen, j1939, OBD, SPN, PGN, DTC SPN, and similar
5. Familiar with structured language programming and or software development operations
6. Experience with high and low voltage electric drive systems including motors, inverters and battery packs
7. Ability to read, interpret and create drawings, schematics, operator's manuals, and assembly instructions
8. Ability to use hand tools such as rachet drivers, wrenches, hammers, punches, soldering irons, de-soldering tools, and a variety of crimpers.
9. Ability to perform basic measurements using tape measure, protractor, calipers, micrometers, and other measuring devices
10. Ability to perform basic measurements using multimeter, o-scope and other measuring devices
11. Skilled and proficient with the use of personal computers; including JDE, and standard office software (i.e., Microsoft Word, PowerPoint, Excel, Access, etc.)
12. Knowledge of setup and calibration of inverters
13. Excellent communication skills both verbal and written. Ability to communicate with various levels within the organization.
14. Strong planning and project management skills with the ability to work well under pressure and manage multiple projects and priorities.
15. Demonstrated ability to provide timely, detailed, results oriented products.
16. Able to work irregular and/or long hours that may include weekends and/or holidays as project requirements dictate.
17. Able to travel independently by common air carrier and automobile including international travel
18. Able to maintain an insurable driving record
19. Demonstrated ability to exhibit and model Alamo Group's Core Competencies:
20. _Leading Change / Change Management:_ Ability to drive improvement of team, division, and corporate goals and objectives through people. Ability to balance change and continually strive to improve business performance.
21. _Leading People / Teamwork:_ Ability to design and implement strategies which maximize employees' potential and foster high ethical standards in meeting the team, division, and corporate objectives.
22. _Communication:_ Ability to explain, advocate, and express fa