Embedded Systems Engineer - Machine Controls

Spudnik Equipment Company; Blackfoot (ID); On-site; USD 90,000 - 120,000; Full time

Job summary

Spudnik Equipment Company is seeking an Embedded Software Engineer in Blackfoot, ID to develop control software for agricultural equipment. You will work hands-on with machine control, sensors, actuators, and operator interfaces, testing on real equipment and collaborating with cross-disciplinary teams.

You will contribute to software architecture, standards, and continuous improvement, engaging across prototype, production, field testing, and service support to deliver robust control solutions.

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree or equivalent in a related technical field.
• Experience programming in C/C++ for embedded systems.
• Understanding of embedded systems, real-time software, and hardware/software integration.
• Ability to read electrical schematics and basic circuits.

Responsibilities

• Develop embedded software in C/C++ for real-time machine control.
• Design control logic for hydraulic, electric, and electromechanical functions.
• Develop operator interfaces for setup, diagnostics, and operation.
• Integrate sensors, actuators, controllers, displays, and networks into complete systems.
• Test and validate software on bench systems and field equipment.

Skills

Analytical skills

Debugging skills

Communication skills

Willingness to work in shop/field

Education

Bachelor's degree in Electrical/Computer/Mechatronics or related field

Tools

Embedded C/C++ development

Microcontrollers/ECUs/RTOS

CAN/SAE J1939/CANopen/ISO 11783

Git or version control

Electrical schematic CAD tools

Job description

Job DetailsJob Location: Blackfoot , ID 83221Spudnik Equipment is looking for an Embedded Software Engineer to develop the control systems that operate our agricultural equipment.

This is a hands-on engineering position for someone who enjoys making software interact with the physical world. You will write embedded software, develop machine-control functions and operator interfaces, integrate sensors and actuators, and test your work on actual equipment.

Our engineers are involved throughout the development process—from early prototypes and control concepts through production software, field testing, troubleshooting, and continuous product improvement. You won't simply write code from a specification and hand it off. You'll have the opportunity to understand the machine, develop the solution, and see how it performs in the real world.

What You'll Do

• Develop embedded software in C/C++ or similar languages for real-time machine control.
• Design and implement control logic for hydraulic, electric, and electromechanical machine functions.
• Develop operator interfaces for machine setup, configuration, diagnostics, and operation.
• Integrate sensors, actuators, electronic controllers, displays, and communication networks into complete machine-control systems.
• Develop and troubleshoot CAN-based communications between controllers and other machine systems.
• Test and validate software using bench systems, prototypes, production machines, and field equipment.
• Diagnose complex software, electrical, and machine-system problems.
• Participate in prototype development and evaluation of new control technologies and automation concepts.
• Work closely with mechanical, electrical, hydraulic, manufacturing, service, and product teams.
• Support production and field-service teams when advanced control-system troubleshooting is required.
• Create and maintain appropriate software, system, test, and engineering documentation.
• Contribute to software architecture, coding standards, design reviews, testing practices, and continuous improvement of our development processes.

What Makes This Role Different

This is not a traditional desk-only software position.

The software you develop controls real machines performing real work. You may spend one day developing an embedded control algorithm and another testing it on a machine, analyzing CAN traffic, tuning a control loop, or working with another engineer to determine why a physical system isn't behaving as expected.

Engineers in this role have significant exposure to the complete product and the opportunity to influence how our machines operate, how operators interact with them, and how future systems are designed.

If you enjoy embedded software, controls, robotics, automotive systems, heavy equipment, or solving problems where software meets the physical world, this role may be a good fit even if you've never worked in agriculture.

Work Environment

This position combines office-based software development with hands-on machine testing and troubleshooting. Some work may take place in production facilities, equipment yards, and agricultural field environments.

Our Values

We expect our engineers to approach their work with professionalism, accountability, curiosity, and a strong commitment to safety and quality.

At Spudnik:

• We listen.
• We walk our talk.
• We challenge tradition.
• We do the right thing.
• We work safe.

Other duties and responsibilities may be assigned as necessary.

Qualifications

What We're Looking For

Required

• Bachelor's degree in Electrical Engineering, Computer Engineering, Computer Science, Mechatronics, or a related technical field, or equivalent relevant experience.
• Experience programming in C, C++, or another language applicable to embedded systems.
• Understanding of embedded systems, real-time software, or hardware/software integration.
• Ability to read electrical schematics and understand basic electronic circuits and components.
• Strong analytical, debugging, and problem-solving skills.
• Ability to work effectively with engineers and technicians from multiple disciplines.
• Strong written and verbal communication skills.
• Willingness to work directly with equipment in shop, production, and outdoor environments when needed.

Helpful Experience

• Embedded C/C++ development
• Microcontrollers, ECUs, or real-time operating systems
• CAN, SAE J1939, CANopen, or ISO 11783 / ISOBUS
• Sensors, actuators, motor controllers, hydraulic valves, or mobile electronics
• Closed-loop control, PID control, automation, or motion control
• Embedded graphical user interfaces
• Git or other software version-control systems
• Electrical schematic capture or CAD software
• Agricultural, construction, automotive, robotics, industrial, or other mobile/off-highway equipment
• Hardware-in-the-loop, bench, or automated software testing

Experience in agricultural equipment is not required. We are looking for engineers who are interested in learning our machines, our customers, and the agricultural problems our products solve.