Junior Automation Engineer

GCS Recruitment; Seattle (WA); On-site; USD 65,000 - 90,000; Full time

Job summary

GCS Recruitment seeks Junior Controls Software Engineers / Automation Engineers to join a structured development program in the Bellevue/Seattle area. You will work on real-world automation projects, configuring, validating, and deploying control solutions with senior engineers.

This program suits recent graduates and early-career engineers pursuing careers in controls software, industrial automation, or embedded systems.

Qualifications

• Read and interpret electrical schematics and drawings.
• Develop and validate control configurations and software.
• Collaborate with senior engineers on projects.

Responsibilities

• Interpret drawings and control system documentation.
• Analyze conveyor and automation system layouts and interactions.
• Build, validate, and test configuration files per standards.
• Trace industrial network topologies and device communication.
• Support troubleshooting by reviewing system logic and projects.
• Participate in reviews, testing, and team discussions.
• Manage tasks using version control and project tools.
• Learn from experienced engineers and undergo trainings.
• Develop knowledge of automation platforms and best practices.
• Attend structured trainings on controls software and networking.

Skills

Electrical schematics literacy

Basic programming: C/C++, Python

Analytical problem-solving

Detail-oriented

Team collaboration

On-site Bellevue, WA availability

Education

Bachelor's degree in Electrical Engineering or related

Job description

About the Role

We are seeking motivated Junior Controls Software Engineers / Automation Engineers to join a structured engineering development program supporting advanced industrial automation and material handling systems. This role offers the opportunity to work on real-world automation projects involving software-defined control systems, industrial networking, configuration management, and controls engineering.

You will collaborate with experienced engineers to configure, validate, and deploy standardized control solutions while developing expertise in modern automation technologies, industrial software, and controls development practices.

This is an excellent opportunity for recent graduates and early-career engineers looking to build a career in controls software, industrial automation, robotics, or embedded systems.

Key Responsibilities

• Interpret electrical drawings, schematics, and control system documentation.
• Analyze conveyor and automation system layouts to understand equipment interactions and system behavior.
• Build, validate, and test configuration files according to established engineering standards and application requirements.
• Trace industrial network topologies and device communication structures.
• Support troubleshooting by navigating control software projects and reviewing system logic.
• Participate in configuration reviews, testing activities, and engineering team discussions.
• Manage tasks and deliverables using version control and project management tools.
• Collaborate closely with senior engineers and subject matter experts to develop technical expertise.
• Attend structured technical training sessions focused on controls software, industrial networking, and automation technologies.
• Continuously develop knowledge of modern industrial automation platforms and engineering best practices.

Required Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in Electrical Engineering, Mechatronics Engineering, Controls Engineering, Mechanical Engineering, Computer Engineering, Computer Science, or a related technical discipline.
• Ability to read and interpret electrical schematics and engineering drawings.
• Basic programming experience in any language (C, C++, Python, Java, etc.).
• Strong analytical and problem-solving skills.
• High attention to detail and commitment to quality.
• Ability to learn new software platforms and engineering tools quickly.
• Strong communication and teamwork skills.
• Ability to work full-time on-site in Bellevue, WA.

Preferred Qualifications

• Exposure to PLC programming or industrial automation systems.
• Familiarity with industrial communication protocols such as EtherCAT, EtherNet/IP, IO-Link, or similar technologies.
• Experience with configuration files, JSON, or data-driven applications.
• Understanding of Git or other version control systems.
• Basic Linux command-line knowledge.Coursework, internships, or projects involving robotics, automation, motion control, embedded systems, or manufacturing technologies.
• Familiarity with Structured Text, Ladder Logic, CODESYS, TwinCAT, Siemens, or Allen-Bradley platforms.

What You’ll Gain

• Hands‑on experience working on large-scale industrial automation projects.
• Formal training in controls software development, industrial networking, and automation technologies.
• Mentorship from experienced engineering professionals.
• Exposure to modern software development practices including version control, testing, and configuration management.
• Opportunities to take on progressively more advanced technical responsibilities.
• A defined career growth path within industrial automation and controls engineering.

Ideal Backgrounds

We welcome candidates from either of the following backgrounds:

Software‑Focused Engineers

Recent graduates or early‑career engineers with experience in:

• C/C++
• Embedded systems
• Microcontrollers
• Real‑time software development
• Computer engineering projects

Controls & Automation‑Focused Engineers

Early‑career professionals with experience in:

• PLC programming
• Industrial automation
• Electrical controls
• Maintenance and commissioning
• Field engineering and troubleshooting

If you’re passionate about technology, automation, and solving complex engineering challenges in a fast‑paced environment, we’d love to hear from you.