Machine Automation Controls Engineer

HAHN Automation Group; Hebron Estates (KY); On-site; USD 85,000 - 120,000; Full time

Job summary

HAHN Automation Group is seeking a Software Controls Engineer to develop, install, and troubleshoot software for automated manufacturing equipment across multiple locations in the US. You will work with PLCs, HMIs, robot controllers, motion controllers, and machine vision systems, ensuring software aligns with customer requirements.

The role involves collaborating with engineering teams, participating in design reviews, and providing programming guidance while supporting testing, validation, and

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree or equivalent experience in Electrical Engineering or Computer Science (preferred).
• 3–5+ years in electrical or software design/engineering, manufacturing preferred.
• Proficiency with PLC, HMI, robot, motion control, LabVIEW, and machine vision software.

Responsibilities

• Develop, install, and troubleshoot PLC/HMI/vision software per project requirements.
• Collaborate with Project Managers, Mechanical/Electrical design teams to define machine functions.
• Support design reviews and provide technical guidance from a programming perspective.
• Troubleshoot and debug complex automation systems and hardware interactions.
• Travel domestically and internationally as required for projects.

Skills

PLC programming

HMI programming

Robot control

Motion control

LabVIEW

Machine vision

Software debugging

Team collaboration

Safety compliance

Education

B.S. Electrical Engineering or Computer Science

Tools

PLC software suites

LabVIEW

Machine vision software

Job description

Job Description

Job Description

LOCATIONS

HAHN Automation Group has locations in MiamisburgOH,HebronKY,Columbia SC,and Brooklyn Park MN. All of our locations are actively recruiting for Controls Engineers (Machine Programmers). When applying please be sure to specify your preferred location or if you are open to relocation.

POSITION OVERVIEW

The Software Controls Engineer is to develop, install, and troubleshoot software systems to control the automated manufacturing equipment being developed by HAHN Automation Group US using various platforms including: programmable logic controllers (PLCs), Human Machine Interfaces (HMIs), robot controllers, motion controllers, machine vision, LabVIEW, and others.

The Software Controls Engineer will work closely with internal engineering teams and customers to ensure the software solutions being developed align with equipment functional requirements and customer technical requirements. As part of the software development process, this position will be an integral part of a team responsible for troubleshooting, debugging, and commissioning assigned equipment including mechanical, electrical, and pneumatic systems.

POSITION QUALIFICATIONS AND SKILLS

Education: College accreditation with emphasis in engineering or equivalent experience, preferably from within a manufacturing firm—bachelor’s degree with concentration in Electrical Engineering or Computer Science strongly preferred.

Experience: 3-5+ years of electrical or software design and/or engineering experience—experience within the special machine industry preferred.

• Proficiency in the use and programming of various PLC, HMI, robot, motion control, LabVIEW, and machine vision software applications
• Knowledge of structured software design principals
• Ability to understand and follow all relevant safety policies when working on assigned equipment projects including, but not limited to: lockout/tagout, electrical safety, arc flash safety, and robotic systems safety
• Ability to troubleshoot and debug complex automation systems, which may involve addressing software bugs, wiring issues, or mechanical problems
• Technically creative with an understanding of equipment functions to provide software solutions in a robust and economical manner
• Ability to evaluate quotations, specifications, and engineering drawings to identify functional requirements and develop machine control software solutions
• Organized and flexible in work functions allowing for dedicated, multitasking, and task interrupted duties
• Analytical and decisive to define, evaluate, and solve problems in an organized process
• Strong communication skills, both written and verbal with competency in computer and Microsoft Office products
• Ability to collaborate in team environments while maintaining individual duties effectively
• A commitment to integrity, ethical and economical practices, and the organization’s mission
• Flexibility to travel, domestic and international, and work additional hours as needed to meet project requirements

PRINCIPAL DUTIES AND ACTIVITIES

The principal duties will include, but not be limited to:

• Develop, install, and troubleshoot PLC, HMI, motion control, robot, vision software solutions consistent with HAHN Automation Group US design standards and customer requirements for all assigned projects
• Collaborate with Project Managers, Mechanical Design, and Electrical Design teams to understand machine function in order to develop appropriate software solutions
• Support the Electrical Design Engineering team by participating in design reviews and providing technical guidance for the overall system from a programming perspective
• Identify and provide reliable solutions for technical issues to ensure complete customer satisfaction through all stages of the process
• Provide customers with technical support
• Support equipment runoff and debug activity as well as machine acceptance testing
• Assist with the development of software validation protocols to confirm the machine control software meets all safety, performance, and technical requirements
• Share with department staff the design methodologies, productivity tools, standards, processes, and legacy information for increased knowledge and experience within the department
• Mentor less experienced design staff and assisting in the development of concepts and software design methodologies for projects
• Travel required, including overnight travel – potentially domestic and international

PHYSICAL AND ENVIRONMENTAL REQUIREMENTS

As a member of HAHN Automation Group US, applicants must be able to interact safely in a manufacturing environment. This includes:

• Full body mobility with the ability to bend, stoop, climb, and lift or move 25 lbs. of weight
• The ability to walk within restricted areas of the company manufacturing plant
• Professional conduct in regards to hygiene and dress
• The ability to read and prepare business documents as well as conduct business over the telephone in a sometimes-loud environment
• The ability to sit or stand for long periods of time
• The ability to travel to customer, supplier, and/or inter-company sites via vehicle or airplane (both domestic and international)
• Valid driver’s license with driving record of acceptable risk as defined by HAHN Automation Group US’s insurance company
• Must be legally authorized to work for any employer in the United States now and in the future without employment visa sponsorship

Company Description

The HAHN Automation Group is a global solution partner for factory automation. We offer industry-specific know-how, an extensive project portfolio, and a global organization with a focus on providing service all from a single source.

With facilities located in Hebron, KY, Queretaro, MX, Miamisburg, OH, and Columbia, SC the HAHN Automation Group is a full-service, specialty machine builder—engineering, manufacturing, installing, and servicing custom application assembly and test equipment specifically in support of customers in Med-Tech, Automotive, and Transformation Technology industries. Our mission is to partner with our customers as a premier provider of innovative, well-engineered manufacturing systems and solutions to enhance their competitive advantage.