Software and Automation Engineering Co-op

Vylor; Johnston (IA); On-site; USD 30,000 - 39,000; Part time

Job summary

Vylor in the Des Moines metropolitan area seeks a Software and Automation Engineering Co-op to join the Global Seed Operations Plant Excellence team. You will work with engineers, operations partners, and cross-functional teams to translate business needs into practical software and automation solutions for seed production equipment.

You will gain hands-on experience across the full development lifecycle, including machine vision, data systems, and device communication, while contributing to

Qualifications

• Currently enrolled full-time in a bachelor's degree program in software engineering, computer engineering, computer science, electrical engineering, automation engineering, or a related technical field.
• Experience developing software using one or more programming languages, such as C#/.NET, Python, or Java.
• Ability to work safely around common shop and seed-handling equipment and follow established safety procedures.
• Ability to collaborate respectfully and effectively with people from different functions and backgrounds.
• Strong problem-solving, communication, and organizational skills.
• Ability to work in the United States without restriction.

Responsibilities

• Collaborating on cross-functional project teams to understand customer requirements and translate them into technical solutions
• Designing, developing, testing, documenting, and maintaining software solutions that support seed production equipment and processes
• Troubleshooting software, device-communication, and system-integration issues
• Learning how plant and field equipment operate and identifying critical technology and automation needs
• Planning and delivering work within seasonal production schedules and project timelines
• Communicating project progress, technical findings, and recommendations to engineering and business partners

Job description

Join Vylor—Powering the Future of Agriculture At Vylor, we’re advancing agriculture through breakthrough science—combining elite germplasm, cutting-edge biotech, and next-generation expertise in gene editing and molecular breeding. Our portfolio includes trusted industry brands like Pioneer®, Brevant®, and Hoegemeyer®, delivering performance farmers rely on. Join us to help scale innovation globally and shape what’s next in crop science. Vylor is seeking a software or computer engineering student to join the Global Seed Operations Plant Excellence team in the Des Moines metropolitan area. This multi-term co-op provides hands‑on experience developing integrated software and automation solutions for equipment used and designed by Vylor engineering teams. The selected student must be available to complete either the spring and summer 2027 terms or the summer and winter 2027 terms.

Responsibilities

As a Software and Automation Engineering Co‑op, you will work with engineers, operations partners, and other cross‑functional team members to understand business needs and deliver practical technology solutions. Responsibilities may include:

• Collaborating on cross‑functional project teams to understand customer requirements and translate them into technical solutions
• Designing, developing, testing, documenting, and maintaining software solutions that support seed production equipment and processes
• Troubleshooting software, device‑communication, and system‑integration issues
• Learning how plant and field equipment operate and identifying critical technology and automation needs
• Planning and delivering work within seasonal production schedules and project timelines
• Communicating project progress, technical findings, and recommendations to engineering and business partners

What You Will Gain

• Hands‑on software development and automation experience in a production environment
• Exposure to industrial equipment, controls, machine vision, data systems, and device communication
• Experience working through the full development lifecycle—from requirements and design through testing and support
• Opportunities to build technical, analytical, project‑management, and communication skills
• Experience collaborating with engineering, operations, and other cross‑functional partners

Qualifications

Required

• Currently enrolled full‑time in a bachelor's degree program in software engineering, computer engineering, computer science, electrical engineering, automation engineering, or a related technical field
• Experience developing software using one or more programming languages, such as C#/.NET, Python, or Java
• Ability to work safely around common shop and seed‑handling equipment and follow established safety procedures
• Ability to collaborate respectfully and effectively with people from different functions and backgrounds
• Strong problem‑solving, communication, and organizational skills
• Ability to work in the United States without restriction

Preferred Technical Experience

Experience in one or more of the following areas is preferred but not required:

• Object‑oriented design patterns and N‑tier application architecture
• Create, read, update, and delete (CRUD) database operations
• Network security concepts and interaction with cloud resources
• Industrial or embedded device communication using serial protocols, Modbus TCP, OPC UA, or CAN
• Embedded software development
• IEC 61131‑3 programmable logic controller (PLC) programming
• Machine vision systems
• Artificial intelligence or computer‑vision tools, including platforms such as Supervisely

Work Environment

• Combination of office, engineering, shop, and seed‑production environments
• Potential exposure to operating equipment, dust, noise, and other conditions common to production facilities, with appropriate training and personal protective equipment
• Ability to follow all safety, legal, ethical, information‑security, and company requirements

Join Vylor to build real‑world software and automation solutions while learning how technology supports a global seed production business.

Corteva announced to separate our current advanced seed and genetics business to establish a standalone company, operating as Vylor, Inc. The process of the planned separation is anticipated to be completed the fourth quarter of 2026, subject to legal requirements and board approval. Should you accept this position, it is anticipated that, following conclusion of the separation, you would be an employee of Vylor, Inc. and your employment would be governed by Vylor, Inc. employment processes, programs, policies, and benefit plans. In that case, details of any planned changes would be provided to you by Vylor, Inc. at an appropriate time and subject to any necessary consultation processes.

Vylor is an equal opportunity employer. We are committed to embracing our differences to enrich lives, advance innovation, and boost company performance. Qualified applicants will be considered without regard to race, color, religion, creed, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, marital status, national origin, age, military or veteran status, pregnancy related conditions (including pregnancy, childbirth, or related medical conditions), disability or any other protected status in accordance with federal, state, or local laws.