Software Automation Engineer

Meso Scale Diagnostics; Gaithersburg (MD); Hybrid; USD 78,000 - 116,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Medical, dental, and vision coverage

401(k) with company matching

Paid vacation and holidays

Disability insurance (short & long)

Employee assistance program

Bonus opportunities

Job summary

MSD in Gaithersburg, MD is seeking an Automation Software Engineer to design, program, and validate high-performance automation systems for microplate test kits and cartridges. You will configure and troubleshoot hardware/software, collaborate with R&D, Manufacturing, and QA, and help scale manufacturing capabilities.

The role requires a strong foundation in software design, programming with C#/.NET or equivalent OOP languages, and familiarity with automation hardware, sensors, and PLCs.

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree or higher in Computer Science, Software Engineering, Electrical Engineering or other related science or engineering discipline preferred.
• A minimum of one year of experience in large-scale software design is required.
• In the absence of a relevant degree, a minimum of three years of experience in automation equipment software development is required.
• A minimum of one year of programming experience using C# .Net or any OOP (Java, C++, etc.) is required.
• Prior experience with industrial robots, motors, controllers, and/or sensors is a plus.

Responsibilities

• Participate in the design and development of new controls and software for manufacturing, and research and development equipment.
• Maintain and update existing software.
• Collaborate with cross-functional teams to support new product development.
• Configure, validate, and troubleshoot automation software and hardware.
• Write technical documents such as requirements, design specs, release notes, and work instructions.
• Participate in design and code reviews and milestone reviews.
• Perform other engineering functions as assigned.

Skills

C# / .NET

Java / C++

PLC programming

GUI design

Database communication

Data structures

Industrial robots knowledge

Education

Bachelor’s degree or higher in Computer Science, Software Engineering, Electrical Engineering or related field

Job description

Gaithersburg, Maryland
Gaithersburg, MD 20877, USA

• Software Development
• Full-Time
• Requisition #: SOFTW003982

Description

POSITION SUMMARY

This position is responsible for the design and programming of high-performance automation systems used in the assembly, inspection, and reagent dispensing of microplate test kits and microfluidic assay cartridges, and other emerging products. The position works closely with cross-functional teams—including R&D, Manufacturing, and Quality Assurance to support new product development and enhance current manufacturing capabilities through automation. Key responsibilities include configuring, validating, and troubleshooting automation hardware and software to ensure reliable system performance and scalability.

DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES

• Participate in the design and development of new controls and software for manufacturing, and research and development equipment.
• Maintain and update existing software.
• Closely work with cross-functional teams to support new product development.
• Configure, validate, and troubleshoot automation software and hardware.
• Write technical documents, such as requirements, design specifications, release notes, work instructions, etc.
• Participate in design and code review, and milestone reviews.
• Perform any other engineering function as assigned.

EXPERIENCE AND QUALIFICATIONS

• Bachelor’s degree or higher in Computer Science, Software Engineering, Electrical Engineering or other related science or engineering discipline preferred
• Additional years of experience may be substituted for a degree.
• A minimum of one year of experience in large-scale software design is required.
• In the absence of a relevant degree, a minimum of three years of experience in automation equipment software development and associated experience is required.
• A minimum of one year of programming experience using C# .Net or any OOP (Java, C++, etc.) is required. Alternatively one year of experience with PLCs, programming with Ladder Logic, or structured text is required.
• Prior experience with industrial robots, motors, controllers, and/or digital and analog sensors is a plus.
• Experience with data structures, communication protocols, GUI design and database communication is plus.

KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS AND ABILITIES

• Working knowledge of full lifecycle software development
• Hardware/software integration experience is plus.
• Strong programming fundamentals and analytical background in Logical problem solving.
• Good communication and interpersonal skills.
• Demonstrated propensity to be creative, collaborative, proactive, and self-motivated in the execution and completion of assigned responsibilities.
• Attention to detail with a demonstrated commitment to excellence and performance improvement and the drive to deliver quality and value-added results and outcomes.
• A wide degree of creativity and latitude is expected including the ability to multi-task and work productively in a demanding environment with changing priorities.

PHYSICAL DEMANDS

This position requires the ability to communicate and exchange information, utilize equipment necessary to perform the job, and move about the office

WORK ENVIRONMENT

This position is typically performed in a traditional office environment or remotely as needed.

COMPENSATION SUMMARY

The annual base salary for this position ranges from $ 78,100 to $116,200. This salary range represents a general guideline as MSD considers other factors when presenting an offer of employment, such as scope and responsibilities of the position, external market factors, and the candidate’s knowledge, skills, abilities, education and experience. Employees may qualify for a discretionary or non-discretionary bonus in addition to their base salary. These annual bonuses are intended to recognize individual performance and enable employees to benefit from the Company's overall success.

BENEFITS SUMMARY

• At MSD, we offer a comprehensive benefits package to support our employees' well-being and financial security.
• In addition to competitive salaries, our benefits include medical, dental, and vision coverage, along with prescription benefits.
• We provide a 401(k) plan with company matching, flexible spending accounts, and company-paid short- and long-term disability insurance as well as group life and accidental death and dismemberment insurance.
• Our offerings also encompass paid vacation, paid sick leave, paid holidays, and paid parental leave, along with an employee assistance program.
• Additional voluntary perks include a fitness club membership contribution, pet insurance, identity theft protection, home and auto insurance discounts, and optional supplemental life insurance.

EEO STATEMENT

MSD is an Equal Opportunity Employer. We are committed to fostering a diverse and inclusive workplace where all individuals are treated with respect and dignity. We welcome applications from all qualified candidates, making employment decisions without regard to race, color, religion, creed, sex, genetic information, marital status, national origin, age, protected veteran status, pregnancy, disability status, or any other protected characteristic. For our full EEO statement, please visit here . Meso Scale Diagnostics uses E-Verify t o validate the work eligibility of candidates.

Equal Opportunity Employer/Protected Veterans/Individuals with Disabilities
This employer is required to notify all applicants of their rights pursuant to federal employment laws.For further information, please review the Know Your Rights notice from the Department of Labor.