Software Controls Engineer

PeopleSolutions, Inc.; Roanoke (VA); On-site; USD 80,000 - 105,000; Full time

Job summary

PeopleSolutions, Inc. seeks a Software Controls Engineer to develop, test, and support PC and PLC‑based software for industrial automation.

You will work with project teams, clients, and commissioning engineers from design through commissioning to deliver reliable control software that meets customer specifications. The role emphasizes PLC programming, HMI development, motion control, distributed I/O, and embedded real-time software, with opportunities to improve engineering standards and

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in Electrical Engineering, Mechanical Engineering (Controls/Automation) or related field.
• Equivalent education and relevant work experience considered.
• Minimum of 2 years of control system engineering experience.
• Experience with machine-level programming.
• Experience designing industrial PLC, distributed I/O, and HMI software systems.
• Demonstrated ability to collaborate effectively within project teams.
• Willingness to travel domestically and internationally up to 20%.
• Ability to climb and work on cranes up to ~175 feet.

Responsibilities

• Interpret and implement software project design requirements with project teams and clients.
• Develop PC and PLC software control solutions for automation systems.
• Build control system software including motion control and I/O mapping.
• Develop and maintain embedded real-time software for automation applications.
• Document software interfaces to customer and third-party systems.
• Perform system testing and simulations to validate functionality.
• Provide technical support during client witness testing.
• Lead design reviews to maintain quality and schedules.

Skills

PLC programming

HMI development

Motion control

Distributed I/O

Team collaboration

Travel readiness

Education

Bachelor's degree in Electrical/Mech/Mechatronics engineering

Tools

GE PLC & HMI systems

Siemens PLC platforms

Visual Studio

VC++

SQL Server

.NET

Job description

We are seeking a Software Controls Engineer to develop, test, and support PC and PLC-based software control solutions for industrial automation systems. This role is responsible for creating reliable control software that meets customer specifications while supporting projects from initial design through commissioning.

The ideal candidate has experience with industrial PLC programming, HMI development, motion control, distributed I/O systems, and industrial automation. This individual will work closely with project teams, clients, and commissioning engineers to deliver high-quality control systems while continuously improving engineering standards and software development processes.

Primary Responsibilities

• Interpret and implement software project design requirements in collaboration with project teams and clients.
• Develop PC and PLC software control solutions for industrial automation systems.
• Build control system software including: Motion control systems
• Local and remote I/O mapping
• Automation control logic
• Sensor integration
• Develop and maintain embedded, real-time software for automation applications.
• Develop and document software interfaces to customer and third-party systems.
• Perform system testing and simulations to validate functionality and software quality.
• Provide technical support during client witness testing.
• Support commissioning engineers and customers during installation and startup activities.
• Lead project design reviews to maintain project quality and schedules.

Minimum Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in Electrical Engineering, Mechanical Engineering (with Controls/Automation coursework), Mechatronics, Computer Engineering, or related field.
• Equivalent education and/or relevant work experience will also be considered.
• Minimum of 2 years of control system engineering experience.
• Experience with machine-level programming.
• Experience designing industrial PLC, distributed I/O, and HMI software systems.
• Demonstrated success working as a contributing member of project teams.
• Strong leadership, communication, organizational, and interpersonal skills.
• Ability to build positive working relationships with clients, suppliers, and internal teams.
• Demonstrated commitment to continuous improvement.
• Ability to climb and work on cranes up to approximately 175 feet in height.
• Ability to travel domestically and internationally up to approximately 20%, sometimes with limited notice.

Preferred Qualifications

• 2+ years of engineering experience specializing in industrial drive and motor control applications.
• Experience programming GE PLC & HMI systems and/or Siemens PLC platforms.
• Experience integrating laser-based and camera-based sensor systems into automation projects.
• Experience developing embedded real-time software applications.
• Visual Studio
• VC++
• Visual Basic
• SQL Server
• .NET
• Demonstrated ability to evaluate and implement new technologies to improve engineering solutions and customer outcomes.

Why Join Us?

• Collaborate with experienced engineering teams.
• Participate in projects from design through commissioning.
• Opportunity to influence engineering standards and new product development.
• Domestic and international travel supporting advanced industrial systems.
• Competitive compensation and long-term career growth opportunities.