Software Controls Engineer

Actalent; United States; Remote; USD 69,000 - 90,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Medical, dental & vision

401(k) Retirement Plan

Life Insurance

Disability (Short/Long-term)

Health Spending Account

PTO/Time Off

Job summary

Actalent is seeking a Software Controls Engineer to develop and support Danfoss-based control systems for mobile and off-highway equipment. You will program machine control logic in Structured Text and C++, design CAN networks, and integrate hydraulic/electrohydraulic control strategies.

This role requires collaboration with multiple engineering teams and field involvement. The ideal candidate has 5+ years of controls software experience, familiarity with IEC 61131-3 and embedded C, and a track

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in Electrical Engineering or related field
• 5+ years of controls software development for mobile/off-highway equipment
• 3+ years programming Danfoss controllers in production environments
• Strong IEC 61131-3 Structured Text and C++ experience
• Experience with CAN bus and SAE J1939 protocols
• Embedded software development for real-time control systems

Responsibilities

• Develop and maintain software for Danfoss-based control systems
• Program machine control logic, diagnostics, and automation features
• Design and troubleshoot CAN networks (SAE J1939)
• Develop control strategies for hydraulic and electrohydraulic systems
• Configure sensors, actuators, valves, pumps, motors, and I/O
• Create software specs, requirements, and test plans
• Perform verification, validation, debugging, and field testing
• Support commissioning, startup activities, and field troubleshooting
• Collaborate with cross-functional engineering teams
• Contribute to documentation and training materials
• Participate in improving control architectures and processes
• Contribute to remote diagnostics and support strategies

Education

Bachelor's degree in Electrical Engineering

Tools

Danfoss controllers

Codesys

Embedded C

Job description

Job Title: Software Controls Engineer

Job Description

The Software Controls Engineer will develop, program, test, and support control systems for mobile and off-highway equipment applications. This role focuses on Danfoss controller programming, machine automation, and embedded software development, with an emphasis on hydraulic and electrohydraulic systems. The engineer will collaborate closely with electrical, mechanical, manufacturing, service, and product engineering teams to deliver reliable, high-performance machine control solutions from concept through production release.

Responsibilities

• Develop and maintain software for Danfoss-based control systems used in mobile and off-highway equipment.
• Program machine control logic, diagnostics, and automation features using Structured Text and C++.
• Design and troubleshoot CAN communication networks utilizing SAE J1939 and related protocols.
• Develop control strategies for hydraulic, electrohydraulic, and electromechanical systems.
• Configure and integrate sensors, actuators, valves, pumps, motors, and machine I/O devices.
• Create and maintain software specifications, functional requirements, and detailed test plans.
• Perform software verification, validation, debugging, and field testing to ensure robust performance.
• Support machine commissioning, startup activities, and troubleshooting efforts at customer or field locations as needed.
• Collaborate with Electrical, Mechanical, Manufacturing, Service, and Product Engineering teams to ensure successful project execution.
• Assist in the development of technical documentation, troubleshooting guides, and user manuals for control systems.
• Participate in continuous improvement of control architectures, software standards, and development processes.
• Contribute to machine automation, diagnostics, and remote support strategies as part of integrated system solutions.

Essential Skills

• Bachelor's degree in Electrical Engineering, Computer Engineering, Mechatronics Engineering, Software Engineering, or a related technical discipline.
• 5+ years of experience developing controls software for industrial, mobile, agricultural, construction, or off-highway equipment.
• 3+ years of experience programming and supporting Danfoss controllers in a production environment.
• Strong experience developing machine control software utilizing Structured Text (IEC 61131-3).
• Working knowledge of C++ for embedded controls applications.
• Strong experience programming Danfoss controllers for mobile equipment applications.
• Knowledge of hydraulic and electrohydraulic control systems and their application in mobile and off-highway machinery.
• Experience with machine automation, diagnostics, and troubleshooting in an embedded controls context.
• Proficiency in Structured Text programming for industrial and mobile control systems.
• Experience with embedded control systems and real-time software applications.
• Strong debugging and problem-solving skills for complex control and communication issues.
• Experience with CAN Bus communications in mobile or industrial equipment.
• Strong understanding of SAE J1939 protocols and related communication standards.
• Experience troubleshooting machine communication networks and resolving network-related faults.
• Experience integrating pressure, proximity, temperature, speed, and position sensors into control systems.
• Experience controlling hydraulic valves, pumps, motors, and actuators through embedded software.
• Hands‑on experience with PLC programming, automation systems, and HMI integration in control applications.
• Experience with embedded software development and coding for embedded systems.
• Working knowledge of C language and Embedded C in control and automation environments.

Additional Skills & Qualifications

• Experience with construction, mining, forestry, agricultural, or heavy industrial equipment.
• Experience developing HMI and operator interface software for mobile or industrial equipment.
• Knowledge of Codesys or other IEC 61131-3 programming environments.
• Experience with telematics and remote diagnostics for equipment monitoring and support.
• Hydraulic system tuning and calibration experience for optimal machine performance.
• Experience supporting field startups and commissioning activities for new or upgraded equipment.
• Electrical systems and their integration with control software.
• Experience with embedded systems design and implementation in industrial or mobile applications.
• Familiarity with software development best practices, including documentation, version control, and testing.
• Ability to collaborate effectively in cross-functional engineering teams and communicate technical concepts clearly.

Work Environment

The role operates in a hybrid work environment, combining remote work with very limited travel to the facility in Chattanooga or to customer sites for commissioning, field testing, and troubleshooting activities. The engineer works with modern embedded development tools, PLC and automation platforms, Danfoss controllers, Codesys and other IEC 61131-3 environments, and telematics and diagnostic technologies. The position offers billable holiday and paid time off, and involves close collaboration with multidisciplinary engineering teams in a professional, project-focused setting

Job Type & Location

This is a Contract position based out of Chattanooga, TN.

Pay and Benefits

The pay range for this position is $50.00 - $65.00/hr.

Eligibility requirements apply to some benefits and may depend on your jobclassification and length of employment. Benefits are subject to change and may besubject to specific elections, plan, or program terms. If eligible, the benefitsavailable for this temporary role may include the following:

• Medical, dental & vision
• Critical Illness, Accident, and Hospital
• 401(k) Retirement Plan – Pre-tax and Roth post-tax contributions available
• Life Insurance (Voluntary Life & AD&D for the employee and dependents)
• Short and long-term disability
• Health Spending Account (HSA)
• Transportation benefits
• Employee Assistance Program
• Time Off/Leave (PTO, Vacation or Sick Leave)

Workplace Type

This is a fully remote position.

Application Deadline

This position is anticipated to close on Sep 25, 2026.

About Actalent

Actalent is a global leader in engineering and sciences services and talent solutions. We help visionary companies advance their engineering and science initiatives through access to specialized experts who drive scale, innovation and speed to market. With a network of almost 20,000 consultants and 5,000 clients across the U.S., Canada, Asia and Europe, Actalent serves many of the Fortune 500. We are proud to be an Engineering News-Record (ENR) Top 500 Design Firm for our engineering design services and a ClearlyRated Best of Staffing® winner for both client and talent service.

The company is an equal opportunity employer and will consider all applications withoutregard to race, sex, age, color, religion, national origin, veteran status, disability,sexual orientation, gender identity, genetic information or any characteristic protectedby law.

If you would like to request a reasonable accommodation, such as the modification oradjustment of the job application process or interviewing process due to a disability,please email [e-mail] for other accommodation options.

San Francisco Fair Chance Ordinance:

Pursuant to the San Francisco Fair Chance Ordinance, for all positions located in thecity and county of San Francisco, we will consider for employment qualified applicantswith arrest and conviction records.

Massachusetts Lie Detector:

It is unlawful in Massachusetts to require or administer a lie detector test as acondition of employment or continued employment. An employer who violates this lawshall be subject to criminal penalties and civil liability.

Use of Artificial Intelligence (AI):

We may use Artificial Intelligence (AI) to support parts of our hiring process,including sourcing, screening, and evaluating candidates. AI helps assess applicationsand qualifications, but final decisions are made by our hiring team. By applying, youacknowledge and agree that your application may be reviewed using AI tools.