Sr. Automation Engineer

Vylor Inc.; Des Moines (IA); On-site; USD 110,000 - 150,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Health benefits

Paid time off

Parental leave

Tuition reimbursement

Job summary

Vylor Inc. in the Des Moines metro area is seeking a Senior Automation Engineer to deliver software for custom R&D equipment, including greenhouses, labs, and seed processing facilities.

You will design and maintain C++ and C# software that controls imaging systems and automation workflows. You will work on cross-functional teams from specification to deployment, write tests and documentation, and gain hands-on access to field and lab hardware.

Qualifications

• 10+ years in industrial automation.
• Bachelor's degree in engineering or equivalent.
• Proficient in C++ or C# for industrial automation.
• Experience with MQTT, MODBUS, EtherCAT.
• Hands-on hardware development and testing.
• Strong communication and teamwork.

Responsibilities

• Design and maintain software for R&D equipment in greenhouse, labs, seed facilities, and field equipment.
• Develop and maintain C++/C# software for imaging system control.
• Advance automation workflows by integrating hyperspectral imaging with robotics and industrial systems.
• Collaborate on cross-functional projects from spec to deployment.
• Develop, test, document, and maintain software on seasonal schedules.
• Understand field and lab equipment used in R&D.

Skills

C++ / C#

Industrial automation

MQTT

MODBUS

EtherCAT

Rust

Python

PLC programming

Structured Text

Serial communication

Ethernet/IP

CRUD database

Education

Bachelor's degree in Engineering

Tools

Beckhoff

EPSON RC+

Job description

Join Vylor—Powering the Future of AgricultureAt 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.We are seeking a Senior Automation Engineer in the Des Moines metro area. The Senior Automation Engineer delivers software solutions for equipment designed by our engineering teams.What You'll Do:As a member of the Research Engineering team, you will have opportunities to do the following:Design and maintain software solutions in collaboration with a team of engineers on custom R&D equipment for various areas such as greenhouses, laboratories, seed processing facilities, and in-field equipment.Design and maintain C++ and C# software for controlling imaging systems.Design and optimize automation workflows, integrating hyperspectral imaging with robotic or industrial systems.Work on a cross-functional project team to meet customer requirements and expectations.Develop, test, document, and maintain software solutions driven by a seasonal schedule.Develop an understanding of field and lab equipment for R&D.What You Need:10+ years of experience in the industrial automation field.Bachelor’s degree in engineering (Agricultural, Biological, Mechanical, Software, or related discipline) or equivalent proven experience.Proficient in developing solutions in C++ or C# for the industrial automation field. [7 years of experience]Experience with industrial automation protocols (MQTT, MODBUS, EtherCAT etc).Ability to work safely around common shop equipment.A desire to do hands-on work directly with hardware and equipment for development and testing.Strong communication skills.Ability to work on projects from the specification to the deployment phases.Ability to work in the U.S. without restriction.Ability to work as a valued teammate, demonstrating respect for all people.Work legally and ethically.The following skills would be a plus, but not required:Experience programming PLCs in Structured Text. (preferably Beckhoff). [7 years of experience]Experience developing solutions in Rust and PythonExperience with EPSON robots (Epson RC+)Knowledge of design patterns and N-Tiered architecture.Desirable experience with CRUD database interaction.Understanding of synchronous programming concepts such as locking on shared resources, deadlock, and race conditions.Experience communicating with devices through: Serial communication: Modbus RTU, CAN protocol.Ethernet-based protocols: EtherCAT, PowerLink, EthernetIP, Modbus TCP.Experience delivering solutions within the agricultural industry.Benefits – How We’ll Support You:Numerous development opportunities offered to build your skillsBe part of a company with a higher purpose and contribute to making the world a better placeHealth benefits for you and your family on your first day of employmentFour weeks of paid time off and two weeks of well-being pay per year, plus paid holidaysExcellent parental leave which includes a minimum of 16 weeks for mother and fatherFuture planning with our competitive retirement savings plan and tuition reimbursement programLearn more about our total rewards package here - Vylor BenefitsCheck out life at Vylor! https://www.linkedin.com/company/vylorgenetics/Are you a good match? Apply today! We seek applicants from all backgrounds to ensure we get the best, most creative talent on our team.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.