Sr. Controls Engineer

Softworld, a Kelly Company; Spokane (WA); On-site; USD 95,000 - 120,000; Full time

Job summary

Softworld, a Kelly Company, is seeking a Robotics Controls Software & Systems Engineer to design, develop, deploy, and support next‑gen robotic manipulation within a large fulfillment network. The role is hands-on across controls, software, robotics, and systems integration, working onsite with a Seattle team in a lab setting to bring new hardware online and run experiments.

You will build motion‑control solutions using CodeSys, EtherCAT, IEC 61131-3 Structured Text and Function Block

Qualifications

• 3–6 years of control systems engineering experience.
• 3+ years of motion-control experience in material-handling or actuated systems.
• Experience across PLC-based IEC 61131-3 Structured Text and Function Block environments.

Responsibilities

• Design, implement, deploy, and debug robotic motion-control systems.
• Develop controls for material-handling systems and robotic actuators.
• Work with robotics software engineers and product managers throughout the lifecycle.
• Occasionally travel to pilot locations to observe deployed systems.

Skills

Control systems engineering

Motion control

PLC programming

IEC 61131-3 Structured Text

Function Block programming

Robotics integration

Troubleshooting

Education

Bachelor's degree in Computer Science, Robotics Engineering, Computer Engineering, Industrial Controls, or equivalent

Tools

CodeSys

EtherCAT

IEC 61131-3

Job description

Robotics Controls Software & Systems Engineer – Spokane, WA

**Per Client Guidelines: NO C2C or 3rd Party Suppliers can be used for his role**

We’re looking for a Robotics Controls Software & Systems Engineer to help design, develop, deploy, and support the next generation of robotic manipulation systems within a large-scale fulfillment network.

This is a hands‑on engineering role for someone who enjoys working across controls, software, robotics, and systems integration. You’ll work onsite with a robotics team in a Seattle laboratory, developing and debugging motion‑control systems, bringing new robotic hardware online, running experiments, and supporting systems through deployment.

What You’ll Be Doing:

• Design, implement, deploy, and debug robotic motion‑control systems
• Develop controls for material‑handling systems, custom robotic grippers, and high‑performance robotic systems
• Build solutions using CodeSys, EtherCAT, IEC 61131-3 Structured Text, and Function Block programming
• Develop code from scratch using Programmable Logic Controller (PLC).
• Participate throughout the product lifecycle—from initial design and prototyping through integration and field support
• Run experiments, collect data, troubleshoot systems, and develop new features
• Partner with robotics software engineers, applied scientists, engineering managers, and product managers
• Occasionally travel to pilot locations to observe and support deployed robotic systems

Required Qualifications:

• 3–6 years of control systems engineering experience
• 3+ years of motion‑controls experience, including material‑handling or actuated systems
• 3+ years developing solutions across multiple platforms, including PLC‑based IEC 61131‑3 Structured Text and Function Block environments, microcontrollers, PCs, and mobile devices
• Bachelor’s degree in Computer Science, Robotics Engineering, Computer Engineering, Industrial Controls, or equivalent
• Strong hands‑on engineering and troubleshooting capabilities

Preferred Experience:

• Industrial robotic arms or custom actuated hardware systems