Controls Engineer

Alamo Group Inc.•Fremont Township, MI

About The Position

Under general direction, Controls Software Engineer is responsible for developing and supporting embedded software and control systems that operate Morbark’ s industrial equipment. This role combines software development and machine controls engineering, The designing software modules and control logic that ensure machines operate safely, efficiently, and reliably. Working as part of the Electrical & Hydraulic Engineering team, the Controls Software Engineer develops software used to control machine functions, integrate electrical and hydraulic systems, and deliver real-time feedback to machine operators. This role focuses on designing, developing, testing, and troubleshooting machine control software used in Morbark equipment. The role contributes to both new product development and continuous improvement of existing equipment, ensuring software performance meets operational and safety requirements.

Requirements

Must demonstrate the ability to work in a team, learn and adapt quickly to new information.
Must demonstrate a minimum of knowledge of vehicle electrical systems, CAN networks, electric vehicles or similar complex systems.
Experience using graphical programming environments like MATLAB, Simulink, Parker IQN, CodeSys or similar to create control systems and HMI.
Experience with CAN Bus, CANopen, j1939, OBD, SPN, PGN, DTC SPN, and similar
Familiar with structured language programming and or software development operations
Experience with high and low voltage electric drive systems including motors, inverters and battery packs
Ability to read, interpret and create drawings, schematics, operator’s manuals, and assembly instructions
Ability to use hand tools such as rachet drivers, wrenches, hammers, punches, soldering irons, de-soldering tools, and a variety of crimpers.
Ability to perform basic measurements using tape measure, protractor, calipers, micrometers, and other measuring devices
Ability to perform basic measurements using multimeter, o-scope and other measuring devices
Skilled and proficient with the use of personal computers; including JDE, and standard office software (i.e., Microsoft Word, PowerPoint, Excel, Access, etc.)
Knowledge of setup and calibration of inverters
Excellent communication skills both verbal and written. Ability to communicate with various levels within the organization.
Strong planning and project management skills with the ability to work well under pressure and manage multiple projects and priorities.
Demonstrated ability to provide timely, detailed, results oriented products.
Able to work irregular and/or long hours that may include weekends and/or holidays as project requirements dictate.
Able to travel independently by common air carrier and automobile including international travel
Able to maintain an insurable driving record
Demonstrated ability to exhibit and model Alamo Group's Core Competencies: Leading Change / Change Management: Ability to drive improvement of team, division, and corporate goals and objectives through people. Ability to balance change and continually strive to improve business performance. Leading People / Teamwork: Ability to design and implement strategies which maximize employees' potential and foster high ethical standards in meeting the team, division, and corporate objectives. Communication: Ability to explain, advocate, and express facts and ideas in a convincing manner, and negotiate with individuals and groups internally and externally. The ability to develop internal and external networks and identify the issues that impact the work of the organization. Business Acumen: Understands and interprets business financials and metrics and utilizes latest business strategies. Focuses on outcomes and creates opportunities for success. Acquires and utilizes human, financial, material and information resources effectively. Results Driven: Ability to make timely and effective decisions and produce results through planning and the implementation and evaluation of business metrics, systems, policies, policies, and program; stressing accountability and continuous improvement.
Bachelor's degree in Electrical Engineering, Software Engineering, Mechanical Engineering, or a related technical field is required.
Experience developing embedded software or machine control systems.
Knowledge of industrial control systems or PLC-based platforms such as Parker IQAN, CODESYS, or similar environments.
Minimum 2 years of previous experience in a vehicle or similar complex system, designing electrical systems or control systems.

Responsibilities

Design, develop, and implement embedded software that controls machine functions and operator interfaces.
Develop software modules and control logic for machine operation using platforms such as Parker IQAN, CODESYS, CodeAssist, or similar control environments.
Design implement and tune control loops using PID, discrete time operations, ladder logic, scripting, and structured programming language
Write and maintain code that enables machine functionality, diagnostics, and operator displays.
Define and implement control algorithms to manage electrical and hydraulic machine systems.
Design and implement machine control systems integrating software, electrical components, sensors, and hydraulic systems.
Develop functional requirements and control strategies that support safe and efficient machine operation.
Collaborate with electrical, hydraulic, and mechanical engineers to integrate control systems into machine designs.
Support development of operator interfaces and machine diagnostics.
Simulate and debug software during development prior to machine implementation.
Validate software and control system performance at bench and machine levels.
Diagnose and troubleshoot software, electrical, and control system issues on machines.
Identify root causes of machine control problems and implement corrective solutions.
Additional duties as assigned