Controls Software Engineer

Ascent Aerospace•Buffalo, NY

About The Position

Ascent Aerospace is a provider of production and automated assembly systems and tooling for the aerospace and defense industry. The Controls Software Engineer provides engineering, integration, and technical support for manufacturing automated assembly equipment, and leads programming, commissioning, and software testing. The role designs, programs, tests, and starts up systems at customer facilities, including PLC logic, CNC programming, HMI programming, and drive configuration. The engineer contributes across the project lifecycle, from concept through production, and represents Ascent Aerospace during commissioning and customer buy-off. The position may involve travel of up to 50%, primarily local during the business day, with some projects requiring out-of-area and overnight travel. Work may take place at a computer workstation and in manufacturing plants, with exposure to moving mechanical parts, fumes, airborne particles, vibration, and occasional caustic chemicals. Off-shift or weekend work may be required to meet business demands. Safety glasses are mandatory in manufacturing areas, and safety shoes are recommended. Employment is contingent on successfully passing a reference check, criminal background check, and drug screening. The role involves information subject to ITAR and requires applicants to be U.S. persons as defined by ITAR.

Requirements

A BA or BS degree in Electrical Engineering, Computer Engineering, or Systems Engineering, or an equivalent combination of education and experience providing the required skills and knowledge.
Strong knowledge of electrical power and distribution systems.
Proficiency in Microsoft Office, including Excel, Word, PowerPoint, Outlook, and Project.
Must meet Export Control/ITAR compliance requirements as a U.S. person.
Ability to travel up to 50%; some out-of-area and overnight travel may be required.
Ability to work off-shift or weekends when required by department and business demands.
Ability to meet the described physical demands, including sitting, walking, standing, climbing, balancing, stooping, kneeling, crouching, crawling, and lifting or moving objects.

Nice To Haves

Experience in the C# programming language is preferred.
Problem-solving skills, including timely identification and resolution of problems and skillful gathering and analysis of information.
Knowledge of project life cycles and management of project requirements and execution through design and integration.
Strong interpersonal skills, including maintaining confidentiality, openness to others' ideas, and willingness to try new approaches.
Clear, persuasive oral communication, group presentation, and meeting-conducting skills.
Written communication skills, including editing for spelling and grammar, presenting numerical data, and interpreting written information.
Planning and organization skills, including prioritizing work, using time efficiently, and developing realistic action plans.
Adaptability to changing work conditions, competing demands, delays, and unexpected events.
Dependability, including punctuality, following instructions, responding to management direction, and seeking feedback.
Commitment to safety and security procedures and proper use of office equipment and materials.
Strategic planning and teamwork skills for establishing group objectives and implementing action plans.

Responsibilities

Design, specify, program, simulate, test, and assist with start-up of automated control systems.
Design, write, test, implement, and document PLC and HMI software.
Support installation, commissioning, and production of systems at customer facilities.
Complete the design of complex systems integrating hardware and software controls elements.
Assist in developing company standards to ensure consistency in project execution.
Research new technologies with other integration engineers for potential aerospace applications and improvements to system design and performance.
Review Program department metrics for accuracy in reporting program performance to management and customers.
Recommend improvements to metrics intended to enhance operational efficiency.
Perform additional duties assigned by management.