Controls Software Engineer

Ascent Aerospace•Buffalo, NY

1d•$40 - $56

About The Position

The Controls Software Engineer provides engineering, integration, and technical support for manufacturing automated assembly equipment. The role leads programming, commissioning, and software testing, and is responsible for designing, programming, testing, and starting up systems at client facilities. Design work includes PLC logic, CNC programming, HMI programming, and drive configuration. The engineer contributes throughout a project—from concept through production—and represents Ascent Aerospace professionally, particularly during commissioning and customer buyoff. The position involves automated controls system design, specification, programming, simulation, testing, and startup assistance; developing and documenting PLC and HMI software; supporting system installation, commissioning, and production at customer facilities; and completing complex systems integrating hardware and software controls. The engineer also helps develop company standards, researches technologies with other integration engineers, reviews program metrics, and recommends ways to improve operating efficiency. Travel may be up to 50%, primarily local during the business day, with some out-of-area and overnight travel. Work may involve a computer workstation and manufacturing plant environments, including exposure to moving mechanical parts, fumes, airborne particles, vibration, and occasionally caustic chemicals. Off-shift or weekend work may be required to meet business demands.

Requirements

A BA or BS degree in Electrical Engineering, Computer Engineering, or Systems Engineering; equivalent combinations of education and experience providing the required skills and knowledge will be considered.
Strong knowledge of electrical power and distribution systems.
Proficiency in MS Office, including Excel, Word, PowerPoint, Outlook, and Project.
Must meet Export Control requirements as a U.S. person under ITAR.
Employment is contingent upon successfully passing an employee reference check, criminal background check, and drug screening.

Nice To Haves

Experience in the C# programming language is preferred.
Problem-solving skills, including timely issue resolution and skillful information gathering and analysis.
Knowledge of project life cycles, project requirements, and execution through design and integration.
Interpersonal skills, including confidentiality, openness to others’ ideas, and willingness to try new things with internal and external stakeholders.
Clear and persuasive oral communication, group presentation, and meeting-conducting skills.
Written communication skills, including editing for spelling and grammar, presenting numerical data effectively, and interpreting written information.
Planning and organizing skills, including prioritizing, efficient time use, and developing realistic action plans.
Adaptability to changing work conditions, competing demands, delays, and unexpected events.
Dependability, including punctuality, following instructions and management direction, and soliciting feedback.
Commitment to safety and security procedures and proper use of office equipment and materials.
Ability to work collaboratively on group goals and objectives and develop and implement action plans.

Responsibilities

Design, specify, program, simulate, and test automated controls systems, and assist with startup.
Design, write, test, implement, and document PLC and HMI software.
Support system installation, commissioning, and production at customer facilities.
Complete designs for complex systems integrating hardware and software controls elements.
Assist in developing company standards for consistent project execution.
Research technologies with other integration engineers for potential aerospace applications and improvements to system design and performance.
Review Program department metrics for accurate reporting of program performance to management and customers.
Recommend improvements to metrics and operating efficiencies.
Perform additional duties assigned by management.