PLC/HMI Controls Software Engineer

PAR Systems•Saint Paul, MN

About The Position

RFA Engineering is seeking a PLC/HMI Controls Software Engineer to support the development, integration, testing, and commissioning of automated machinery and industrial control systems. The role involves custom equipment such as material handling systems, cranes, gantries, robotics, motion-control systems, and specialized automation equipment used in demanding industrial environments. The work supports industrial automation and engineered equipment across a variety of industries.

Requirements

Bachelor’s degree in Electrical Engineering, Controls Engineering, Computer Engineering, Electrical Engineering Technology, or a related field.
Experience with PLC programming, machine controls, or industrial automation.
Experience developing PLC-based control systems.
Ability to read and interpret electrical schematics and technical documentation.
Strong troubleshooting, analytical, and problem-solving skills.
Effective written and verbal communication skills.
Ability to work in a multidisciplinary engineering environment.

Nice To Haves

3+ years of industrial controls or automation experience.
Experience with Siemens PLCs, TIA Portal, and Structured Text.
Experience with Rockwell PLCs and FactoryTalk products.
Experience developing HMI applications using Ignition, FactoryTalk View, WinCC, or similar tools.
Experience with industrial networking and distributed control systems.
Experience with servo systems, motion control, robotics, and machine vision.
Experience commissioning automated equipment and supporting FAT/SAT activities.
Familiarity with machine safety, functional safety, and SIL-rated systems.
Experience with cranes, gantries, automated material handling systems, or custom machinery.
Knowledge of industrial cybersecurity concepts.
Experience supporting projects in highly regulated industries such as nuclear, energy, aerospace, or defense.

Responsibilities

Develop PLC and HMI software for industrial machinery and automated equipment.
Create machine sequences, operating modes, interlocks, alarms, diagnostics, and recovery functions.
Program PLCs using Structured Text, Siemens SCL, ladder logic, or similar languages.
Configure and integrate industrial networks, controllers, drives, sensors, and actuators.
Develop and troubleshoot motion-control systems, including VFDs, servo drives, motors, and encoders.
Support robotics, machine vision, and advanced automation technologies as required.
Perform software integration, machine checkout, troubleshooting, startup, and commissioning activities.
Support Factory Acceptance Testing (FAT) and Site Acceptance Testing (SAT).
Participate in controls design reviews and software verification activities.
Collaborate with electrical, mechanical, manufacturing, and project engineering teams.
Create and maintain software documentation, test procedures, and as-built records.