Software Engineering Technician - Manufacturing Automation Software
About The Position
Schweitzer Engineering Laboratories is hiring a Software Engineering Technician I/II for its Manufacturing Automation Software (MAS) team. This hands-on production-floor role builds, brings up, supports, and optimizes automation infrastructure and data collection systems used in manufacturing production and testing. The role focuses on improving the production team's operating experience, increasing automation, and strengthening system reliability and uptime, with the goal of maximizing throughput and eliminating unplanned downtime. The technician works directly with production operators and process, manufacturing, test, and software engineers to deliver effective solutions. The work involves troubleshooting software and equipment, helping operators resolve routine issues, preparing and installing automation equipment, documenting incidents and outcomes, and identifying improvements to system reliability and deployment consistency. The posting describes a fast-paced, high-throughput production environment where each day may bring different challenges. The position is available at the Software Engineering Technician I or II level in Pullman, Washington; Nampa, Idaho; or Post Falls, Idaho. Candidates may be considered at different levels based on their background. SEL is a 100% employee-owned company, and the role is presented as supporting the production of products used in electric power systems.
Requirements
- At least one year of hands-on experience troubleshooting technical equipment, systems, or processes through work, education, military service, or comparable practical experience.
- Ability to troubleshoot issues to determine a solution and root cause quickly.
- Ability to communicate clearly, verbally and in writing, with people across technical levels.
- Ability to document work so others can use the material effectively.
- Willingness to follow established procedures and safe work practices.
- Ability to establish clear priorities and work efficiently.
- Disciplined approach to work that minimizes mistakes and supports learning from incidents.
- Ability to ask for guidance or escalate issues when appropriate.
- Ability to organize work and follow through.
Nice To Haves
- Hands-on experience with high-throughput test automation systems for mission-critical products in a high-volume manufacturing environment.
- Ability to travel to other SEL manufacturing sites when necessary.
- Understanding of and experience with modern communications protocols.
- Proven leadership experience.
- Familiarity with installing or maintaining computers, networks, controls, sensors, or other connected equipment.
- Experience using logs and measurements to diagnose issues.
- Experience maintaining technical documentation or inventory.
- Experience with Windows or Linux, scripting, source control, issue tracking, or configuration-management tools such as Ansible.
Responsibilities
- Rapidly and accurately troubleshoot system components, including software, services, instruments, networking, and hardware interfaces.
- Help production operators recover from common equipment and software issues.
- Develop clear guides that help operators resolve routine problems independently.
- Set up new automated machines, including assembling physical automation infrastructure and verifying equipment connections and configuration.
- Coordinate parts and inventory to ensure installations are ready when needed.
- Document evidence and outcomes for reported issues.
- Communicate issues to operators and engineers.
- Identify opportunities to improve automation reliability and make machine deployments more consistent.
- Teach and mentor engineers and technicians throughout Manufacturing.
- Build, bring up, support, and optimize infrastructure that automates production systems and collects data for continuous improvement.
Benefits
- Employee Stock Ownership Plan (ESOP) and personal 401(k) options.
- Medical, prescription, dental, vision, life, and disability insurance.
- 10 paid holidays.
- Annual vacation accrual starting at 12 days.
- 9 paid sick days.
- Paid family and medical leave covering 90% of pay.
- STEM courses, apprenticeships, tuition assistance, and engineering development programs.
- Wellness, fertility, adoption, and flexible spending benefits.
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What This Job Offers
Job Type
Full-time
Career Level
Entry Level
Education Level
No Education Listed
