PLC/HMI Controls Software Engineer

RFA Engineering (www.rfamec.com) is an engineering service provider dedicated to delivering our clients with timely engineering support and expertise. We are seeking experienced controls and automation engineers to join our engineering team. For this position RFA will be working in many functional areas supporting industrial automation, automated equipment, machine controls, material handling systems, and other complex engineered equipment across a variety of industries.

PLC/HMI Controls Software Engineer

PLC/HMI Controls Software Engineer will support the development, integration, testing, and commissioning of automated machinery and industrial control systems. This role will work on custom equipment including material handling systems, cranes, gantries, robotics, motion-control systems, and specialized automation equipment used in demanding industrial environments.

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.

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.

Preferred Qualifications

• 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.

Visa sponsorship is NOT available for this position.

Pay Range: $90,000-$140,000 Commensurate with experience

About RFA Engineering

RFA Engineering has provided product development and engineering services to industry leading customers since 1943. Our primary focus is the development of off highway equipment including agricultural, construction, mining, recreational, industrial, and special machines. Our work includes concept development, product design, documentation, problem-solving, simulation, optimization, and testing of components, systems and complete machines. Our engineering staff is located at our Engineering Center in Minneapolis, branch office in Dubuque, IA, and at numerous customer sites throughout the U.S.

Competitive Benefits

• Health and Dental Insurance
• TelaDoc Healthiest You
• Supplemental Vision Insurance
• Company Paid Life Insurance
• Company Paid Long-Term Disability
• Short-term Disability
• Retirement Savings Account (Traditional 401k & Roth 401k)
• Flexible Spending Plan Dependent Care
• HSA for Medical Expenses
• Bonus Plan (Exempt Employees Only)
• Paid Time Off (PTO)
• Paid Holidays
• Bereavement Leave
• Employee Assistance Programs (EAP)
• Education Assistance

Equal Opportunity and Veteran Friendly