Controls Engineer

Astec is a global, environmentally focused infrastructure and manufacturing company of asphalt road building and aggregate processing. Our mission is to design and build the most innovative products for the industries we serve. Leveraging innovative solutions and technologies, we serve customers all over the world.

The Controls Software Engineer will be a part of a dynamic team of engineers working on the development of control/automation code for heavy construction equipment, ranging from rock crushers, screens, conveying equipment, etc. The engineer will be involved in the creation of product requirements, decomposition to software requirements, structured software decomposition, code development, software design reviews, and software unit and integration testing.

The engineer will move from project to project as required and may be working on multiple projects within a given timeframe. All project work will be scheduled by the New Product Development Manager(s) and the Continuous Improvement Manager(s) such that the engineer will not be over allocated but will have definite deadlines and visibility into upcoming work.

Software will be developed on PLCs, embedded controllers, and HMI displays. Currently all systems are coded in either Code Sys, TIA Portal or B&R Automation Studio. The Control Software Engineer will work with the Electrical Engineer(s) on a project to map I/O, define necessary configurations, understand sensor input requirements as well as device output drive requirements. The Control Software Engineer will work cooperatively with the Electrical Engineer(s) and the Mechanical Engineer(s) to develop the appropriate control algorithms to produce the equipment functionality required by the customer and Product Management.

• Use structured systems engineering approach for the development of the software used to control heavy construction equipment.
• Uses knowledge of process automation techniques to advance the simplicity of operation and troubleshooting of equipment to maximize productivity by enhancing operator functionality and the minimization of equipment downtime.
• Uses structured software design techniques to distill product requirements into a product software specification, product software design, and product software test plan and creates the corresponding documents.
• Completes the controller/PLC programming and the HMI screen programming for product projects based on the software design.
• Performs unit testing and integration testing of all controller/PLC/HMI systems to insure performance and realization of all product requirements.
• Develops the software test plans for new designs and changes to existing designs, and coordinates the testing and validation using these plans,
• Contributes to the development of product documentation, including production work instructions, training manuals, troubleshooting guides, and product test plans.
• Identifies improvement opportunities and enhancements for product enhancements and/or cost reductions.
• Contributes to project teams to ensure the successful completion of project objectives, including schedule, budget, and feature set.
• Contributes to the development of new processes and procedures to enhance the software and hardware design capabilities and work products of the engineering team.
• Leads cross-functional software and HMI design reviews.
• Leads software design reviews for developed control software.
• Assists customers, via telephone or on site, to resolve function and/or application issues.
• Works with the Service Department to resolve field and warranty issues.
• Works with the Technical Publications Department to develop and update operation/parts/service manuals.
• Adheres to all Astec design and coding standards.
• Performs engineering calculations as required during design cycle.
• Follows proper safety procedures.
• Performs other duties as assigned.

• Bachelor of Science (B.S.) degree in Electrical / Computer Engineering or related field.
• Minimum of five (5) years of experience in the design and development of industrial or mobile equipment control software.