Controls Software Engineer

Starting Base Salary Range of $115,000 to $130,000 (DOE)

For over 100 years, we’ve manufactured high-quality products right here in the USA. We still operate out of our Oregon-based factory to this day, producing innovative, battle‑proven optics for the world’s most relentless hunters, shooters, law enforcement officers, and military personnel. We design, build, and test our best‑in‑class products with a single‑minded focus - to make sure they’ll perform forever.

The manufacture of high‑quality, precision optics presents unique challenges that demand custom, innovative solutions. Because of this, we have an exciting opportunity for a hands‑on Controls Software Engineer to join our dedicated automation team. You'll be working with cutting‑edge technology in a collaborative environment to relentlessly pursue new manufacturing techniques. This team designs, builds, and implements custom automation tools used to manufacture, assemble, align, and inspect complex optomechanical systems.

These tools are critical for driving the future of optics manufacturing and ensuring Leupold will continue to deliver the world’s finest optics with unparalleled precision and quality.

When Leupold & Stevens states our products are, “Designed, Machined, and Assembled in the USA,” it is largely due to our relentless focus on manufacturing innovation. This is a legacy we have the privilege to uphold for future generations. This role is at the center of protecting that legacy by ensuring that future products continue to outperform, out‑inspire, and outlast all others in the field.

• affordable health and dental insurance
• a strong commitment to training and professional development including an internal skills development program for all manufacturing team members
• a generous tuition reimbursement program
• company contributions up to 8% of base pay into a 401K retirement account
• profit sharing
• and product discounts to name a few

Develop relationships and collaborate with the automation, maintenance, and various production teams to scope out and develop automation tools in various departments; projects range from updating legacy equipment to developing new tools and processes. Drive equipment and software standardization across various platforms and works with the maintenance team to develop documentation to support the new equipment. Assist the production maintenance team with troubleshooting equipment issues.

Work with outside suppliers to stay up to date with up‑and‑coming technologies.

• Design and develop PLC software:
  • Write, test, and debug PLC programs using ladder logic, structured text, function block diagrams, CODESYS, or other IEC 61131-3 languages
  • Develop HMI (Human Machine Interface) applications for operator interaction
  • Configure and program industrial communication networks (e.g., Ethernet/IP, Modbus TCP/IP)
• System integration and testing:
  • Integrate & troubleshoot PLC code with other automation components (e.g., robots, sensors, actuators, dispensers, drives)
  • Conduct testing and validation of control systems to ensure reliable operation
• Retrofitting and Upgrades:
  • Assess existing control systems on older machines to determine upgrade needs
  • Design and implement controls retrofits to improve machine performance, safety, and reliability
  • Develop migration or upgrade strategies for legacy control systems
• Electrical and Wiring:
  • Read and interpret electrical schematics
  • Perform wiring and electrical troubleshooting as needed
• Documentation and support:
  • Create documentation for PLC programs, including design specifications, test procedures, and user manuals
  • Provide technical support to production and maintenance teams
• Continuou…