Software and Automation Engineering Co-op

Join Vylor—Powering the Future of Agriculture At Vylor, we’re advancing agriculture through breakthrough science—combining elite germplasm, cutting-edge biotech, and next-generation expertise in gene editing and molecular breeding. Our portfolio includes trusted industry brands like Pioneer, Brevant, and Hoegemeyer, delivering performance farmers rely on.

Join us to help scale innovation globally and shape what’s next in crop science.

Vylor is seeking a software or computer engineering student to join the Global Seed Operations Plant Excellence team in the Des Moines metropolitan area. This multi-term co-op provides hands-on experience developing integrated software and automation solutions for equipment used and designed by Vylor engineering teams.

The selected student must be available to complete either the spring and summer 2027 terms or the summer and winter 2027 terms.

As a Software and Automation Engineering Co-op, you will work with engineers, operations partners, and other cross-functional team members to understand business needs and deliver practical technology solutions. Responsibilities may include:

Collaborating on cross-functional project teams to understand customer requirements and translate them into technical solutions

Designing, developing, testing, documenting, and maintaining software solutions that support seed production equipment and processes

Troubleshooting software, device-communication, and system-integration issues

Learning how plant and field equipment operate and identifying critical technology and automation needs

Planning and delivering work within seasonal production schedules and project timelines

Communicating project progress, technical findings, and recommendations to engineering and business partners

What You Will Gain Hands-on software development and automation experience in a production environment

Exposure to industrial equipment, controls, machine vision, data systems, and device communication

Experience working through the full development lifecycle—from requirements and design through testing and support

Opportunities to build technical, analytical, project-management, and communication skills

Experience collaborating with engineering, operations, and other cross-functional partners

Qualifications Required Currently  enrolled full-time in a bachelor's degree program in software engineering, computer engineering, computer science, electrical engineering, automation engineering, or a related technical field

Experience developing software using one or more programming languages, such as C#/.NET, Python, or Java Ability to work safely around common shop and seed-handling equipment and follow established safety procedures

Ability to collaborate respectfully and effectively with people from different functions and backgrounds

Strong problem-solving, communication, and organizational skills

Ability to work in the United States without restriction

Preferred Technical Experience Experience in one or more of the following areas is preferred but not required:

Object-oriented design patterns and N-tier application architecture

Create, read, update, and delete (CRUD) database operations

Network security concepts and interaction with cloud resources

Industrial or embedded device communication using serial protocols, Modbus TCP, OPC UA, or CAN Embedded software developmentIEC 61131-3 programmable logic controller (PLC) programming

Machine vision systems

Artificial intelligence or computer-vision tools, including platforms such as Supervisely Work Environment Combination of office, engineering, shop, and seed-production environments

Potential exposure to operating equipment, dust, noise, and other conditions common to production facilities, with appropriate training and personal…