Automation and Controls Engineer II

Position Summary

Bring your Controls Engineer experience to STERIS' VHP team where you will design, develop, test, and support software solutions for automated, networked decontamination systems. In this role, you will develop PLC and HMI software, contribute to control system architecture, and support software development activities throughout the product lifecycle.

You will analyze product and system requirements, translate them into software specifications and control strategies, and develop robust software solutions that meet performance, reliability, usability, and regulatory requirements. Working collaboratively with cross-functional teams, you will contribute to both new product development and sustaining engineering initiatives while helping drive continuous improvement in software tools, standards, and processes.

This role is full-time onsite at our STERIS HQ in Mentor, Ohio.

Work as a collaborative member of cross-functional engineering project teams.

• Design, develop, test, debug, and maintain PLC, HMI, and control system software for new and existing products.
• Analyze product and system requirements and translate them into software specifications, architectures, and designs.
• Collaborate with Engineering, Quality, Regulatory, Manufacturing, Service, and Marketing teams to develop effective software solutions.
• Develop and execute software verification activities including unit, integration, system, and acceptance testing.
• Participate in software design reviews, code reviews, and risk assessments to identify issues and recommend improvements.
• Investigate software defects and support corrective and preventive action activities.
• Develop and maintain software development documentation including software requirements, design specifications, test protocols, and reports.
• Lead software efforts for small development projects and sustaining initiatives.
• Support release, deployment, and lifecycle management of software products.
• Serve as a technical interface with Customer, suppliers, contractors, and third-party development partners as required.
• Contribute to continuous improvement of software development processes, standards, tools, and best practices.
• Travel up to 10% annually, including domestic and international travel.

Bachelor's degree in Computer Engineering, Software Engineering, Computer Science, Electrical Engineering, Controls Engineering, or a related engineering discipline required. Advanced degree preferred.

• Minimum three years of related engineering experience.
• Experience developing software for industrial automation, controls, or networked systems.
• Demonstrated competence in PLC and HMI software development.
• Experience with software development activities from concept through commercialization.
• Experience performing software requirements analysis and translating requirements into functional software designs.
• Strong analytical and problem-solving skills with the ability to interpret technical requirements and test results.
• Experience with software verification, validation, debugging, and defect resolution.
• Experience with networked devices, industrial communications, and system integration.
• Ability to work independently while collaborating effectively within cross-functional teams.
• Strong written and verbal communication skills.
• Commitment to continuous learning and professional development.

Experience with PLC-based control systems and industrial communication protocols.

• Experience with Siemens, Allen-Bradley/Rockwell, B&R, or similar PLC platforms.
• Experience developing Human Machine Interfaces (HMI), or touchscreen-based control systems.
• Experience with industrial networking technologies, Ethernet/IP, Profinet, Modbus TCP, BACnet IP, OPC-UA, and related protocols.
• Experience with SCADA, distributed control, or networked automation systems.
• Experience with software development in regulated industries such as Medical Device, Pharmaceutical, Aerospace, or Automotive.
• Knowledge of IEC 61131-3, IEC 61508, VDI/VDE/NAMUR 2658, IEEE software development standards, or similar industry…