Embedded Controls Engineer

Embedded Controls Engineer

The Embedded Controls Engineer will support and optimize the controls layer of next-generation automated machinery, focusing on a soft PLC platform (CODESYS) running on Linux-based industrial PCs connected directly to electrical panels. This role requires an embedded software mindset and a strong ability to work at the intersection of hardware and software. You will inherit an existing structured text codebase, untangle complex logic, optimize global variables, and improve deployment reliability within a constrained IDE environment.

The position is ideal for an engineer who enjoys deep technical challenges, real-time systems, and close collaboration with cross-functional mechanical and software teams.

• Own the maintenance, debugging, and optimization of soft PLC code (CODESYS / Structured Text) running on local industrial PCs.
• Refactor existing code to improve reliability, reduce duplication, and introduce more robust testing methodologies appropriate for the environment.
• Manage remote deployments and rollbacks of control software to industrial hardware operating in the field.
• Troubleshoot complex electro-mechanical systems, including sensor inputs and barcode integrations, directly on automated machinery.
• Collaborate closely with mechanical and software engineering teams to bridge the gap between high-level orchestration software and physical motor and motion control.
• Create and maintain detailed technical documentation, including design notes, operational runbooks, and implementation details for the controls layer.

• Bachelor's degree in Electrical Engineering, Computer Engineering, or a closely related field.
• Strong background in embedded software engineering, with proficiency in C and C++ programming.
• Willingness and ability to quickly learn and adapt to structured text programming and the CODESYS IDE environment.
• Hands-on experience working directly with industrial hardware, industrial PCs (IPCs), and Linux-based systems.
• Strong debugging and root-cause analysis skills for complex, real-time embedded and control systems.
• Experience with embedded control systems and soft PLC platforms.
• Familiarity with CODESYS and IEC 61131-3 programming languages for industrial control.

• Direct experience with soft PLCs or IEC 61131-3 programming languages, such as structured text, ladder logic, or function block diagrams.
• Experience with servo-based motion control systems, including tuning and integration into automated machinery.
• Comfort operating in constrained development environments without traditional high-level software tools, such as standard unit and integration testing frameworks.
• Ability to work effectively at the intersection of hardware and software, collaborating with multidisciplinary engineering teams.
• Strong written communication skills to produce clear technical documentation, design notes, and runbooks.

The role is based in an industrial automation environment that combines office-based engineering work with hands-on interaction with machinery and electrical panels. You will work with Linux-based industrial PCs running CODESYS soft PLCs and structured text code, directly connected to sensors, motors, and other electro-mechanical components. The position involves occasional work on the factory floor or in test labs to troubleshoot hardware, integrate sensors and barcode systems, and validate motion control behavior.

Collaboration with mechanical and software teams is frequent, and you will operate within a constrained IDE environment where traditional high-level testing frameworks may not be available, requiring a practical, system-level approach to verification and reliability.

This is a Contract position based out of North Reading, MA.

The pay range for this position is $65.00 - $80.00/hr.

Individual compensation offered for this position within this range will depend on many factors, including qualifications, skills, relevant experience, job knowledge, geographic location, internal equity, and other pertinent job-related factors.

Eligibility requirements apply to…