Software Controls Engineer

Job Title: Software Controls EngineerJob DescriptionThe Software Controls Engineer designs, develops, and supports control software for precision electro-mechanical equipment used in failure analysis, materials characterization, and materials research. This role focuses on PLC programming, industrial automation, motion control, and HMI development while working closely with multidisciplinary engineering teams throughout the full product development lifecycle.

Responsibilities

• Design, develop, modify, and troubleshoot PLC logic and related control software for electro-mechanical systems.
• Implement and maintain software interfaces for machine control, automation, and operator interaction.
• Develop and configure HMI applications for industrial equipment, with a preference for experience using 4D Systems platforms.
• Support integration of motors, drives, sensors, controllers, and industrial communication networks into production-ready systems.
• Collaborate closely with mechanical, electrical, software, and materials engineering teams throughout the product development lifecycle.
• Read and interpret electrical schematics and mechanical assembly drawings to support troubleshooting, wiring validation, and system integration.
• Participate in research and development activities, including prototype testing, debugging, documentation, and continuous improvement of equipment software.
• Contribute to the development of automation, motion control, and equipment software solutions for industrial and electro-mechanical products.

Essential Skills

• 35 years of experience in controls engineering, industrial automation, PLC programming, and/or equipment software development.
• Hands-on ability to write, modify, and troubleshoot PLC logic using Ladder Logic, Structured Text, or other IEC-3 languages.
• Experience with industrial and electro-mechanical equipment, including motors, drives, sensors, controllers, and industrial communication networks.
• Working knowledge of Siemens, Rockwell/Allen-Bradley, Omron, or comparable PLC platforms.
• Ability to read and interpret electrical schematics and mechanical assembly drawings.
• Bachelor's degree in Computer Science, Electrical Engineering, Mechanical Engineering, or a related field, or equivalent practical experience.
• Strong foundation in controls engineering principles and industrial automation practices.
• Ability to collaborate effectively with cross-functional engineering teams.

Additional Skills & Qualifications

• Programming experience with C, C++, C#, and/or Python.
• Experience with HMI development, particularly using 4D Systems.
• Experience with industrial communication protocols such as EtherNet/IP, CAN, and EtherCAT.
• Experience with servo, stepper, linear, or brushed motors and motion-control systems.
• Familiarity with motion controllers and advanced motion-control architectures.
• Experience with Qt 5.15.2+ and OpenGL for graphical and interface development.
• Experience with electronic design tools such as Eagle, KiCad, or Altium.
• Previous experience developing software or controls for industrial equipment, instrumentation, automation systems, or other electro-mechanical products.
• Demonstrated ability to support prototype testing, debugging, and continuous improvement initiatives.

Work EnvironmentThis position is based in an office-type environment that supports close collaboration with software, electrical, mechanical, and materials engineering teams. The role provides exposure to the complete product development lifecycle, from concept and R&D through prototype testing and production-ready systems. Work involves regular interaction with precision electro-mechanical equipment, PLCs, HMIs, motion-control components, and industrial communication networks, offering significant technical variety across automation, motion control, and equipment software development. Job Type & LocationThis is a Contract to Hire position based out of Edmond, OK. Pay and BenefitsThe pay range for this position is $75000.00 - $85000.00/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 some benefits and may depend on your job classification and length of employment. Benefits are subject to change and may be subject to specific elections, plan, or program terms. If eligible, the benefits

available for this temporary role may include the following:

Medical, dental & vision Critical Illness, Accident, and Hospital 401(k) Retirement Plan Pre-tax and Roth post-tax contributions available Life Insurance (Voluntary Life & AD&D for the employee and dependents) Short and long-term disability Health Spending Account (HSA) Transportation benefits Employee Assistance Program Time Off/Leave (PTO, Vacation or Sick Leave) Job Type & LocationThis is a Contract to Hire position based out of Edmond, OK. Application DeadlineThis position is anticipated to close on Nov 24, 2026. Workplace TypeThis is a fully onsite position in Edmond,OK.About Actalent

Actalent is a global leader in engineering and sciences services and talent solutions. We help visionary companies advance their engineering and science initiatives through access to specialized experts who drive scale, innovation and speed to market. With a network of almost 20,000 consultants and 5,000 clients across the U.S., Canada, Asia and Europe, Actalent serves many of the Fortune 500. We are proud to be an Engineering News-Record (ENR) Top 500 Design Firm for our engineering design services and a ClearlyRated Best of Staffing® winner for both client and talent service.

The company is an equal opportunity employer and will consider all applications without regard to race, sex, age, color, religion, national origin, veteran status, disability, sexual orientation, gender identity, genetic information or any characteristic protected by law.

If you would like to request a reasonable accommodation, such as the modification or adjustment of the job application process or interviewing process due to a disability, please email actalentaccommodation@actalentservices.com for other accommodation options.

San Francisco Fair Chance Ordinance:

Pursuant to the San Francisco Fair Chance Ordinance, for all positions located in the city and county of San Francisco, we will consider for employment qualified applicants with arrest and conviction records.

Massachusetts Lie Detector:

It is unlawful in Massachusetts to require or administer a lie detector test as a condition of employment or continued employment. An employer who violates this law shall be subject to criminal penalties and civil liability.

Use of Artificial Intelligence (AI):

We may use Artificial Intelligence (AI) to support parts of our hiring process, including sourcing, screening, and evaluating candidates. AI helps assess applications and qualifications, but final decisions are made by our hiring team. By applying, you acknowledge and agree that your application may be reviewed using AI tools.