Director Controls and Software Development Engineer
KörberAbout the role
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We are seeking a Director of Controls & Software Development to lead and elevate the engineering teams responsible for our multi-level PLC and IPC controls architecture. You will set the technical direction, build high-performing talent, and drive a culture of rigor, ownership, and predictable execution, ensuring our control systems are robust, scalable, and aligned to product and customer needs.
Your role in our team
- You will lead and develop the Controls Architecture and Software Engineering organization, building strong technical teams and leaders
- Own the multi‑level controls architecture, defining system structure, interfaces, standards, and design principles
- Establish and govern best practices for PLC logic, IPC applications, modular design, safety, diagnostics, and documentation
- Drive development of scalable, maintainable controls software across PLC and IPC layers
- You will partner cross‑functionally (Mechanical, Electrical, Vision, Product, Program) to ensure cohesive system design and aligned requirements
- Implement structured reviews, simulation strategies, and validation processes to ensure quality and early risk identification
- Define and maintain the controls technology roadmap, including platform modernization and long‑term architecture evolution
- Serve as the technical authority for controls architecture decisions, guiding teams through complex system‑level trade‑offs
- You will govern interface contracts and a unified controls data model to ensure clear, stable integration across PLC, IPC, vision, and WCS layers
- Implement release management, versioning, and change‑control processes to ensure long‑term reliability and maintainability
Your skills and abilities
- You have deep expertise in multi‑level controls architectures (PLC, IPC, system‑level orchestration)
- Strong PLC development skills and standards knowledge, ideally with Allen‑Bradley and Siemens platforms
- Proficiency in modern software engineering practices and languages such as C++ and C#
- Demonstrated ability to lead and develop high‑performing technical teams
- Strong systems‑thinking skills to define interfaces, resolve integration challenges, and make architecture trade‑offs
- Excellent cross‑functional communication and alignment capabilities
- You have proven experience establishing engineering standards, reusable frameworks, and scalable development practices
- Ability to drive structured reviews, validation, and simulation to ensure predictable, high‑quality delivery
- Strong analytical and problem‑solving skills within complex automated or mechatronic environments
- Experience evaluating and optimizing system performance, latency, and real‑time behavior
Your profile
- You have a Bachelor’s degree in Mechanical, Electrical, Industrial Engineering, or a related technical field
- 10+ years of experience in controls engineering, automation, or industrial software development
- Significant experience designing or governing multi‑level controls architectures across PLC and IPC layers
- Proven leadership experience in technical teams or engineering organizations within automation, robotics, or material handling
- Successful track record delivering complex automated or mechatronic systems from concept through validation
- Experience establishing engineering standards, platforms, or reusable frameworks across multiple products
- Familiarity with industrial safety systems, networking, fieldbus protocols, and system integration best practices
- Experience defining and governing controls architectures for productized or platform‑based automation solutions
- Willingness to travel up to 40% (including international); valid passport required
Eligible applicants must be currently authorized to work in the United States on a full-time basis. The employer will not sponsor applicants for work visas for this position.
Your benefits
- You will enjoy a flexible work environment that supports your work-life balance; we offer paid time off for parental leave and 22+ days off for personal time and holidays
- You will have access to medical, dental, and vision insurance plans with FSA or HSA options, and a 401(k) plan with a company match up to
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