Electrical Software/PLC Engineer
Company: Astec Industries
Location: Yankton
Posted on: February 22, 2026
|
|
|
Job Description:
Job Description Job Description ABOUT THE POSITION We design,
build, validate and support some of the worlds largest mining,
quarrying and material handling equipment and as a result of our
continued growth we are looking to hear from motivated, and
talented Electrical Engineers, specifically those with a passion
for Controls/Software Engineering. As a part of our team, you will
be engaged from day one in real world projects, designing and
developing class leading control systems software on a range of
mobile and industrial PLC platforms for our range of aggregate
crushing, screening and bulk handling equipment as an integral part
of our North American team. This position will require creation of
control software specifications, software design, validation and
software lifecycle management. You will ensure that produced
designs are completed to a high standard, on time and with
consideration for the end operator interface simplicity and ease of
use. The nature of our broad range of equipment offerings means you
could be working on Mobile DC-based control systems, AC Industrial
control systems, including VFD control, soft start integration etc.
or the latest hybrid drive train technology integration, across a
broad range of hardware platforms. Software will be developed on
PLCs, embedded controllers, and HMI displays typically IFM,
Siemens, Allen Bradley platforms. The Electrical and Control
Software Engineer will work cooperatively with Mechanical
Engineering counterparts to develop the appropriate controls
hardware design as well as controls algorithms to produce the
equipment functionality required by the customer and Product
Management. Work with other cross-functional teams, including but
not limited to sales, manufacturing, purchasing, and service to
ensure the successful completion of projects and launch of
equipment, and customer satisfaction which is an integral part of
our ethos. ESSENTIAL DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES (may include but
not limited to) · Works with the cross-functional Product
Management Team to produce a complete and well defined Product
Functional Specification, before product design is started. ·
Follow Structured System Design techniques to develop the product
function requirements into an effective control strategy for heavy
construction equipment. · Uses knowledge of sensor technologies,
control device technologies and process automation techniques to
advance the simplicity of operation and troubleshooting of
equipment to maximize productivity by enhancing operator
functionality and the minimization of equipment downtime. · Uses
knowledge of domestic as well as international electrical standards
to design equipment with the widest market breadth without redesign
to minimize the number of models required to be manufactured. ·
Uses structured system design techniques to produce electrical
hardware designs that are modular in nature, easy to test, easy to
diagnose and simple to replace should field service repairs be
required. · Develops and executes bench tests with the Controls
Software Engineer on design modules and code units to ensure proper
functionality before integration into the complete equipment design
to ensure project success. · Uses computer-aided engineering design
software and equipment to develop electrical / electronic design
drawings and schematics. · Leads cross-functional electrical design
reviews, including Design for Manufacturability. · Contributes to
the development of product documentation, including production work
instructions, training manuals, troubleshooting guides, and product
test plans. · Identifies improvement opportunities and enhancements
for product enhancements and/or cost reductions. · Contributes to
project teams by championing the successful completion of project
objectives, including schedule, budget, and feature set. ·
Contributes to the development of new processes and procedures to
enhance the software and hardware design capabilities and work
products of the engineering team. · Develops the electrical and
software test plans for new designs and changes to existing designs
and coordinates the testing and validation using these plans. ·
Participates in cross-functional software and HMI design reviews. ·
Participates in software design reviews for developed control
software. · Assists customers, via telephone or on site, to resolve
function and/or application issues. · Works with the Manufacturing
department to resolve production issues. · Works with the Service
Department to resolve field and warranty issues. · Works with the
Purchasing Department and suppliers on new or existing component
issues. · Works with the Technical Publication Department to
develop and update manuals. · Adheres to all Astec design and
coding standards. · Performs engineering calculations as required
during design cycle. · Follows proper safety procedures. · Performs
other duties as assigned. MINIMUM EDUCATION and/or EXPERIENCE
REQUIRED · Bachelor of Science (4-year) degree in
Electrical/Electronic/Computer Engineering or related field. SKILLS
AND ABILITIES REQUIRED Job-related Skills and Abilities ·
Knowledgeable of structured system design techniques. · Knowledge
of network protocols such as CAN, Ethernet, Wireless 802.11, etc. ·
Proficient in the development, reading, and interpretation of
electrical engineering drawings. · Proficient in electrical
engineering systems design and troubleshooting, D/C controls design
required, A/C design highly desired. · Ability to think creatively
and propose innovative solutions to engineering challenges. ·
Ability to show competence in assessing, managing, and mitigating
risks within a project and design. · Ability to work satisfactorily
as a team member. · Good communication skills (both verbal and
written). · Good organization and time-management skills. ·
Willingness to accept responsibility and take on new challenges. ·
Ability to exercise discretion and independent judgment on a
customary and regular basis. · Proficiency with personal computer
and Microsoft Office Suite software applications. · Adept at
problem solving and root-cause analysis. Leadership Skills ·
Ability to mentor and lead junior level engineers in the design and
execution of systems controls. · Ability to represent the
electrical and software design team in cross-functional meetings by
being the voice of good engineering practice. · Ability to lead a
team to proper completion of tasks, projects, and investigations
while encouraging others and moving toward a best solution for all
involved. Language Skills · Ability to write reports, business
correspondence and procedure manuals. · Ability to effectively
present information and respond to questions from groups of
managers, clients, customers, and the public. · Ability to write
routine reports and correspondence and effectively present
information to customers and/or employees of organization and
respond to questions from groups of managers, clients, customers,
and the public. Reasoning Ability Skills · Ability to define
problems, collect data, establish facts, and draw valid
conclusions. · Ability to interpret an extensive variety of
technical instructions in mathematical or diagram form and deal
with several abstract and concrete variables. · Must have strong
analytical and troubleshooting skills. OTHER REQUIREMENTS ·
Pre-employment drug screen, physical, and background check. ·
Flexibility to work additional hours as required. · Occasional
travel (including international). · Valid driver's license and
ability to safely operate a motor vehicle. PREFERENCES · Experience
with CodeSys, C++, Telematics, Siemens TIA Portal, hydraulic
circuits, 12V/24V DC electric circuits and/or control systems for
off-road construction equipment or heavy industrial equipment. ·
Practical experience in software development, including testing
debugging and testing standards. · Working knowledge of VSD drives,
soft starts and their integration into complex systems. · Knowledge
of manufacturing processes. · Experience in the design and
manufacture of off-road construction equipment. SAFETY Astec is
dedicated to a culture of Behavior Based SAFETY and a Healthy
Environment! · Proficient in promoting safe and healthy work
environment. · Notify area supervisor of product discrepancies or
equipment malfunctions. · Adhere to established company policies
and procedures paying special attention to safety regulations. ·
Report defective materials, equipment, or questionable conditions
to the area supervisor/manager to identify and correct the root
cause. · Wear personal protective equipment (PPE) in accordance
with training guidelines. PHYSICAL DEMANDS The physical demands
described here are representative of those that must be met by an
employee to successfully perform the essential functions of this
job. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals
with disabilities to perform the essential functions. While
performing the duties of this job, the employee is regularly
required to remain in a stationary position a minimum of 50% of the
time, move and frequently operate a computer and other office
equipment and occasionally properly employ objects, tools and/or
controls. The employee is frequently required to communicate and
exchange accurate information. The employee is regularly required
to reach and occasionally attain non-standard physical positions
for varying amounts of time. Specific vision abilities include
close vision, distance vision, peripheral vision, depth perception
and ability to adjust focus. The employee must regularly transport
up to 10 pounds and occasionally transport up to 25 pounds. Lifting
devices must be used or help must be requested for anything over 25
pounds. Required to occasionally ascend/descend, balance and work
at various heights. Ability to travel by land and/or air for
extended periods of time. Specific vision abilities required by
this job include close, distance, color, and peripheral vision,
depth perception, and ability to adjust focus. Our Culture and
Values Employees that become part of Astec embody the values below
throughout their work. · Continuous devotion to meeting the needs
of our customers. · Honesty and integrity in all aspects of
business. · Respect for all individuals. · Preserving
entrepreneurial spirit and innovation. · Safety, quality and
productivity as means to ensure success. WORK ENVIRONMENT The work
environment characteristics described here are representative of
those an employee encounters while performing the essential
functions of this job. Reasonable accommodations may be made to
enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential
functions. While performing the duties of this job, the employee is
regularly exposed to a climate-controlled office environment and is
occasionally exposed to a shop manufacturing environment. Office
environment exposures include frequent and extensive telephone and
computer use. The noise level in the office setting is usually
moderate consistent with an office environment. Shop manufacturing
environment exposures include exposure to moving mechanical parts,
machinery, tools and equipment, vibration, fumes or airborne
particles, motorized vehicles, welding and machining operations,
outside weather conditions and exposure to the risk of electric
shock. The employee may occasionally be exposed to varying levels
of dirt, dust, toxic or caustic chemicals, very warm and/or very
chilly temperatures. The noise level in the shop can be very loud
at times consistent with an industrial assembly facility and may
require hearing protection. Mines, road construction and forestry
job site exposures include exposure to climate conditions
indicative of the geographic location and the season. Field duties
require that the employee work in close proximity to heavy
roadbuilding and construction equipment (dump trucks, loaders,
cranes, crushers, pavers, cold planers, material transfer vehicles,
stabilizers, wheel loaders, excavators, skidders, feller buncher,
chippers, grinders etc.) and traffic associated with mines, road
construction, forestry and recycling sites. The employee is
frequently exposed to moving mechanical parts and fumes or airborne
particles. The employee is occasionally exposed to high, precarious
places, toxic or caustic chemicals, vibration and risk of
electrical shock. The noise level in this environment is usually
loud and may require hearing protection. The employee is
occasionally exposed to travel hazards associated with automobile
and/or airplane travel.
Keywords: Astec Industries, Sioux City , Electrical Software/PLC Engineer, Engineering , Yankton, Iowa
