We are seeking a highly skilled and innovative
PLC Tool Development Engineer to design, develop, and maintain software tools that support PLC programming, diagnostics, emulation, and system integration. This role requires strong programming skills, deep knowledge of industrial automation protocols, and experience working with or developing around PLC platforms such as Rockwell, Siemens or Codesys.
- Design and develop custom tools and utilities for PLC development, simulation, diagnostics, or deployment.
- Build user interfaces and back-end logic for internal toolsets that interface with PLCs and industrial devices.
- Develop libraries, APIs, and automation scripts to support PLC configuration and testing.
- Integrate with third-party systems such as SCADA, MES, AutoCAD, and HMI platforms.
- Support the automation engineering team by improving development workflows and troubleshooting tools.
- Collaborate with cross-functional teams including Controls Engineers, Software Developers, and Manufacturing Engineers.
- Maintain documentation and version control for tool-related code and configurations.
- This position manages all employees of the department (6-8) and is responsible for the performance management and hiring of the employees within that department.
Requirements - Bachelor's degree in Electrical Engineering, Computer Science, Mechatronics, or related field.
- 3+ years of experience in PLC programming, automation engineering, or software development for industrial systems.
Technical Skills: - Strong programming background (Python, C#, .NET, Java, or similar).
- Familiarity with PLC platforms (e.g., Siemens TIA Portal, Rockwell Studio 5000, Codesys).
- Knowledge of industrial communication protocols (Modbus, EtherNet/IP, PROFINET, OPC UA).
- Experience with software development tools such as Visual Studio, Docker, or Jenkins.
- Experience with HMI/SCADA systems is a plus (e.g., Ignition, FactoryTalk).
Soft Skills: - Strong problem-solving and debugging skills.
- Excellent communication and documentation abilities.
- Ability to work independently and in a fast-paced team environment.
Work Environment: - Office, lab, and occasional industrial floor environments.
- May require travel to customer or plant sites (
Preferred Qualifications: - Experience building simulators or emulators for PLC systems.
- Background in manufacturing, material handling, robotics, or process automation.
- Familiarity with real-time systems or industrial edge computing.
Benefits- Health Care Concierge Service
- 401(k) Retirement Plan (Pre-tax & Roth)
- Company paid Basic Life Insurance, Short-Term Disability & Long-Term Disability
- Voluntary Life & AD&D Insurance
- Voluntary Accident, Critical Illness & Hospital Indemnity Insurance
- Wellness Program with gift card redemption and wellness challenges
- Paid Time Off (Vacation, Sick & 10 Holidays)
- Training & Development
KPI Solutions provides equal employment opportunity to all individuals regardless of their race, color, creed, religion, gender, age, sexual orientation, national origin, disability, veteran status, or any other characteristic protected by states, federal, or local law.
