PROGRAMMING CONTROLS ENGINEER
Location: Pella, IA
Company: Ruiter Innovations
Job Type: Full-Time | Permanent
Salary: Negotiable based on experience
Position Overview
Ruiter Innovations is seeking a highly skilled and motivated Programming Controls Engineer for a direct-hire opportunity in Pella, IA. This position is focused primarily on industrial automation programming, HMI/SCADA development, software integration, troubleshooting, and system optimization.
The ideal candidate will have strong experience developing and supporting automation software and control systems, with an emphasis on PLC programming, HMI development, SQL databases, Visual Basic .NET, C#, and industrial communication networks. This role provides the opportunity to take technical ownership of complex automation projects involving large systems and thousands of I/O points.
Compensation & Benefits
- Competitive salary based on experience
- Direct-hire opportunity
- Benefits eligibility after 30 days
Key Responsibilities
- Develop, modify, test, and troubleshoot PLC programs for industrial automation systems
- Program and develop HMI/SCADA applications, including Wonderware HMI software
- Develop and maintain applications using Visual Basic .NET and C#
- Design and integrate SQL databases with HMI, SCADA, and industrial applications
- Work with Rockwell (Allen-Bradley) and Siemens PLC platforms
- Develop and troubleshoot industrial communication systems, including:
- Ethernet/IP
- Profibus
- Program, configure, and troubleshoot VFDs and other industrial automation equipment
- Develop software and control strategies for complex manufacturing and process systems
- Integrate OEM automation equipment and third-party control systems
- Troubleshoot programming, communication, HMI, PLC, and system integration issues
- Participate in system testing, startup, commissioning, and on-site troubleshooting
- Review electrical schematics and CAD drawings to support programming and system integration
- Optimize existing control programs and applications to improve system performance, throughput, reliability, and efficiency
- Develop programming standards, reusable code, templates, and documentation
- Assist with the design and implementation of large-scale automation systems involving thousands of I/O points
- Work closely with electrical, mechanical, process, and project engineering teams
- Provide technical guidance and mentorship to junior programmers and engineers
- Take technical ownership of programming tasks from initial design through commissioning and final implementation
- Support project management and provide programming estimates, timelines, and technical recommendations
Programming & Technical Focus
This position is primarily focused on industrial programming and automation software development, including:
- PLC programming
- HMI/SCADA programming
- Wonderware
- Rockwell / Allen-Bradley
- Siemens
- SQL
- Visual Basic .NET
- C#
- Industrial networking
- Ethernet/IP
- Profibus
- VFD programming
- OEM system integration
- Control system troubleshooting
- Application development
- System optimization
Travel Requirements
- Travel required for system startup, commissioning, installation support, and troubleshooting
- Estimated travel: 25% + depending on project workload
- Travel may include overnight stays and occasional extended project assignments
- Ability to travel on short notice as project requirements dictate
Qualifications
- Associate's or Bachelor's degree in Computer Science, Computer Programming, Software Development, Computer Engineering, Electrical Engineering, Electrical Engineering Technology, Automation, Mechatronics, Robotics, Information Technology, or a related technical field, or equivalent combination of education and relevant industrial programming experience.
- 2-year technical degrees are acceptable when combined with strong experience in PLC programming, HMI/SCADA development, industrial automation, or software development.
- Equivalent military, technical, or industrial controls experience may be considered in place of a formal degree.
- Strong industrial automation and programming experience
- Demonstrated experience with PLC programming and HMI/SCADA development
- Required experience with SQL, Visual Basic .NET, and C# in HMI, SCADA, automation, or industrial application development
- Experience with Rockwell (Allen-Bradley) and/or Siemens PLC platforms
- Experience programming and troubleshooting industrial communication networks
- Experience with Wonderware or comparable HMI/SCADA platforms
- Ability to troubleshoot complex programming, controls, and communication issues
- Understanding of industrial manufacturing and/or process engineering environments
- Experience supporting large-scale automation projects and systems with thousands of I/O points
- Ability to read and understand electrical schematics and control drawings
- Familiarity with CAD drawings and electrical control panel documentation
- Strong analytical and problem-solving skills
- Strong understanding of software development, programming logic, and system architecture
- Strong organizational and communication skills
- Ability to work independently and take ownership of programming projects
- Ability to work effectively with engineers, electricians, technicians, customers, and project teams
- Stable and consistent work history
Why This Role?
This position is ideal for a senior-level industrial programmer or automation software engineer who wants to take ownership of complex programming projects. The role provides an opportunity to work with PLC, HMI/SCADA, database, and software technologies while developing solutions for large-scale industrial automation systems.
The successful candidate will play a key role in programming, software development, system integration, troubleshooting, commissioning, and optimization, while serving as a technical resource for the broader engineering team.
Benefits:
- 401(k)
- 401(k) matching
- Dental insurance
- Health insurance
- Life insurance
- Paid time off
- Vision insurance
Work Location: In person
