Junior Software Development Engineer

Location: Durham, NC (Hybrid)

Summary:

As a Junior Software Development Engineer, you will design, develop, test, and maintain software for electro-mechanical and PLC-controlled systems. This role requires strong problem-solving skills and a solid understanding of programming PLC systems. You will collaborate with hardware engineers and other software developers to ensure seamless integration of software and hardware, troubleshoot issues, and contribute to optimizing systems. This is a great opportunity for someone with experience in automation systems and control software who is looking to contribute to high-speed automated solutions.

Duties and Responsibilities:

• Analyze software and PLC programming requirements to determine feasibility within time and cost constraints.

• Design and develop software solutions for electro-mechanical systems, integrating software with hardware.

• Collaborate with hardware engineers to ensure seamless functionality between hardware and software, considering machine characteristics such as storage capacity, processing speed, and input/output requirements.

• Develop, test, and maintain software and PLC-controlled systems, troubleshooting issues and debugging as needed.

• Ensure integration of hardware components and apply principles to predict and measure design outcomes.

• Maintain documentation of software specifications, revisions, and test results for new and existing systems.

• Stay informed on industry trends by participating in technical workshops, reviewing relevant publications, and continuously developing your skill set.

Key Relationships:

• Work closely with Mechanical/Electrical Engineers and Service Teams for 90% of the role.

• Interface with external suppliers and vendors when required.

Qualifications:

• Associate’s degree (2-year) or Bachelor’s Degree in Computer Science, Software Engineering, Electrical Engineering, or related field.

• 3-5 years of experience in software development, with proficiency in “Structured Text” programming or other IEC61131 languages.

• Experience with Windows and Linux operating systems

• Experience using Microsoft Visual Studio is a plus.

• Familiarity with Beckhoff TwinCAT PLC controls or similar machine control systems.

• Knowledge of electro-mechanical systems and prior experience in industrial automation or instrumentation is preferred.

Skills and Abilities:

• Strong analytical, debugging, and problem-solving skills, especially in PLC programming and embedded systems.

• Ability to interpret technical concepts and communicate them clearly to both technical and non-technical team members.

• Effective collaboration and team coordination skills, with the ability to manage tasks and deadlines independently.

• Self-motivated, with the capacity to work under general supervision and support the overall success of the team.

Physical and Mental Requirements:

• Ability to use computers and hand tools (such as oscilloscopes, meters, etc.) for software testing, PLC programming, and debugging purposes.

• Occasional lifting (up to 25 lbs) and light physical tasks such as walking, kneeling, and reaching with hands and arms.

• Occasional travel (up to 24 days per year) may be required for project work, training, or on-site support.

Other Duties:

Please note this job description is not designed to cover or contain a comprehensive listing of activities, duties or responsibilities that are required of the employee for this job. Duties, responsibilities, and activities may change at any time with or without notice.

Bell and Howell does not require full vaccination at most sites. However, those customers that do require full vaccination against COVID-19, it is required to provide documentation prior to hire. If there is a medical or religious reason preventing you from receiving an available COVID-19 vaccination, and you are offered a position with our company, we have an accommodations process in place for those requests.

Bell and Howell is an Equal Opportunity Employer. It is company policy to administer employment based solely on an individual’s qualifications, ability and performance without regard to race, color, religion, gender identity, sex (including pregnancy, lactation, childbirth or related medical conditions), sexual orientation, age, national origin or ancestry, physical or mental disability, genetic information (including testing and characteristics), veteran status, uniformed servicemember status, marital status, or any other characteristic protected by federal, state or local law.