Location: Ankeny, IA
Salary: $65.00 USD Hourly - $80.00 USD Hourly
Description: Python Machine Automation EngineerLocation: Ankeny, IA (100% Onsite)
Employment Type: Contract / Full-Time (Based on Business Need)
About the RoleWe are seeking an experienced
Python Machine Automation Engineer to join a fast-paced research and development environment focused on agricultural innovation and automation. This position offers the opportunity to develop software that powers automated machinery, robotics, and data-driven research systems. The ideal candidate will have a strong background in Python development, database design, web application development, and API integration, along with a passion for creating innovative solutions that bridge software and hardware.
In this role, you will collaborate with engineers, researchers, and cross-functional teams to design, develop, test, and support software applications used in agricultural automation. You will play a key role in shaping technical solutions and providing feedback during product design and specification discussions.
Key Responsibilities- Develop, maintain, and enhance software applications that support automated machinery and robotic systems used in agricultural research.
- Design and build web-based interfaces using Python and modern front-end technologies to monitor, control, and interact with automation equipment.
- Create and maintain JSON-based APIs that enable seamless communication between applications, databases, and automated systems.
- Design, develop, and optimize relational databases and complex SQL queries to support research data collection and reporting.
- Participate in the full software development lifecycle, including requirements gathering, design, coding, testing, debugging, deployment, and ongoing support.
- Analyze test results, troubleshoot software issues, and implement improvements to maximize system performance and reliability.
- Collaborate with product, engineering, and research teams to provide technical feedback during product design and specification phases.
- Contribute innovative ideas and technical solutions in a dynamic R&D environment that encourages creativity and continuous improvement.
- Follow software development best practices, including version control, code reviews, and documentation standards.
Required Qualifications- Bachelor's degree in Computer Science, Software Engineering, Information Technology, or a related technical field.
- Minimum 5+ years of professional software development experience.
- Minimum 2+ years of hands-on Python development experience.
- Strong experience developing and consuming JSON APIs.
- Proficiency with SQL query development and relational database design.
- Experience developing scalable and maintainable web applications.
- Strong problem-solving and analytical skills with the ability to troubleshoot complex technical issues.
- Excellent verbal and written communication skills.
- Ability to work onsite in Ankeny, IA.
Preferred Qualifications- Experience with Vue.js development.
- Experience working with Socket.IO or real-time communication technologies.
- Knowledge of CI/CD pipelines and automated deployment practices.
- Experience working in an Agile development environment.
- Familiarity with Git and modern source control workflows.
- Experience developing software that interacts with hardware, automation systems, robotics, or industrial equipment.
Preferred Skills- Python
- SQL
- Relational Database Design
- JSON APIs
- Web Development
- Vue.js
- Socket.IO
- Git
- CI/CD
- Agile Methodologies
- Software Debugging & Testing
- Automation Systems Integration
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