Software Engineer - Automation Engineering (Field \& Planter Systems)

Job Description

Job Title: Software Engineer - Automation Engineering (Field & Planter Systems)
Location: Chesterfield, MO
Zip Code: 63017
Keyword's: #Chesterfieldjobs; #SoftwareEngineerjobs.
Start Date: Immediate
Local candidates only

We provide a competitive pay and benefits package. This position is offering a pay range of $56- $57/hr. however, Belcan considers several factors when extending an offer, including but not limited to education, experience, geographic location, and discipline. Benefits offered may include health care, dental, vision, life insurance; 401(k); education assistance; paid time off including PTO, holidays, and any other paid leave required by law.

Role Summary
We are seeking an experienced Software Engineer to join our Automation Engineering organization (Field Systems / Planter Team). In this role, you will develop and support the next generation of automated R&D field equipment and robotics/machine control applications, with an emphasis on data collection, sensor integration, autonomous operation, user interaction, and cloud connectivity. You will contribute across the full software lifecycle and provide technical leadership within a cross-functional team. Demonstrated ability to collaborate effectively with engineers across multiple disciplines-mechanical, electrical, and software-to deliver integrated, hardware-software technical solutions, reflecting a strong engineering-centric approach to software development.

* What You"ll Do (Key Responsibilities):
Design, develop, test, and support research control software systems for field equipment and automation platforms.

* Build high-quality robotics and machine control applications, including:
Data acquisition from sensors and hardware/software systems, Machinery control and process control, Cloud connectivity and machine-to-machine communication, User interfaces for agricultural equipment and research workflows, Collaborate closely with mechanical, electrical, and software engineers, as well as researchers, scientists, and end users to deliver integrated solutions.

* Drive work through all phases of the product lifecycle, including:
Project planning and organizing/prioritizing work, Deriving requirements from system objectives, Ensuring reliable delivery, deployment, and support

* Contribute to a range of technical areas such as:
API development and integration, Data mining/analysis and data transformation pipelines, In-field testing and validation at the test farm, Supporting 1st and 2nd tier support teams; occasional direct interaction with users, Act as a technical leader/mentor, helping guide technical direction and supporting junior engineers.

* Required Education& Experience:
Bachelor"s degree in Computer Engineering, Computer Science, Electrical Engineering, Mechanical Engineering, or a related engineering discipline.
Strong multidisciplinary engineering background and proven ability to collaborate across disciplines (mechanical/electrical/software).
7+ years of experience developing machine control / electromechanical automation software using C#, C/C++, and/or Python (10+ years strongly preferred).

* Demonstrated experience in one or more of the following:
Industrial automation, machine control, robotics, firmware, IoT
Building multi-threaded / multi-process applications and services
Networking and communication with devices/services (e.g., TCP/UDP, MQTT)
Excellent troubleshooting and debugging skills across software + hardware systems.
Strong communication skills, customer/partner focus, and an entrepreneurial, results-driven mindset.

* Preferred / Desired Qualifications:
Experience with Microsoft development stack: Visual Studio .NET, WPF, WinForms, console applications.
Experience developing for Linux-based robotics/automation devices.
Experience supporting products deployed in the field (post-deployment support, incident resolution, reliability improvements).
Knowledge of serial communication standards (RS232/RS422/RS485).
Experience with databases (relational and/or NoSQL): Oracle, SQLite, PostgreSQL, SQL Server, MongoDB, Cassandra; strong understanding of SQL.

*Familiarity with modern development practices and tools:
OO principles, unit testing, Agile, TDD, CI/CD
Git (plus exposure to Jenkins, NuGet, JIRA, Aha, Azure DevOps; legacy tools like CVS/Subversion a plus)
Exposure to agricultural field research / experimental setups; familiarity with lab environments/instrumentation.
Proven effectiveness working with global, multi-disciplinary teams.

Belcan is an equal opportunity employer. Your application and candidacy will not be considered based on race, colour, sex, religion, creed, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, disability, genetic information, pregnancy, veteran status or any other characteristic protected by federal, state or local laws.