Machine Solutions, Inc / Alpine Laser operates at the cutting edge of automated capital equipment for pharmaceutical and medical device production. Based on site in Eden Prairie, Minnesota, the company is seeking a Principal Software Engineer to lead embedded control and automation software design across complex systems. This senior role centers on microcontrollers, PLCs, and system integration, shaping software architecture, development standards, and mentoring across engineering teams.
Responsibilities
- Lead the design and implementation of real-time control systems for automated medical device manufacturing equipment.
- Define software architectures that integrate microcontrollers, PLCs, motion controllers, sensors, and human-machine interfaces.
- Design, implement, and optimize motion control systems for precision automation, including servo and stepper motor control.
- Provide technical guidance on hardware selection, control strategies, safety interlocks, and network communication protocols.
- Serve as the primary software technical authority during design reviews, risk assessments, and design verification activities.
- Develop and maintain embedded firmware in assembly/C/C++ for microcontrollers (examples include 68000, ARM Cortex, Microchip, or Maxim Integrated).
- Develop and maintain Windows Visual Studio HMI applications in C/C++/C#/C# WPF (for BW-TEC HMI).
- Develop structured PLC software (Ladder Logic, Function Block Diagram, Structured Text) across Allen-Bradley, Beckhoff, and Omron platforms.
- Implement deterministic communication between embedded controllers, PLCs, and supervisory systems (EtherNet/IP, Modbus, CAN, RS-485, SPI, I²C, etc.).
- Develop user interfaces and operator controls through HMI systems for production environments.
- Ensure software modules are robust, maintainable, and traceable to design inputs and risk mitigations.
- Collaborate with mechanical, electrical, and process engineers to deliver integrated control solutions for precision motion, fluidics, robotics, and safety systems.
- Participate in design verification and validation testing, including protocol creation, execution, and documentation per QMS requirements.
- Support factory acceptance testing, site acceptance testing, and field support of deployed systems.
- Conduct root cause analysis and corrective actions for software-related field or production issues.
- Contribute to the development of company-wide software standards for automation platforms and embedded systems.
Requirements
- Solid working knowledge of microcontrollers (ARM Cortex, Microchip, STM32, etc.), PLCs (Beckhoff, Omron, Allen-Bradley, etc.), FPGAs, sensors, and communication interfaces (I2C, SPI, UART, CAN, Ethernet, Modbus, Profinet).
- Strong understanding of Microsoft Visual Studio development using C, C++, C#, and C# WPF.
- Expert in IEC 61131-3 programming languages and embedded assembly/C/C++.
- Strong analytical and debugging skills using oscilloscopes, logic analyzers, and network tools.
- Excellent documentation, communication, and leadership abilities.
- Ability to balance innovation with compliance and risk management.
- Proven leadership, communication, and mentoring capabilities.
- Excellent problem-solving and analytical thinking.
- Collaborative and adaptable with cross-functional teams.
- Master’s or bachelor’s degree in computer science, computer engineering, or related field required.
- 10+ years developing software for microcontroller and PLC-based platforms with at least 3 years in a technical leadership or principal engineer capacity, or 8+ years with a Master’s degree.
- Proven track record of bringing products from concept through production.
Technologies
- ARM Cortex, Microchip, STM32, 68000, Maxim Integrated
- Beckhoff, Omron, Allen-Bradley
- FPGAs, Profinet, I2C, SPI, UART, CAN, Ethernet, Modbus, EtherNet/IP, RS-485
- Ladder Logic, Function Block Diagram, Structured Text, IEC 61131-3
- Windows Visual Studio, C, C++, C#, C# WPF
- HMI systems
Benefits
- 401(k)
- 401(k) matching
- Dental insurance
- Employee assistance program
- Health insurance
- Health savings account
- Life insurance
- Paid time off
- Parental leave
- Retirement plan
- Vision insurance
Language Skills
Ability to read, analyze, and interpret general business periodicals, professional journals, technical procedures, schematics, interconnects and assembly drawings, or governmental regulations. Capability to write reports, business correspondence and procedure manuals. Comfort presenting information and answering questions from groups of managers, clients, and customers.
Physical Demands
Occasional lifting up to 50 pounds; standing, sitting, walking, and manual tasks as needed. Ability to adjust focus and distinguish colors, with or without reasonable accommodation.
Work Environment
Minimal exposure to wet or humid conditions and hazardous chemicals. Some work near moving mechanical parts. Moderate noise level typical of office and manufacturing settings.
Pay
$130,000.00 - $150,000.00 per year
Job Type
Full-time
Work Location
Onsite in Eden Prairie, MN
