Controls Software Engineer
Company: Ascent Aerospace
Location: Buffalo, New York, United States
Salary: $40 – $56 an hour
Work arrangement: On-site
Employment type: Full-time
Experience: 2-5 years
Education: bachelor degree
Posted: 2026-10-20
Responsibilities
The individual will lead the design, programming, testing, and commissioning of automated controls systems for aerospace manufacturing equipment. They will provide technical support throughout the project lifecycle, from concept through production and final buy-off at client facilities.
Requirements
Candidates must hold a bachelor's degree in Electrical, Computer, or Systems Engineering and possess strong knowledge of electrical power systems. Proficiency in PLC, HMI, and CNC programming is required, along with US Person status for ITAR compliance.
Skills
- PLC Programming
- HMI Programming
- CNC Programming
- C#
- Electrical Engineering
- Systems Engineering
- Automated Assembly Systems
- Commissioning
- System Integration
- Hardware Controls
- Software Testing
- Project Execution
- Technical Support
- Electrical Power Systems
- Problem Solving
- Strategic Planning
Benefits
- Medical Insurance
- Dental Insurance
- Vision Insurance
- Short-term Disability Insurance
- Long-term Disability Insurance
- Life Insurance
- AD&D Insurance
- PTO
- 401k Match
About this role
Ascent Aerospace – Inspiring the next generation of flight!
Ascent Aerospace is a world-renowned, single-source provider of production and automated assembly systems for the aerospace and defense industry. We provide high-precision advanced automated equipment as well as a full suite of both mold and assembly tooling required for the aerospace manufacturing market, including the largest Invar molds ever made— making us the largest tooling group in the industry. We work with our customers to develop their project and see it through, from process engineering to build and installation, to ensure it is an efficient and cost-effective solution. As a true, single-source integrator, we have proven tools to surpass our customer expectations. We have greater control of timing and schedules, which allows for 100% accountability, and avoids costly mark-ups, ultimately saving our customers money. The result: a group of businesses, each an industry leader within their own discipline, now acting as one truly integrated supply base.
SUMMARY OF POSITION
The individual will provide engineering, integration, and technical support for the manufacturing of automated assembly equipment. The individual will assume a lead role in the programming, commissioning, and software testing phase. It is the responsibility of the successful candidate to design, program, test, and start-up the system in our clients’ facility. Design work includes PLC logic, CNC programming, HMI programming, and drive configuration. The individual will be an integral part of the team from concept through production and will be counted on to represent Ascent Aerospace in a professional manner, especially during the critical commissioning and buy off phase.
ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS
This document in no way states or implies that these are the only duties to be performed by the employee occupying the position.
Responsible for automated controls system design, specification, programming, simulation and testing, and start-up assistance.
Design, write, test, implement, and document PLC and HMI software.
Support installation, commissioning, and production support of the systems at various customer facilities.
Completes the design of complex systems that integrate both hardware and software controls elements.
Assist in the development of company standards to ensure consistency in project execution.
Work with other integration engineers on researching new technologies which can be applied to aerospace applications to improve system design and performance.
Reviews Program department metrics to ensure accuracy of reporting program performance to management and Customers.
Provides recommendations to improve metrics designed to enhance operation efficiencies.
Any additional duties assigned by management.
REQUIRED SKILLS, EDUCATION, AND EXPERIENCE
Any combination of education and experience providing the required skill and knowledge for successful job performance will be considered.
BA or BS degree in Electrical Engineering/Computer Engineering/Systems Engineering.
Strong knowledge of electrical power and distribution systems.
Proficient in MS Office: Excel, Word, PowerPoint, Outlook, and Project.
Experience in C# Programming language is preferred.
This position must meet Export Control compliance requirements, therefore a “US Person” as defined by 22.C.F.R. § is required.
PREFERRED QUALIFICATIONS
Problem solving – the individual identifies and resolves problems in a timely manner and gathers and analyzes information skillfully.
Project Execution – Knowledge of project life cycle; management of project requirements and execution through design and integration.
Interpersonal Skills – the individual maintains confidentiality, remains open to others’ ideas, and exhibits willingness to try new things when working with the various Internal/External stakeholders.
Oral communication – the individual speaks clearly and persuasively in positive or negative situations, demonstrates group presentation skills, and conducts meetings.
Written Communications – the individual edits work for spelling and grammar, presents numerical data effectively and can read and interpret written information.
Planning/organizing – the individual prioritizes and plans work activities, uses time efficiently and develops realistic action plans.
Adaptability – the individual adapts to changes in the work environment, manages competing demands, and can deal with frequent change, delays, or unexpected events.
Dependability – the individual is consistently at work and on time, follows instructions, responds to management direction, and solicits feedback to improve performance.
Safety and security – the individual actively promote and personally observes safety and security procedures and uses office equipment and materials properly.
Strategic Planning – Working in a team environment to establish group goal and objectives and developing/implementing action plans focused on achievement.
TRAVEL REQUIREMENTS
Up to 50%
Travel is primarily local during the business day, although some projects may require more out-of-the-area and overnight travel.
WORKING CONDITIONS
Working conditions described here are representative of those that may be experienced by an employee daily while performing the functions of this job.
While performing the duties of this job, employee may be exposed to moving mechanical parts, fumes, and airborne particles.
Typically sits for extended periods at a computer workstation.
May access and work in the manufacturing plant.
The employee may be exposed to vibration.
The employee is occasionally exposed to caustic chemicals. The noise level in the work environment is usually moderate.
May be required to work off-shift or weekends to meet department and business demands.
Work with safe manufacturing practices and understanding that safety glasses are mandatory in the manufacturing area.
Understanding that safety shoes are recommended in the manufacturing area.
PHYSICAL DEMANDS
Th...
About Ascent Aerospace
Aviation and Aerospace Component Manufacturing · 501-1,000 employees · headquartered in Macomb, Michigan · founded 2012