Applications Software Engineer - Industrial Automation

Company Description

Information about Eurofins as a whole:

• Over 50,000 employees worldwide
• Eurofins recently celebrated 30 years of excellence in bioanalytical testing.
• The company has grown from 4 employees in a small lab in France to a global network.
• 800 state-of-the-art laboratories across 41 countries.
• Eurofins is one of the best performing companies in the world. In three decades, the company has grown more than 3,000 times.
• Eurofins is now the global market leader in environmental, food, pharmaceuticals and cosmetics testing as well as in agro-sciences CRO (Contract Research Organization) services.

Job Description

Eurofins Food & Feed Testing is seeking an Applications Software Engineer - Industrial Automation to design, develop, and maintain software solutions for custom laboratory automation and industrial equipment.

This position is ideal for a talented software engineer who enjoys solving complex technical problems and building scalable software systems. The role will focus on developing modern web-based Human-Machine Interfaces (HMIs), backend services, machine communication layers, reusable software components, and standardized software frameworks that support automation platforms across the organization.

The engineer will work closely with Automation Engineers, Mechanical Engineers, and Electrical Engineers to develop reliable, maintainable, and scalable software solutions for advanced laboratory and manufacturing systems.

Previous PLC or industrial automation experience is preferred but not required. We are primarily seeking a strong software developer with a passion for learning new technologies and solving real-world engineering challenges.

Software Development & Architecture

• Design, develop, test, and maintain software applications for automation equipment.
• Develop modular, reusable, and scalable software components.
• Apply object-oriented programming principles and software design best practices.
• Develop and maintain common software libraries and frameworks for future automation projects.
• Participate in software architecture decisions, code reviews, and technical design discussions.
• Implement structured diagnostics, logging, error handling, and automated testing where appropriate.

HMI & Application Development

• Design and develop modern web-based Human-Machine Interfaces (HMIs).
• Develop frontend and backend applications for machine monitoring, configuration, and operator interaction.
• Develop APIs and communication interfaces between machine controllers and external systems.
• Support data acquisition, visualization, reporting, and diagnostics functionality.
• Improve user experience, system usability, and maintainability through software enhancements.

Industrial Automation & Systems Integration

• Support development and maintenance of machine control software.
• Integrate software solutions with PLCs, industrial PCs, robotics, motion systems, sensors, and instrumentation.
• Support implementation of machine state management, alarms, diagnostics, and sequential equipment operation.
• Assist with integration using industrial communication protocols.
• Collaborate with multidisciplinary engineering teams during machine development, testing, commissioning, and troubleshooting.

Software Quality & Standardization

• Establish and maintain software coding standards and documentation.
• Utilize Git-based version control and collaborative development practices.
• Participate in software validation, debugging, and root cause analysis.
• Contribute to the development of reusable software standards that reduce development time and improve reliability across future projects.
• Support continuous improvement initiatives focused on software quality and engineering efficiency.

Project Support

• Support new automation projects from concept through deployment.
• Participate in factory acceptance testing, commissioning, and startup activities.
• Troubleshoot software and system integration issues.
• Document software architecture, functionality, and support procedures.
• Perform other duties as assigned.

Qualifications

Required

• Bachelor’s degree in Computer Science, Software Engineering, Computer Engineering, Electrical Engineering, or related technical discipline, or equivalent practical experience.
• 5+ years of professional software development experience.
• Strong programming experience in C#, C++, Java, Python, or similar modern programming languages.
• Solid understanding of object-oriented programming, software architecture, and modular software design.
• Experience developing, debugging, and maintaining software applications.
• Familiarity with frontend technologies including JavaScript, TypeScript, HTML, and CSS.
• Understanding of client-server applications, APIs, and communication protocols.
• Experience using Git or similar version control systems.
• Strong problem-solving, troubleshooting, and analytical skills.
• Ability to independently learn new technologies and technical concepts.
• Strong communication and collaboration skills.

Preferred

• Experience with Beckhoff TwinCAT 3.
• Knowledge of IEC 61131-3 programming, particularly Structured Text.
• Experience with industrial automation, PLCs, or PC-based control systems.
• Familiarity with EtherCAT, EtherNet/IP, PROFINET, Modbus TCP, or OPC UA.
• Experience with robotics, motion control systems, or servo technology.
• Experience developing industrial HMIs or SCADA applications.
• Familiarity with finite state machine architectures and sequential machine control.
• Knowledge of industrial machine safety concepts.
• Experience working in laboratory, manufacturing, pharmaceutical, or regulated environments.
• Experience with automated software testing and CI/CD workflows.
• Experience with database development and management (SQL Server, PostgreSQL, MySQL, or similar).
• Experience designing applications for industrial data collection, storage, reporting, and analytics.
• Familiarity with Industry 4.0, Smart Manufacturing, and Digital Transformation initiatives.
• Experience with Industrial Internet of Things (IIoT) technologies and connected equipment architectures.
• Knowledge of MQTT , OPC UA, REST APIs, and cloud-based industrial data platforms.
• Experience integrating automation systems with MES, LIMS, ERP, cloud services, or enterprise applications.

Additional Information

Candidates currently living within a commutable distance of Houston, TX are encouraged to apply.

What Success Looks Like

• Development of reusable software components used across multiple automation platforms.
• Successful deployment of modern HMI and backend software applications.
• Contributions to a standardized software architecture that improves maintainability and scalability.
• Improved system diagnostics, troubleshooting capabilities, and software reliability.
• Successful support of equipment integration, commissioning, and deployment activities.
• Growth in industrial automation and machine control expertise while maintaining strong software engineering standards.

This role offers a unique opportunity to combine modern software engineering practices with cutting-edge industrial and laboratory automation technologies. You will help build the software foundation for future automation platforms while working alongside experienced automation engineers developing advanced robotic, motion control, and laboratory systems.

• Excellent full time benefits including comprehensive medical coverage, dental, and vision options
• Life and disability insurance
• 401(k) with company match
• Paid vacation and holidays

Eurofins is a M/F, Disabled, and Veteran Equal Employment Opportunity and Affirmative Action employer.

Physical Demands:

The physical demands described here are representative of those that must be met by an employee to successfully perform the essential functions of this job.

The employee is required to stand; walk; and use hands to find, handle, and feel objects, tools, or controls, and some repetitive motion. The employee is occasionally required to reach with hands and arms.

The employee must occasionally lift and/or move up to 25 pounds.

Specific vision abilities required by this job include close vision and distance vision.

Eurofins USA Food Testing is a Disabled and Veteran Equal Employment Opportunity employer.