Director Controls and Software Development Engineer

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We are seeking a Director of Controls & Software Development to lead and elevate the engineering teams responsible for our multi-level PLC and IPC controls architecture. You will set the technical direction, build high-performing talent, and drive a culture of rigor, ownership, and predictable execution, ensuring our control systems are robust, scalable, and aligned to product and customer needs.

Your role in our team

• You will lead and develop the Controls Architecture and Software Engineering organization, building strong technical teams and leaders
• Own the multi‑level controls architecture, defining system structure, interfaces, standards, and design principles
• Establish and govern best practices for PLC logic, IPC applications, modular design, safety, diagnostics, and documentation
• Drive development of scalable, maintainable controls software across PLC and IPC layers
• You will partner cross‑functionally (Mechanical, Electrical, Vision, Product, Program) to ensure cohesive system design and aligned requirements
• Implement structured reviews, simulation strategies, and validation processes to ensure quality and early risk identification
• Define and maintain the controls technology roadmap, including platform modernization and long‑term architecture evolution
• Serve as the technical authority for controls architecture decisions, guiding teams through complex system‑level trade‑offs
• You will govern interface contracts and a unified controls data model to ensure clear, stable integration across PLC, IPC, vision, and WCS layers
• Implement release management, versioning, and change‑control processes to ensure long‑term reliability and maintainability

Your skills and abilities

• You have deep expertise in multi‑level controls architectures (PLC, IPC, system‑level orchestration)
• Strong PLC development skills and standards knowledge, ideally with Allen‑Bradley and Siemens platforms
• Proficiency in modern software engineering practices and languages such as C++ and C#
• Demonstrated ability to lead and develop high‑performing technical teams
• Strong systems‑thinking skills to define interfaces, resolve integration challenges, and make architecture trade‑offs
• Excellent cross‑functional communication and alignment capabilities
• You have proven experience establishing engineering standards, reusable frameworks, and scalable development practices
• Ability to drive structured reviews, validation, and simulation to ensure predictable, high‑quality delivery
• Strong analytical and problem‑solving skills within complex automated or mechatronic environments
• Experience evaluating and optimizing system performance, latency, and real‑time behavior

Your profile

• You have a Bachelor’s degree in Mechanical, Electrical, Industrial Engineering, or a related technical field
• 10+ years of experience in controls engineering, automation, or industrial software development
• Significant experience designing or governing multi‑level controls architectures across PLC and IPC layers
• Proven leadership experience in technical teams or engineering organizations within automation, robotics, or material handling
• Successful track record delivering complex automated or mechatronic systems from concept through validation
• Experience establishing engineering standards, platforms, or reusable frameworks across multiple products
• Familiarity with industrial safety systems, networking, fieldbus protocols, and system integration best practices
• Experience defining and governing controls architectures for productized or platform‑based automation solutions
• Willingness to travel up to 40% (including international); valid passport required

Eligible applicants must be currently authorized to work in the United States on a full-time basis. The employer will not sponsor applicants for work visas for this position.

Your benefits

• You will enjoy a flexible work environment that supports your work-life balance; we offer paid time off for parental leave and 22+ days off for personal time and holidays
• You will have access to medical, dental, and vision insurance plans with FSA or HSA options, and a 401(k) plan with a company match up to six percent
• You are provided with several company-paid benefits, including vision insurance, short and long-term disability and basic life insurance plans, and educational and employee assistance programs

Your working environment at Körber

Körber is pioneering cutting-edge sorting technology and solutions that shape the future of mail and parcel automation across Europe, North America and Asia. Set new industry standards and champion customer-centric services and solutions with our dynamic Parcel Logistics team based in Irving, Texas, USA.

This full-time, exempt role offers a hybrid work setting.

Can you see yourself in this profile? Then Körber is the right place for you. We look forward to getting to know you!

Equal opportunity employer

We are an Equal Opportunity Employer and are committed to ensuring equal employment opportunity to all applicants. All hires to our team are based on qualifications, merit, and business needs. It is our policy to give equal employment opportunities to all qualified persons without regard to legally protected characteristics, or any other consideration made unlawful by applicable federal, state/provincial, and/or local law.

Prior to the next step in the recruiting process, we welcome you to inform us confidentially if you may require any special accommodations in order to participate fully in our recruitment experience, please contact us via jobs@koerber.com. We work with selected partners and therefore ask recruitment consultancies to refrain from contacting us by mail or telephone.

Disclaimer: The duties listed above are intended only as representation of the essential functions of this position. The omission of specific statements of duties does not exclude them from the position if the work is similar, related, or a logical assignment to the position. The job description does not constitute an employment agreement between the employer and employee and is subject to change at the sole discretion of the employer. Nothing in this document alters an employee’s at-will employment status. Please note that idividual compensation will be determined by various factors such as scope and responsibilities of the position, experience, education, skills, location, and market and business considerations. Applications must be submitted via our career site.

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Apply now and join our team!

Ready for your next step? Click on ‘Apply now’ to get started right away! As long as the position is advertised, you can apply at any time.

We value diversity and therefore welcome all applicants - regardless of gender, nationality, ethnic or social origin, religion/belief, disability, age, sexual orientation and identity, and any other protected status. You can find out more about our culture here Culture at Körber - it's worth taking a look!

If you have any questions or technical problems, please send us an e-mail to jobs@koerber.com. Brenda Suheili Hernandez Nazario is the responsible person for this job advertisement. We work with permanent partners and therefore ask recruitment consultants to refrain from contacting us by e-mail or telephone.