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Key Responsibilities and Required Skills for an Industrial Developer

💰 $95,000 - $150,000

EngineeringSoftware DevelopmentManufacturingIoTAutomation

🎯 Role Definition

As an Industrial Developer, you will be the chief architect and builder of the digital ecosystem that powers our modern manufacturing operations. You will design, develop, and maintain the software that connects our plant floor equipment (PLCs, sensors, robots) to our enterprise systems. Your primary mission is to unlock the value of industrial data, transforming it into actionable intelligence that enhances efficiency, boosts quality, and enables predictive capabilities. This is a hands-on role that requires a unique blend of software engineering prowess, a deep understanding of industrial processes, and a passion for automation and the Industrial Internet of Things (IIoT).

📈 Career Progression

Typical Career Path

Entry Point From:

  • Junior Software Developer (with an interest in manufacturing)
  • Controls Engineer / Automation Engineer
  • Automation Technician

Advancement To:

  • Senior Industrial Developer / Lead Automation Engineer
  • Industrial IoT Architect
  • Digital Manufacturing Manager

Lateral Moves:

  • Manufacturing Data Scientist
  • Solutions Architect (Industrial Software)

Core Responsibilities

Primary Functions

  • Design, develop, and deploy robust software solutions for industrial automation and control systems, including SCADA, HMI, and MES platforms, to ensure seamless plant operations.
  • Spearhead the end-to-end integration of factory floor equipment, such as PLCs, CNC machines, sensors, and robotics, with higher-level enterprise systems using industrial protocols like OPC-UA, Modbus, and EtherNet/IP.
  • Architect and maintain highly available data acquisition pipelines to collect, process, and store high-volume, real-time manufacturing data from a diverse array of industrial assets.
  • Engineer and implement innovative Industrial Internet of Things (IIoT) solutions to enable predictive maintenance strategies, enhance operational visibility, and drive improvements in Overall Equipment Effectiveness (OEE).
  • Create custom applications, scripts, and services (primarily using Python, C#, or Java) to automate manual processes, streamline complex production workflows, and solve unique manufacturing challenges.
  • Collaborate intensively with cross-functional teams—including controls engineers, process engineers, maintenance staff, and IT professionals—to translate operational requirements into technical specifications and ensure seamless project execution.
  • Design, manage, and optimize industrial databases, encompassing both SQL servers and time-series historians (e.g., OSIsoft PI System, Ignition Historian), for efficient and reliable data storage and retrieval.
  • Build and maintain intuitive, real-time dashboards and visualization tools that provide plant leadership and operators with actionable insights into production performance, quality metrics, and machine health.
  • Provide advanced, tier-3 technical support for critical production systems, expertly diagnosing and resolving complex software, network, and communication issues to minimize costly downtime.
  • Author and maintain comprehensive technical documentation, including system architecture diagrams, data flow maps, disaster recovery plans, and standard operating procedures for all developed solutions.
  • Implement and champion cybersecurity best practices for Industrial Control Systems (ICS) and Operational Technology (OT) environments to protect critical manufacturing infrastructure from evolving threats.
  • Lead the full software development lifecycle (SDLC) for industrial applications, from initial concept and requirements gathering through to deployment, rigorous testing, and long-term maintenance.
  • Evaluate, prototype, and recommend emerging Industry 4.0 technologies, such as machine learning for anomaly detection, digital twins, and cloud-based analytics, to drive continuous innovation.
  • Meticulously manage source code and software versions for all industrial applications using Git, enforcing branching strategies and code review processes to ensure high quality and collaboration.
  • Develop and execute comprehensive test plans, including unit, integration, and system acceptance testing in a lab environment, to validate the functionality, performance, and reliability of industrial software before deployment.
  • Configure, and in some cases program, Programmable Logic Controllers (PLCs) from major vendors like Siemens and Rockwell Automation for specific data-gathering or control tasks.
  • Develop custom communication interfaces and middleware to bridge the gap between disparate industrial systems, ensuring reliable data exchange and interoperability across the manufacturing technology stack.
  • Drive the strategic modernization of legacy industrial systems, planning and executing migration projects from outdated platforms to modern, scalable, and secure technology frameworks.
  • Participate in an on-call rotation schedule to provide after-hours emergency support for mission-critical manufacturing systems and respond swiftly to automated system alerts.
  • Champion data governance and integrity initiatives by implementing data validation rules, cleansing procedures, and master data management practices to ensure the trustworthiness of all manufacturing data.
  • Develop solutions that leverage public cloud platforms (e.g., Azure IoT Hub, AWS IoT Core) for scalable data ingestion, long-term storage, and advanced analytics of industrial data sets.
  • Conduct hands-on training sessions for plant operators, engineers, and maintenance personnel on new software systems and functionalities to ensure successful user adoption and long-term value.

Secondary Functions

  • Support ad-hoc data requests and exploratory data analysis to answer specific business questions from operations and quality teams.
  • Contribute to the organization's overarching Industry 4.0 and digital transformation strategy and roadmap.
  • Collaborate with business units to translate operational needs, pain points, and Key Performance Indicators (KPIs) into detailed engineering requirements.
  • Participate in sprint planning, daily stand-ups, and retrospective ceremonies within the data engineering and automation team's Agile framework.
  • Mentor junior developers and technicians, sharing knowledge of industrial systems, protocols, and software development best practices.

Required Skills & Competencies

Hard Skills (Technical)

  • Deep proficiency in at least one high-level programming language such as Python, C# (.NET), or Java.
  • Expertise in SCADA/HMI development and configuration using modern platforms like Ignition, Aveva System Platform (Wonderware), or Siemens WinCC.
  • Strong command of SQL and extensive experience with relational database management systems (e.g., MS SQL Server, PostgreSQL).
  • In-depth knowledge of Industrial Communication Protocols, especially OPC-UA, but also including Modbus TCP/IP, EtherNet/IP, and PROFINET.
  • Practical experience with Manufacturing Execution Systems (MES) concepts, integration, and platforms.
  • Hands-on experience interacting with Programmable Logic Controllers (PLCs) from major vendors (e.g., Rockwell/Allen-Bradley, Siemens).
  • Familiarity with industrial time-series data historians like the OSIsoft PI System, InfluxDB, or Canary Labs.
  • Working experience with cloud-based IoT platforms and services, such as Azure IoT Hub or AWS IoT Core.
  • Proficiency with modern software development tools, including version control systems (Git) and issue tracking (Jira).
  • A solid understanding of OT/ICS Cybersecurity principles and industrial networking fundamentals.

Soft Skills

  • Analytical Problem-Solving: A natural ability to systematically troubleshoot and resolve complex issues that span both the physical and digital realms in a high-pressure production environment.
  • Exceptional Communication: The capacity to articulate complex technical concepts and project updates clearly and concisely to diverse audiences, from shop-floor operators to senior management.
  • Collaborative Spirit: A proven team player who thrives on working closely with cross-functional teams of engineers, IT professionals, and operational staff to achieve common goals.
  • Adaptability & Resilience: The agility to pivot priorities in a dynamic manufacturing environment and the resilience to see challenging projects through to completion.
  • Meticulous Attention to Detail: A precise and thorough approach to coding, testing, and documentation to ensure the safety, reliability, and security of critical systems.
  • Ownership Mentality: A proactive and self-motivated individual who takes ownership of their projects and is driven to deliver impactful results.

Education & Experience

Educational Background

Minimum Education:

  • Bachelor's Degree in a relevant technical field or equivalent professional experience.

Preferred Education:

  • Master's Degree in a specialized engineering or computer science discipline.

Relevant Fields of Study:

  • Computer Science
  • Computer Engineering
  • Electrical Engineering
  • Mechatronics or Industrial Automation

Experience Requirements

Typical Experience Range: 3-8 years of relevant experience in an industrial software development, automation, or manufacturing systems role.

Preferred: 5+ years of experience with a demonstrated portfolio of projects that involve integrating plant-floor equipment with enterprise software systems in a live manufacturing environment.

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