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Job Description
Job Title:
Senior Automation Software Engineer Location:
Northwest Side of Chicago (Hermosa/Logan Square)
Job Type:
Full-Time Experience Level:
8+ years (or equivalent experience) About Us Chicago Dryer Company is a third-generation, family-owned manufacturer of automated flatwork finishing equipment for commercial laundries. Located on the Hermosa/Logan Square border—just one block from a Metra Milwaukee District North station—we have been designing and manufacturing our products in Chicago since 1886. Our customers span the globe and include high-end resorts, leading hospitality groups, healthcare systems, party rental companies, and some of the most powerful commercial laundries in the industry. Every day, their laundry systems process hundreds of millions of pounds of linens through our machines. We offer a fast-paced, hands-on environment where collaboration and problem-solving are part of the everyday. You'll find competitive pay, full benefits, and opportunities to grow your skills over the long term. Position Summary We are seeking a hands-on, software-first Senior Automation Engineer to join our team. While we need someone who treats industrial programming as a true software discipline, this is not a hands-off, desk-only role. You will be actively writing code and working directly on the factory floor to test, debug, and run our machinery. Reporting to Engineering Management, this position is responsible for developing, implementing, and maintaining the control and HMI systems for our industrial equipment. The ideal candidate is an expert in text-based industrial programming languages who loves solving complex code logic problems, possesses strong mechanical aptitude, and is entirely comfortable using hand tools and working directly on physical equipment alongside our factory team.
Key Responsibilities Code Development:
Write, implement, and maintain machine-control software, HMI applications, and data communications for our industrial equipment lines.
Hands-On Machine Testing:
Spend significant time on the factory floor physically testing code updates, debugging machine behaviors, and verifying that software controls match mechanical performance.
Motion & Automation Integration:
Program and integrate industrial motion components, including servos, variable frequency drives (VFDs/inverters), linear actuators, and pneumatic systems.
Industrial Networking:
Set up, configure, and troubleshoot industrial communication protocols and serial interfaces, including Ethernet POWERLINK, EtherCAT, Modbus, RS-232, RS-485, AS-i, and IO-Link.
Data & SCADA Layers:
Implement data-transfer protocols for machine data-acquisition, telemetry, and SCADA systems using platform-specific data interface tools.
Multi-Level Collaboration:
Partner closely and communicate effectively across all levels of the organization—collaborating daily with shop floor technicians, engineering peers, and upper management. Qualifications & SkillsRequirements 8+ years of experience in controls and software engineering specifically focused on industrial machinery or automation. High-level, hands-on knowledge of text-based programming languages, specifically C• and Structured Text (Pascal-based)•. Solid experience working within modern industrial automation ecosystems, specifically B&R Industrial Automation (Automation Studio, POWERLINK) and/or Beckhoff TwinCAT 3 . Familiarity with Windows, Linux, and Realtime Operating Systems (RTOS). Practical electrical literacy—ability to read electrical schematics and apply electrical codes for industrial machinery. Strong mechanical aptitude and a genuine desire to work hands-on with machinery, including the comfort and ability to use basic hand tools during testing and assembly. Strong troubleshooting and debugging skills, with a proven ability to solve logic problems on a live machine. Exceptional interpersonal skills with a down-to-earth approach; ability to present technical updates clearly to upper management while working effectively with production teams. Preferred Experience using modern development tools like Git for version control and Jira for tracking projects. Practical electronics design and hardware-level troubleshooting experience.
Why Join Us Stability & Longevity:
Enjoy the career security of a well-established, family-owned industry leader.
Tangible, Complex Technology:
Work on real, massive equipment where your code directly controls heavy physical motion and mechanics.
Convenient Location:
Avoid the downtown commute with a location near public transportation, including a Metra station just one block away. Learn more about Chicago Dryer Company at www.chidry.com This position is for direct hire only. We are not accepting inquiries from recruiters, agencies, or subcontractors at this time.
Job Type:
Full-time Benefits:
401(k) Dental insurance Health insurance Life insurance Paid time off Vision insurance Ability to
