Automation & Proc Ctrl Engineer

Who are we, and what do we do?

At Corteva Agriscience, you will help us grow what’s next. No matter your role, you will be part of a team that is building the future of agriculture, leading breakthroughs in the innovation and application of science and technology that will better the lives of people all over the world and fuel the progress of humankind.

Corteva is seeking to hire an Automation and Process Control Engineer / Senior Software Developer (Industrial Automation) at our Johnston, Iowa campus (on-site). This is a hands-on industrial automation software role, we need someone who writes production C# that controls real machines and programs PLCs in Structured Text.

What You’ll Do

• Design, develop, deliver, and sustain C#/.NET applications that directly control, monitor, and integrate custom R&D equipment across lab, greenhouse, seed-processing, and field environments.
• Build software that interfaces with PLCs, robotics, motion systems, conveyors, sensors/actuators, and imaging platforms (hardware-in-the-loop, real-world machine behavior).
• Program and maintain PLC logic in IEC 61131-3 Structured Text (ST), Beckhoff TwinCAT strongly preferred.
• Integrate and troubleshoot industrial communications including MQTT, MODBUS (RTU/TCP), EtherCAT, and other Ethernet/fieldbus standards.
• Program, configure, and support Epson robotics (RC+) and integrate robot routines into larger automation workflows.
• Develop and maintain machine/imaging control software.
• Own projects end-to-end in a waterfall/phase-gate lifecycle: requirements/spec → architecture/design → implementation/testing → deployment/commissioning → post-mortem and lessons learned.
• Drive reliability, safety, performance, and maintainability improvements; support commissioning, troubleshooting, and long-term sustainment.

What You’ll Need:

Required Qualifications

• 7+ years of hands-on experience in industrial automation/controls environments.
• 7+ years of professional C#/.NET experience specifically in industrial automation, machine control, or equipment integration (software that interfaces with real hardware).
• 7+ years of PLC programming experience in Structured Text (IEC 61131-3); Beckhoff/TwinCAT experience highly desired.
• Demonstrated ability to integrate software with industrial hardware (PLCs, robotics, motion control, sensors/actuators, cameras/imaging, data acquisition).
• Proven hands-on experience implementing and debugging industrial protocols (e.g., MQTT, MODBUS, EtherCAT).
• Full lifecycle ownership experience: deployment/commissioning, troubleshooting, sustainment, and documentation/runbooks.
• Ability to work safely and effectively around prototype machinery, shop equipment, and field installations.
• Strong communication skills and ability to lead technical execution with cross-functional partners (engineering, automation, science, operations).
• Must be able to work in the U.S. without restriction.

Preferred Qualifications

• Direct experience with Beckhoff TwinCAT platforms and/or broader IEC 61131 language exposure beyond ST (Ladder, FBD, SFC, etc.).
• Experience in R&D / laboratory / greenhouse / field-based automation settings with seasonal delivery pressures.
• Experience with vision/imaging systems, hyperspectral imaging, or hardware-integrated data acquisition.
• Experience with Rockwell PLCs (in addition to Beckhoff).
• Working knowledge of real-time/industrial software considerations (threading, synchronization, race conditions, uptime).
• Additional development languages (e.g., C++ or Python) for edge integrations/scripting.
• Familiarity with database/SQL logging patterns commonly used in equipment systems.

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Benefits – How We’ll Support You:

• Numerous development opportunities offered to build your skills

• Be part of a company with a higher purpose and contribute to making the world a better place

• Health benefits for you and your family on your first day of employment

• Four weeks of paid time off and two weeks of well-being pay per year, plus paid holidays

• Excellent parental leave which includes a minimum of 16 weeks for mother and father

• Future planning with our competitive retirement savings plan and tuition reimbursement program

• Learn more about our total rewards package here - Corteva Benefits

• Check out life at Corteva! www.linkedin.com/company/corteva/life

Are you a good match? Apply today! We seek applicants from all backgrounds to ensure we get the best, most creative talent on our team.

Corteva Agriscience is an equal opportunity employer. We are committed to embracing our differences to enrich lives, advance innovation, and boost company performance. Qualified applicants will be considered without regard to race, color, religion, creed, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, marital status, national origin, age, military or veteran status, pregnancy related conditions (including pregnancy, childbirth, or related medical conditions), disability or any other protected status in accordance with federal, state, or local laws.