Control Systems Engineer

Control Systems Engineer

Finisar Australia / Coherent is an innovative global company that designs and manufactures high-technology communication products for optical fibre telecommunication networks. We are the largest supplier of optical communication components and subsystems in the world. 

Here at Finisar Australia, we have created a philosophy that thrives on well-supported R&D, continuous improvement, teamwork and partnerships within and beyond the organisation. We set high expectations and exceed them.

Finisar Australia is seeking a talented Control Systems Engineer to join our team in Sydney. The principal role of the Control Systems Engineer is to design and develop the machine Control Systems software for the manufacturing and testing rigs used at Finisar. 

Key Responsibilities 

• Select the components of the automation control system, including controller, interface modules, sensors and actuators. 
• Detail the interaction between the automation controller and the other components of the system. 
• Develop new and maintain existing software components for various automation system components using the ideal communication protocols. 
• Develop the specific automation software application component for each rig according to its purpose. 
• Develop a library of best practices for automation software development. 
• Develop a catalogue of preferred components. 
• Develop electrical designs of control cabinets using electrical schematic software. 
• Keep up to date with latest developments with automation technology and Beckhoff Automation systems. 
• Engage with the Manufacturing Execution System (MES) team and collaborate with other electrical and Control Systems Engineers to select the electrical and Beckhoff hardware components best suited for the purpose of each rig. 
• Provide technical assistance during the process of transferring rigs to China and deployment in full production. 
• Perform general fault finding and root cause analysis. 
• Create engineering specifications, functional specifications, DVP&R, test plans, functional safety risk assessments and other documentation throughout the life of the project. 

Essential Skills

• At least 5 years’ experience with automation and Control Systems design and implementation. 
• Proficient in developing PLC automation software applications in a IEC 61131-3 development environment (E.g. Beckhoff TwinCAT3, Codesys, RSLogix, etc);
• Proficient in developing safety PLC automation software applications to meet functional safety requirements (E.g. Beckhoff TwinSAFE, Pilz, etc);
• Ability to lead the controls development of small projects. 
• Ability to program applications using higher level programming languages such as (C#, C++, Visual Basic) using Microsoft .NET framework, Java, etc. for bespoke machine control applications/APIs or other software application development tools. 
• Good knowledge of automation tools and instrumentations such as motion control drives, machine vision, pneumatics, sensors and actuators. 
• Good knowledge of best practice software development practices such as source control, CI/CD, TDD, OOP, etc. 
• Good knowledge of industrial fieldbuses for machine control (E.g. Ethernet IP, TCP/IP, Serial, EtherCAT, ProfiNET, etc). 
• Ability to design electrical panel/cabinet design for machinery, ideally with gantry systems. 
• Ability to interact with multiple stakeholders.
• Bachelor’s degree in electrical, mechatronics or software engineering. 

Desirable Skills

• Experience using Beckhoff TwinCAT3 and TwinSAFE PLC development environments for machine Control Systems. 
• Experience using EtherCAT industrial field bus. 
• Experience with developing vision and/or robotic applications using C#. 
• Experience with Electrical Schematic CAD software.

If this sounds like you and you are looking to work for an industry leader with a down-to-earth yet professional environment, then this is the job for you!

We offer a competitive salary. Finisar Australia is a fully owned subsidiary of Coherent, a listed US company trading on NYSE under the symbol COHR.

The right to work in Australia is essential.

Finisar Australia / Coherent is an equal opportunity employer.