Software Applications Engineer – PLC Integration (Industrial Marking & Coding)

Company: Hitachi Industrial Equipment & Solutions America, LLC
Location: Elk Grove Village, IL
Job Type: Full-Time

About Hitachi Industrial Equipment Systems

Hitachi Industrial Equipment & Solutions (HIESA) is a global leader in industrial marking and coding solutions, delivering reliable and high-performance Continuous Inkjet (CIJ) printers, including the UX Series (UX2, UX-D, UX-B) and associated technologies. Our solutions support critical manufacturing operations across food & beverage, pharmaceutical, personal care, and industrial sectors, ensuring compliance, traceability, and operational efficiency.

Position Summary

Hitachi is seeking a Software Applications Engineer to support the integration of Hitachi Continuous Inkjet (CIJ) printers and marking systems into customer production and packaging lines.

This role will focus on PLC-based controls integration, communication setup, and production line synchronization to ensure accurate, high-speed product coding and seamless line operation. The ideal candidate will bring hands-on experience with Allen‑Bradley and Siemens PLC platforms, combined with a strong understanding of manufacturing and packaging environments.

Key Responsibilities

· Integrate Hitachi CIJ printers, and other coding technology products, into customer production lines,

· Develop, modify, and troubleshoot PLC programs using:

o Allen‑Bradley (Studio 5000 / ControlLogix / CompactLogix)

o Siemens (TIA Portal / S7 platforms)

· Configure and validate printer-to-PLC communications, including:

o Ethernet/IP and PROFINET

o TCP/IP and serial communication protocols

o Data exchange for print messages, lot codes, expiration dates, and barcode data

· Implement automated coding solutions, including:

o Print job/recipe selection tied to line controls

o Product detection and encoder-based print timing

o Line speed tracking and synchronization

· Support integration with:

o Packaging equipment (fillers, labelers, conveyors)

o Vision systems for code verification

o MES/ERP systems for product traceability

· Perform system commissioning and startup, including FAT/SAT and onsite validation

· Troubleshoot system issues across:

o PLC logic

o Printer communication and configuration

o Print quality, placement, and timing

· Create and maintain technical documentation:

o Functional design specifications

o Control narratives and network diagrams

o Commissioning reports and user training materials

· Provide customer training and post-installation support

Required Qualifications

· Bachelor's degree in engineering (Electrical, Controls, or related field) or equivalent experience

· 3+ years of experience in industrial automation or controls engineering

· Strong experience with:

o Allen‑Bradley PLC platforms (Studio 5000)

o Siemens PLC platforms (TIA Portal)

· Hands-on experience with:

o Industrial communication protocols (EtherNet/IP, PROFINET, TCP/IP)

o Manufacturing or packaging systems integration

· Ability to read and interpret electrical schematics and system diagrams

· Willingness to travel (20–35%) to customer sites

Preferred Qualifications

· Experience with industrial marking & coding systems, particularly:

o Hitachi CIJ printers (UX Series preferred)

o PIJ, TIJ, TTO and other printing technologies

o Other platforms (Videojet, Domino, Markem-Imaje)

· Programming experience in higher-level languages (C#, Python, SQL)

· Knowledge of:

o Barcode standards (GS1, DataMatrix, UPC)

o Vision inspection systems

· Familiarity with:

o FactoryTalk View, Siemens WinCC, or Ignition

o Track & trace / serialization environments

· Experience integrating equipment in:

o Food & beverage

o Pharmaceutical

o Consumer packaged goods (CPG)

Key Competencies

· Strong troubleshooting and problem-solving skills

· Customer-facing communication and technical support ability

· Attention to detail (critical for regulatory coding accuracy)

· Ability to manage multiple projects in fast-paced environments

· Self-motivated with ability to work independently and in teams

Job Type: Full-time

Benefits:

• 401(k)
• Dental insurance
• Health insurance
• Paid time off
• Vision insurance

Work Location: In person