Controls Engineer Visa Sponsorship Jobs in South Dakota
Controls engineer visa sponsorship jobs in South Dakota are concentrated in the state's manufacturing and agriculture equipment sectors, with employers in Sioux Falls, Rapid City, and the I-90 corridor actively hiring. Companies like Daktronics and Raven Industries have established engineering operations here, making South Dakota a quieter but practical market for internationally trained controls engineers.
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Get Access To All JobsINTRODUCTION
Astec is a global, environmentally focused infrastructure and manufacturing company of asphalt road building and aggregate processing. Our mission is to design and build the most innovative products for the industries we serve. Leveraging innovative solutions and technologies, we serve customers all over the world.
ABOUT THE POSITION
The Controls Software Engineer will be a part of a dynamic team of engineers working on the development of control/automation code for heavy construction equipment, ranging from rock crushers, screens, conveying equipment, etc. The engineer will be involved in the creation of product requirements, decomposition to software requirements, structured software decomposition, code development, software design reviews, and software unit and integration testing. The engineer will move from project to project as required and may be working on multiple projects within a given timeframe. All project work will be scheduled by the New Product Development Manager(s) and the Continuous Improvement Manager(s) such that the engineer will not be over allocated but will have definite deadlines and visibility into upcoming work. Software will be developed on PLCs, embedded controllers, and HMI displays. Currently all systems are coded in either CodeSys, TIA Portal or B&R Automation Studio. The Control Software Engineer will work with the Electrical Engineer(s) on a project to map I/O, define necessary configurations, understand sensor input requirements as well as device output drive requirements. The Control Software Engineer will work cooperatively with the Electrical Engineer(s) and the Mechanical Engineer(s) to develop the appropriate control algorithms to produce the equipment functionality required by the customer and Product Management.
ESSENTIAL DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES
- Use structured systems engineering approach for the development of the software used to control heavy construction equipment.
- Uses knowledge of process automation techniques to advance the simplicity of operation and troubleshooting of equipment to maximize productivity by enhancing operator functionality and the minimization of equipment downtime.
- Uses structured software design techniques to distill product requirements into a product software specification, product software design, and product software test plan and creates the corresponding documents.
- Completes the controller/PLC programming and the HMI screen programming for product projects based on the software design.
- Performs unit testing and integration testing of all controller/PLC/HMI systems to insure performance and realization of all product requirements.
- Develops the software test plans for new designs and changes to existing designs, and coordinates the testing and validation using these plans.
- Contributes to the development of product documentation, including production work instructions, training manuals, troubleshooting guides, and product test plans.
- Identifies improvement opportunities and enhancements for product enhancements and/or cost reductions.
- Contributes to project teams to ensure the successful completion of project objectives, including schedule, budget, and feature set.
- Contributes to the development of new processes and procedures to enhance the software and hardware design capabilities and work products of the engineering team.
- Leads cross-functional software and HMI design reviews.
- Leads software design reviews for developed control software.
- Assists customers, via telephone or on site, to resolve function and/or application issues.
- Works with the Service Department to resolve field and warranty issues.
- Works with the Technical Publications Department to develop and update operation/parts/service manuals.
- Adheres to all Astec design and coding standards.
- Performs engineering calculations as required during design cycle.
- Follows proper safety procedures.
- Performs other duties as assigned.
MINIMUM EDUCATION and/or EXPERIENCE REQUIRED
- Bachelor of Science (B.S.) degree in Electrical / Computer Engineering or related field.
- Minimum of five (5) years of experience in the design and development of industrial or mobile equipment control software.
SKILLS AND ABILITIES REQUIRED
- Knowledgeable of development software and tools for embedded systems.
- Proficient in C / C++ / Structure Text programming, preferably in automotive or mobile equipment applications.
- Knowledgeable of network protocols such as CAN, Ethernet, Wireless 802.11, etc.
- Proficient at interfacing software with the control and data acquisition from sensor, including pressure, proximity, angular, temperature, etc.
- Proficient with developing code for the control of valves, motors, and other industrial devices.
- Ability to work satisfactorily as a team member.
- Good communication skills (both verbal and written).
- Good organization and time-management skills.
- Willingness to accept responsibility and take on new challenges.
- Ability to exercise discretion and independent judgment on a customary and regular basis.
- Proficiency with personal computer and Microsoft Office Suite software applications.
- Adept at problem solving.
Language Skills
- Ability to write reports, business correspondence and procedure manuals.
- Ability to present information and write routine reports, correspondence, and effectively present information to customers and/or employees of organization and respond to questions from groups of managers, clients, customers, and the public.
Reasoning Ability Skills
- Ability to define problems, collect data, establish facts, and draw valid conclusions.
- Ability to interpret an extensive variety of technical instructions in mathematical or diagram form and deal with several abstract and concrete variables.
- Must have strong analytical and troubleshooting skills.
PREFERENCES
- Experience with CodeSys, C/C++, and Ladder Logic programming.
- Experience developing software/firmware controls for and interfaces to Telematics, hydraulic circuits, 12V/24V DC electric circuits, A/C motors, and/or control systems for off-road construction equipment.
- Experience in the design and creation of software for the control & automation of off-road construction equipment.
PHYSICAL DEMANDS
The physical demands described here are representative of those that must be met by an employee to successfully perform the essential functions of this job. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.
**WORK ENVIRONMENT
INTRODUCTION
Astec is a global, environmentally focused infrastructure and manufacturing company of asphalt road building and aggregate processing. Our mission is to design and build the most innovative products for the industries we serve. Leveraging innovative solutions and technologies, we serve customers all over the world.
ABOUT THE POSITION
The Controls Software Engineer will be a part of a dynamic team of engineers working on the development of control/automation code for heavy construction equipment, ranging from rock crushers, screens, conveying equipment, etc. The engineer will be involved in the creation of product requirements, decomposition to software requirements, structured software decomposition, code development, software design reviews, and software unit and integration testing. The engineer will move from project to project as required and may be working on multiple projects within a given timeframe. All project work will be scheduled by the New Product Development Manager(s) and the Continuous Improvement Manager(s) such that the engineer will not be over allocated but will have definite deadlines and visibility into upcoming work. Software will be developed on PLCs, embedded controllers, and HMI displays. Currently all systems are coded in either CodeSys, TIA Portal or B&R Automation Studio. The Control Software Engineer will work with the Electrical Engineer(s) on a project to map I/O, define necessary configurations, understand sensor input requirements as well as device output drive requirements. The Control Software Engineer will work cooperatively with the Electrical Engineer(s) and the Mechanical Engineer(s) to develop the appropriate control algorithms to produce the equipment functionality required by the customer and Product Management.
ESSENTIAL DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES
- Use structured systems engineering approach for the development of the software used to control heavy construction equipment.
- Uses knowledge of process automation techniques to advance the simplicity of operation and troubleshooting of equipment to maximize productivity by enhancing operator functionality and the minimization of equipment downtime.
- Uses structured software design techniques to distill product requirements into a product software specification, product software design, and product software test plan and creates the corresponding documents.
- Completes the controller/PLC programming and the HMI screen programming for product projects based on the software design.
- Performs unit testing and integration testing of all controller/PLC/HMI systems to insure performance and realization of all product requirements.
- Develops the software test plans for new designs and changes to existing designs, and coordinates the testing and validation using these plans.
- Contributes to the development of product documentation, including production work instructions, training manuals, troubleshooting guides, and product test plans.
- Identifies improvement opportunities and enhancements for product enhancements and/or cost reductions.
- Contributes to project teams to ensure the successful completion of project objectives, including schedule, budget, and feature set.
- Contributes to the development of new processes and procedures to enhance the software and hardware design capabilities and work products of the engineering team.
- Leads cross-functional software and HMI design reviews.
- Leads software design reviews for developed control software.
- Assists customers, via telephone or on site, to resolve function and/or application issues.
- Works with the Service Department to resolve field and warranty issues.
- Works with the Technical Publications Department to develop and update operation/parts/service manuals.
- Adheres to all Astec design and coding standards.
- Performs engineering calculations as required during design cycle.
- Follows proper safety procedures.
- Performs other duties as assigned.
MINIMUM EDUCATION and/or EXPERIENCE REQUIRED
- Bachelor of Science (B.S.) degree in Electrical / Computer Engineering or related field.
- Minimum of five (5) years of experience in the design and development of industrial or mobile equipment control software.
SKILLS AND ABILITIES REQUIRED
- Knowledgeable of development software and tools for embedded systems.
- Proficient in C / C++ / Structure Text programming, preferably in automotive or mobile equipment applications.
- Knowledgeable of network protocols such as CAN, Ethernet, Wireless 802.11, etc.
- Proficient at interfacing software with the control and data acquisition from sensor, including pressure, proximity, angular, temperature, etc.
- Proficient with developing code for the control of valves, motors, and other industrial devices.
- Ability to work satisfactorily as a team member.
- Good communication skills (both verbal and written).
- Good organization and time-management skills.
- Willingness to accept responsibility and take on new challenges.
- Ability to exercise discretion and independent judgment on a customary and regular basis.
- Proficiency with personal computer and Microsoft Office Suite software applications.
- Adept at problem solving.
Language Skills
- Ability to write reports, business correspondence and procedure manuals.
- Ability to present information and write routine reports, correspondence, and effectively present information to customers and/or employees of organization and respond to questions from groups of managers, clients, customers, and the public.
Reasoning Ability Skills
- Ability to define problems, collect data, establish facts, and draw valid conclusions.
- Ability to interpret an extensive variety of technical instructions in mathematical or diagram form and deal with several abstract and concrete variables.
- Must have strong analytical and troubleshooting skills.
PREFERENCES
- Experience with CodeSys, C/C++, and Ladder Logic programming.
- Experience developing software/firmware controls for and interfaces to Telematics, hydraulic circuits, 12V/24V DC electric circuits, A/C motors, and/or control systems for off-road construction equipment.
- Experience in the design and creation of software for the control & automation of off-road construction equipment.
PHYSICAL DEMANDS
The physical demands described here are representative of those that must be met by an employee to successfully perform the essential functions of this job. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.
**WORK ENVIRONMENT
Controls Engineer Job Roles in South Dakota
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Search Controls Engineer Jobs in South DakotaControls Engineer Jobs in South Dakota: Frequently Asked Questions
Which companies sponsor visas for controls engineers in South Dakota?
Manufacturing firms and agriculture technology companies are the most active sponsors for controls engineers in South Dakota. Daktronics, headquartered in Brookings, and Raven Industries in Sioux Falls have both filed H-1B visa petitions for engineering roles. Larger national manufacturers with South Dakota facilities, such as those in food processing and industrial automation, also sponsor periodically. Sponsorship activity tends to follow project cycles rather than continuous hiring.
Which visa types are most common for controls engineer roles in South Dakota?
The H-1B visa is the most common sponsorship pathway for controls engineers in South Dakota. The role typically qualifies as a specialty occupation because it requires at least a bachelor's degree in electrical engineering, controls systems engineering, or a closely related field. Canadian and Mexican nationals may pursue the TN visa under the USMCA, which covers engineers and has no lottery requirement, making it a faster path for eligible candidates.
Which cities in South Dakota have the most controls engineer sponsorship jobs?
Sioux Falls is the strongest market for controls engineer sponsorship jobs in South Dakota, given its concentration of manufacturing, food processing, and technology employers. Brookings is notable due to Daktronics and proximity to South Dakota State University. Rapid City, serving as a regional hub for the western part of the state, also sees demand from industrial and energy sector employers. Aberdeen and Watertown have smaller but active manufacturing bases.
How to find controls engineer visa sponsorship jobs in South Dakota?
Migrate Mate is the most direct way to find controls engineer visa sponsorship jobs in South Dakota. The platform filters jobs by role and state, showing only employers with active sponsorship history, which saves significant time compared to applying broadly and asking about sponsorship late in the process. Focusing your search on Sioux Falls and Brookings will surface the highest concentration of relevant openings for controls engineers in the state.
Are there state-specific or role-specific considerations for controls engineers seeking sponsorship in South Dakota?
South Dakota has no state income tax, which affects total compensation comparisons when evaluating offers. For H-1B purposes, employers must pay the prevailing wage for controls engineer roles in the specific South Dakota metro area, which is determined by the Department of Labor and varies between Sioux Falls, Rapid City, and rural counties. Controls engineers with experience in PLC programming, SCADA systems, or agricultural automation will find the strongest alignment with South Dakota's dominant industries.
What is the prevailing wage for sponsored controls engineer jobs in South Dakota?
U.S. employers sponsoring a visa must pay at least the prevailing wage, which is what workers in the same role, area, and experience level typically earn. The Department of Labor sets this rate to make sure companies aren't hiring foreign workers simply because they'd accept lower pay than a U.S. worker. It varies by job title, location, and experience. You can look up current prevailing wage rates for any occupation and location using the OFLC Wage Search page.