Software Developer Internship Jobs in Grinnell, IA

Job Title: I4.0 Process / Systems Engineer

Location: Pella, Iowa, United States

Job Type: Full-Time

Company: Pella Corporation

Team: Intelligent Operations

About Us: Pella Corporation is at the forefront of innovation in manufacturing and process engineering. We are dedicated to leveraging cutting-edge I4.0 technologies to drive efficiency, reduce cost, improve product quality, and enable our team members to be successful in their work every day. Join our dynamic team and be a part of the revolution in industrial automation and smart manufacturing.

Why You Should Apply: Imagine a workplace where your ideas matter. Where innovation is a way of life, and every challenge is an opportunity to grow. As an I4.0 Process / Systems Engineer, you'll be at the forefront of technology, working with a passionate team to make a tangible impact.  This position offers significant opportunities for technical learning as well as growth in leadership skills and competencies.

Job Summary: We are seeking a motivated and talented I4.0 Process / Systems Engineer to join our team. In this role, you will leverage your experience and expertise to design, implement, and optimize advanced manufacturing processes. As a member of our Intelligent Operations team, you will work closely with cross-functional resources from operations, IT, and engineering to optimize processes, implement automation solutions, and lead the integration of smart manufacturing systems on the factory floor. 

What We're Looking For:

• Bachelor's degree in engineering or similar technical field (Industrial, Mechanical, Electrical, Computer, etc.).
• 3+ Years experience with manufacturing processes and digital systems to support operations.
• Expertise with manufacturing software & systems (e.g., machine controls & sensors, IOT devices, digital workstation platforms, ERP systems, and system integration).
• Experience leading, planning, and managing projects from ideation through execution, successfully meeting timelines and budget expectations.
• A passion for learning and eager to build capabilities around the latest Industry 4.0 technologies.
• Strong analytical and problem-solving skills.
• Excellent communication and teamwork skills.
• Driven, proactive, and adaptable.
• Familiarity with digital systems, code languages, and software development in an Agile environment is a plus.

What We Offer:

• Competitive salary and benefits package.
• Endless opportunities for professional growth and development.
• A collaborative, innovative, and dynamic work environment.
• Hands-on experience with the latest Industry 4.0 technologies.

• The chance to be a part of a company that values your ideas and contributions

Success Factors & Expectations:

• Scope of Responsibility: Capable of working independently and with minimal direction on complex projects.

• Supervising Others:  Primarily an individual contributor role that influences others, but may manage junior engineers, co-ops, and interns. 

• Leadership:  Capable of leading complex technical projects from development through implementation in operations. 

• Project Management:  Plans, schedules, and coordinates detailed phases of a project or task and is accountable for delivering on time and within budget.

• Judgement:  Coordinates work that requires independent judgment in the evaluation, selection, and adaptation of technologies and processes. 

• Work Hours & Location:  Normal working hours, but irregular hours/shifts occasionally may be required. Primarily on site, but with occasional hybrid flexibility.

• Travel Expectations: Up to 30% dependent on project assignments. Corporate, enterprise role.

• Safety:  Periodically exposed to machinery where safe operating procedures must be followed, occasional lifting of materials up to 30 lbs. is required, work environment may be noisy.

QUALIFICATIONS

EXPERIENCE REQUIRED:

3+ years combined engineering experience.

EDUCATION AND DEVELOPMENT:

Bachelor of Science in Engineering, Math, or relevant Science or combination of education and experience.  Responsible for ongoing development of technical and leadership competencies.

ESSENTIAL DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES

SCOPE:

Contributes to project identification and definition. Normally works under the guidance of a supervisor.  Develops, implements and/or supports assigned technologies, products, and processes. Responsible for other projects as assigned by supervisor.

SUPERVISING OTHERS:

Primarily an individual contributor role; however, capable of leading a team in technical projects. May supervise non-exempt and hourly employees.

APPLICATION OF KNOWLEDGE:

Proven experience beyond education to support and deliver high quality products and processes through the application of engineering principles.  Exhibits competency and begins to develop expertise in multiple engineering technologies. Performs work which involves conventional practice but may include a variety of complex features, such as conflicting design requirements, incomplete market requirements, unsuitability of standard materials and multiple project coordination.

JUDGMENT:

Independently evaluates, selects and applies engineering principles to product and process modifications.  Exercises independent judgment to define project objectives and engineering / scientific approach. Assignments may require development of unclear objectives and require investigation of multiple variables.

SPECIFIC DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES - Industry 4.0 Engineer III   

Responsibilities: Partners with operations, information technology, and suppliers to implement I4.0 solutions and technologies across the business.  Drives improvement in key operational metrics related to cost, capacity, on-time delivery, and customer experience in a complex manufacturing environment. 

• Leads projects from concept through completion by defining requirements, assisting with business case development, planning work, organizing resources, and coordinating implementation in operations. 

• The ability to effectively evaluate options, present information, defend a position and address concerns is key to driving execution and results. 

• Required to define, measure, and share business value or outcomes with plants and stakeholders. 

• Must develop competency with I4.0 technologies including RFID systems, digital work instructions (voice & visual), machine & process monitoring, web & mobile applications, data collection & management, etc.

• Scope of influence spans multiple functions including manufacturing, engineering, information technology, quality, finance, product & process development, and material / equipment supply.  Strong cross-functional collaboration and communication skills are required. 

• The position is expected to understand and apply safe practices in line with Pella's safety policies.

Supervisory responsibilities: 

May lead and/or mentor engineering technicians, co-ops, and interns.      

Work hours: 

Normal + irregular hours/shifts required

Travel expectations: 

Up to 25% dependent upon role & project assignments

Computer skills: 

Microsoft Office applications and AutoCAD required.  Microsoft Project preferred.

Technical / functional skills: 

Strong learner, who demonstrates competency and developing expertise within multiple disciplines or technologies, including IT/OT Systems.  Pella Project Management, Agile methodology, and CI principles.

Safety: 

Periodically exposed to machinery where safe operating procedures must be followed, occasional lifting of materials up to 30 lbs. is required, work environment may be noisy. 

Certificates, licenses, and registrations:  

Pella CI / 2P Leader Certification

Leadership competencies: 

Establish plans, Apply technical and functional expertise, Manage and improve processes, Build relationships, Foster collaboration, Drive execution, Industry knowledge

Key Responsibilities:

• Lead the design, implementation, and optimization of cutting-edge manufacturing processes utilizing Industry 4.0 technologies.
• Relevant technologies may include but are not limited to custom app development, part & material tracking with RFID or NFC systems, data capture and visualization, advanced process monitoring and control, machine and process automation, vision system installations, voice directed work, digital work instructions, etc.
• Collaborate with operations partners to identify opportunities for process improvement and automation.
• Lead the integration and maintenance of IoT devices, sensors, and data acquisition systems.
• Analyze process data to identify trends, anomalies, and areas for improvement.
• Participate in the development and execution of process validation and testing protocols.
• Conduct process assessments and provide recommendations for continuous improvement.
• Work with cross-functional teams to ensure seamless integration of new technologies into existing manufacturing operations.
• Provide technical support and training to junior engineers and production staff on new processes and equipment.
• Support the maintenance and troubleshooting of intelligent operations systems.
• Stay updated with the latest advancements in Industry 4.0 technologies and best practices.