Graduate Controls Software Engineer

SMARDT is the world's largest manufacturer of oil-free centrifugal chillers. With operations in Australia, Canada, USA, Germany, and China, SMARDT's revolutionary high efficiency machines are driving rapid growth across key world markets. At the cutting edge of innovation, SMARDT Australia is accelerating product development efforts that deliver substantial energy savings for our customers.

If you want to kick-start your engineering career working on real machine control in a global team, with support and mentoring from experienced controls engineers, look no further.

THE ROLE

We are looking for recent or upcoming graduates with a background in Mechatronics, Electrical Engineering or a related discipline.

This role will focus on PLC control software and HMI development and support for industrial chiller systems deployed globally.

If you do not have prior experience in HVAC, PLCs or HMIs, do not worry. We welcome capable, curious graduates who are willing to learn and grow into the role.

You will join a global Controls team developing control logic where performance, protection and system stability genuinely matter. The work you do will have a direct and measurable real-world impact.

You will work alongside experienced controls engineers who will support your development in PLC programming, industrial communications, HVAC controls, troubleshooting and real-world commissioning.

KEY RESPONSIBILITIES

• Learn to develop and test PLC control logic using Structured Text and Function Block Diagram (IEC61131-3), with guidance from experienced controls engineers

• Assist with the development and testing of HMI applications, including JavaScript-based functionality

• Work with senior engineers to understand, maintain and improve an existing codebase of PLC and HMI software

• Support factory personnel and field technicians in troubleshooting issues and testing new features

• Contribute to structured documentation and version control practices

• Assist with Factory Acceptance Testing (FAT) and Site Acceptance Testing (SAT) activities

• Collaborate with the wider engineering team on product development and continuous improvement

THE ESSENTIALS

• Tertiary qualification in Mechatronics, Electrical Engineering or a related discipline (completing or recently completed)

• Knowledge of at least one general-purpose programming language such as Python, Java, C# or C++

• Knowledge of version control practices and tools such as Git

• Strong problem-solving skills

• Strong interest in automation and industrial controls

• Basic understanding of control systems fundamentals and structured software development principles

• An understanding of good programming practices and an interest in writing clean, structured code

• Collaborative mindset and willingness to learn from senior engineers

• Curious, proactive and comfortable investigating unfamiliar technical problems

NICE TO HAVE

• Any exposure to PLC programming using Structured Text or Function Block Diagram

• Prior exposure to a control system platform such as Siemens, Rockwell, Schneider, Beckhoff TwinCAT or CODESYS

• Familiarity with industrial communication technologies such as Modbus, CAN and RS-485

• Internship, university project or practical experience in HVAC, machinery, automation or process control

• IoT or IIoT knowledge or experience

• Experience with CI/CD practices