As a Software Engineer at Tesco Controls, your day-to-day responsibilities will extend far beyond sitting at a desk writing code. You will be responsible for the entire lifecycle of industrial control software, from initial design to final field commissioning.

You will spend a significant portion of your time designing and programming PLC logic and SCADA systems based on complex engineering specifications. This involves creating intuitive human-machine interfaces (HMIs) that allow plant operators to monitor and control processes easily. You will work closely with the hardware engineering team to ensure that the software you write aligns perfectly with the physical control panels being built in the manufacturing shop.

Collaboration is a core part of this role. You will participate in internal testing phases, often referred to as Factory Acceptance Testing (FAT), where you will run your software on physical hardware in the Tesco Controls shop to prove its functionality before it ships. Once the hardware is installed at the customer's site, you may also assist with field commissioning, troubleshooting network communications, and fine-tuning control loops in real-world environments.

To be competitive for the Software Engineer position at Tesco Controls, you must demonstrate a solid foundation in engineering principles and a strong interest in industrial automation.

Must-Have Qualifications

• A Bachelor's degree in Electrical Engineering, Computer Science, Mechanical Engineering, or a closely related technical field.
• Strong knowledge of basic electrical engineering concepts (voltage, current, resistance, relays, and basic circuits).
• Familiarity with PLC programming languages (such as Ladder Logic, Structured Text, or Function Block Diagram) or SCADA software platforms.
• Solid understanding of networking basics, including IP addressing, subnets, and standard communication protocols.
• Excellent communication and interpersonal skills, with the ability to work effectively in a collaborative panel and team setting.

Nice-to-Have Qualifications

• Prior experience or internships in the water, wastewater, or municipal utility industries.
• Hands-on experience with specific automation hardware (e.g., Allen-Bradley/Rockwell, Schneider Electric, Siemens) or SCADA platforms (e.g., Ignition, Wonderware/InTouch, VTScada).
• Experience with relational databases (SQL) and scripting languages (Python, PowerShell, or VBA) for advanced SCADA reporting and automation.
• Familiarity with reading and interpreting electrical control schematics and P&IDs (Piping and Instrumentation Diagrams).

Q: How difficult is the technical written test during the onsite interview? A: The test is generally considered average in difficulty. It focuses on fundamental electrical engineering knowledge, such as Ohm's law, identifying components on a basic schematic, and simple logic gates or control concepts. If you have an engineering background or have reviewed basic circuit design, you should feel comfortable.

Q: What is the company culture like at Tesco Controls? A: The culture is highly collaborative, supportive, and community-oriented. Candidates frequently highlight the warm, welcoming environment during the onsite interview, the open-door policy of management, and the strong emphasis on teamwork. It is a place where people are genuinely eager to help you succeed.

Q: Do I need prior experience in the water/wastewater industry to apply? A: While prior experience in water/wastewater or industrial automation is a tremendous advantage, it is not an absolute requirement. Tesco Controls values strong engineering fundamentals, a willingness to learn, and a solid problem-solving mindset. They are highly willing to train the right candidate who demonstrates curiosity and strong basic skills.

Q: How much travel is required for this Software Engineer role? A: Travel requirements can vary depending on the specific team and project phase. Some roles may involve occasional travel to municipal sites for field commissioning, testing, and client meetings, while others are more focused on in-house development and factory testing. It is best to clarify this with the hiring manager during your initial interview.

To ensure you stand out during your interview process at Tesco Controls, keep these practical, insider tips in mind:

• Show an interest in the physical hardware: During your shop tour, show genuine curiosity about how the control panels are assembled and wired. Ask questions about the components, the assembly process, and how the software team collaborates with the shop technicians.

• Emphasize a safety-first mindset: Because Tesco Controls designs systems for critical infrastructure, safety and reliability are paramount. When answering technical or situational questions, always highlight how your design choices or troubleshooting steps prioritize operator safety and system uptime.

• Prepare for the panel dynamics: The onsite panel interview typically involves 3 to 4 people. Practice addressing the entire room when answering questions, making eye contact with everyone, and maintaining an engaging, conversational tone. Treat the panel like a collaborative project meeting rather than an interrogation.

• Be ready to discuss control systems networks: Having a background in industrial networking will help you tremendously. Be prepared to explain how devices talk to each other and how you would troubleshoot a broken communication link.

The Software Engineer role at Tesco Controls offers a unique and highly rewarding career path for engineers who want to see their code make a tangible difference in the physical world. By developing the automation systems that manage critical public utilities, you will play a key role in supporting communities and protecting the environment. The interview process is thorough but fair, offering a warm and welcoming look into the company's collaborative culture and state-of-the-art facilities.

To maximize your chances of success, focus your preparation on core control system logic, basic electrical circuits, and industrial networking protocols. Prepare to showcase your collaborative spirit and structured problem-solving skills during the panel interview. With focused preparation on these key technical and behavioral areas, you can walk into your interviews with confidence.

The compensation data above reflects the industry-standard ranges for control systems and software engineering roles in municipal automation. Your specific offer will depend on your experience level, technical test performance, and location. For additional interview preparation resources, practice questions, and peer insights, you can explore further details on Dataford. Good luck with your preparation!