Sr. Controls Engineer at John Deere

Department: Product Engineering (CA)

Compensation

$109,284 – $163,920/yr

Setup: On-site
Location: Urbandale, Iowa · Cary, North Carolina
Type: Full-time
Level: senior
Posted: Sep 10, 2026

Description

John Deere is hiring a Sr. Controls Engineer for its ISG in Urbandale, Iowa, to develop control algorithms and embedded control software for vehicle automation, including state-machine logic, arbitration, closed-loop control, and operator-assist functions. The role partners with other Deere units, uses AI-assisted development tools, troubleshoots vehicle electrical and communication systems, and improves software quality. It is an onsite position with possible assignment to another John Deere facility, requires control-systems and embedded-software expertise, and offers a base salary of $109,284 to $163,920 plus benefits.

Required Skills

Control algorithms
Embedded software
State machines
Closed-loop control
Signal arbitration
MBSD
MQTT
CAN protocols
Linux software
C++
Qt
Multi-threading
Test-driven development

Additional Information

Required Previous Experiences: Experience developing control systems, including state machines, closed-loop control, signal arbitration, fault handling, and degradation logic.
Experience with aggregate closed-loop simulations combining controllers and virtual prototypes.
Experience with MQTT, UDP, TCP/IP, and CAN communication protocols.
Experience developing Linux software applications.
Experience in off-highway, automotive, robotics, or autonomous-systems domains.
Experience developing embedded C software.
Experience with model predictive control (MPC).
Experience with Scrum or Agile software-development methodologies.
Experience with test-driven development and automated software testing.
Preferred Qualifications: Advanced degree in control systems or a related field.
Familiarity with Model-Based System Design or Dynamic System Modeling workflows.
Knowledge of C++ and experience with Qt or standard libraries.
Experience with multi-threaded systems.
Bachelor of Science in computer science, computer engineering, electrical engineering, mechanical engineering, agricultural engineering, or equivalent experience.