Job Description
As a global pioneer in oil-free centrifugal chiller technology with an expanding portfolio of thermal management solutions, Smardt is dedicated to delivering high-efficiency and energy-saving systems for industries, real estate developments, health care and educational centers worldwide. We operate manufacturing facilities in the US, Canada, Germany, China, and Australia, with a team of over 900 employees. With a focus on reliability, performance, and environmental stewardship, Smardt continues to redefine industry standards through advanced engineering and a commitment to a more sustainable future.
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What We're Looking For
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The Graduate Controls Software Engineer is an early-career engineering role focused on the development, testing and support of PLC control software and HMI applications for Smardt's industrial chiller systems deployed globally.
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Based in Bayswater North, Victoria, this is an opportunity for a recent or upcoming graduate in Mechatronics, Electrical Engineering or a related discipline to build hands-on experience in industrial automation and controls. You will work alongside experienced Controls Engineers who will support your development across PLC programming, industrial communications, HVAC controls, troubleshooting and commissioning.
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Prior HVAC, PLC or HMI experience is not required. We are looking for someone curious, technically capable and eager to learn.
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What You'll Do
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Learn to develop and test PLC control logic using Structured Text and Function Block Diagram in accordance with IEC *******, with guidance from experienced Controls Engineers.
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Assist with the development, testing and continuous improvement of HMI applications, including JavaScript-based functionality.
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Work with senior engineers to understand,



maintain and improve Smardt's existing PLC and HMI software codebase.
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Support factory personnel and field technicians with technical troubleshooting, issue investigation and testing of new software features.
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Assist with Factory Acceptance Testing (FAT) and Site Acceptance Testing (SAT) activities.
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Contribute to structured software documentation, version control and good development practices.
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Collaborate with Controls, Engineering and other technical teams on product development and continuous improvement initiatives.
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Develop your knowledge of industrial communications, HVAC controls, automation and real-world equipment commissioning.
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Experience
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What You'll Bring:
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This is a graduate-level opportunity suitable for candidates completing or recently completing their tertiary studies.
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Knowledge of at least one general-purpose programming language such as Python, Java, C# or C++.
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Exposure through university projects, internships or practical experience to automation, machinery, HVAC, process control or software development would be advantageous but is not essential.
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Education/Certifications
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Tertiary qualification in Mechatronics, Electrical Engineering or a related engineering discipline, either recently completed or nearing completion.
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Foundational understanding of control systems and structured software development principles.
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A strong interest in building a career in automation, industrial controls and software engineering.
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Technical Skills
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Understanding of good programming practices and an interest in writing clean, structured and maintainable code.
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Knowledge of version control practices and tools such as Git.
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Exposure to PLC programming using Structured Text or Function Block Diagram is advantageous.
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Exposure to control platforms such as Siemens, Rockwell, Schneider, Beckhoff TwinCAT or CODESYS would be advantageous.
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Familiarity with industrial communication technologies such as Modbus, CAN or RS-485 would be an asset.
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Exposure to IoT/IIoT technologies or CI/CD development practices would be an asset.
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Core Competencies
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Strong analytical and problem-solving skills.
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Curious and proactive, with the confidence to investigate unfamiliar technical problems.
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Robust learning agility and willingness to develop new technical skills.
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Collaborative mindset and willingness to learn from experienced engineers.
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Attention to detail and a structured approach to technical work.
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Clear communication skills and the ability to work effectively within a global engineering team.
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Genuine interest in seeing software translate into measurable, real-world machine performance.
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As part of our hiring process, Smardt conducts background checks in compliance with applicable laws.
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Please note that Smardt does not accept unsolicited resumes from recruiters or employment agencies. In the absence of a signed Services Agreement with agency/recruiter, we will not consider or agree to payment of any referral compensation or recruiter fee.

📌 Graduate Controls Software Engineer (South Australia)
🏢 Smardt
📍 South Australia