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Software Engineer - C++

Rockwell Automation · Milwaukee, WI · Full time

Posted Sep 29, 2026 · We last checked this listing on Oct 6, 2026

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Likely interview questions for this role

Written from this job description, not a generic list. Each one notes what the interviewer is really checking.

About your past

Tell me about a C++ project you worked on. What part did you build and what was hard about it?

What they are checking: Whether they have real hands-on C++ experience and can explain their own contribution.

Tell me about a time you asked a more experienced engineer for help. How did you decide when to ask?

What they are checking: Whether they balance trying on their own with asking for help, since the role includes mentoring.

What interests you about building software for industrial automation?

What they are checking: Whether they're curious about the domain, which helps them grow in the role.

How do you keep learning and improving as a developer?

What they are checking: Whether they take initiative to grow their skills, which the posting encourages.

What would you do

You're given a bug in code you've never seen before. How do you start?

What they are checking: Whether they can find their way through an unfamiliar codebase methodically.

A code reviewer leaves a lot of comments on your change. How do you handle it?

What they are checking: Whether they take feedback well and learn from it instead of getting defensive.

About the work

How do smart pointers work, and when would you use each kind?

What they are checking: Whether they understand modern C++ memory management basics.

FactoryTalk Optix runs on both Windows and Linux. What problems might you run into writing code for both?

What they are checking: Whether they're aware of cross-platform issues like file paths, threading and build differences.

How do you write unit tests for C++ code?

What they are checking: Whether they test their own work, which the role lists alongside implementation.

What happens when two threads change the same data at the same time, and how do you prevent it?

What they are checking: Whether they understand basic concurrency, which matters in HMI runtime software.

Practice this interview out loud.

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The full job description

As published by Rockwell Automation.

Rockwell Automation is a global technology leader focused on helping the world’s manufacturers be more productive, sustainable, and agile. With more than 28,000 employees who make the world better every day, we know we have something special. Behind our customers - amazing companies that help feed the world, provide life-saving medicine on a global scale, and focus on clean water and green mobility - our people are energized problem solvers that take pride in how the work we do changes the world for the better. We welcome all makers, forward thinkers, and problem solvers who are looking for a place to do their best work. And if that’s you we would love to have you join us! Job Description Position Overview As a Software Engineer at Rockwell Automation, you will work on FactoryTalk Optix, industry-leading visualization software known for its flexibility and ease of use. FactoryTalk Optix is HMI software that allows users to design applications to control the production process in a variety of environments. These applications can be deployed to various targets, including OptixPanels, ASEM 6300 industrial computers, or user-provided machines running Optix Runtime Tools on either Windows or Linux. You will contribute to subsystem implementation, testing, and maintenance while growing your technical skills with support from more experienced engineers. You will participate in the development lifecycle, collaborate with your team to deliver assigned work, and help ensure that developed products meet requirements and quality standards. You will work with local and global teams and perform software testing tasks including test development, execution, troubleshooting, and documentation. When you join our software development group, you become part of a team that believes in knowledge sharing and collaboration and that is committed to using reliable and well-thought-out engineering and software development practices (such as Agile/SCRUM and SAFe) and technology to overcome any challenge. We are looking for someone who brings curiosity and a team-oriented approach. You will communicate openly and continue developing your knowledge of software engineering, computer engineering, and test automation practices. You will report to a Software Engineering Manager. Your Responsibilities: • Contribute to feature requirements and documentation, ensuring information needed for software development and test cases is captured clearly • Implement software features and enhancements based on established designs and requirements • Document code and technical decisions clearly for maintainability and team collaboration • Develop and execute unit tests; report, analyze, debug, and correct software issues with guidance as needed • Participate in reviews of documents, designs, code, test cases, and user documentation • Plan, develop, and execute test cases and automated tests to help ensure appropriate functional test coverage • Verify that documented test cases and specifications validate documented software requirements • Perform product testing, document results, and follow up on issues found during testing • Investigate the origin and cause of software anomalies with support from the team • Contribute ideas for improving software development practices, development tools, and test automation • Learn and apply relevant technologies and standards to solve engineering challenges • Communicate technical concepts clearly, both verbally and in writing • Develop familiarity with industrial control system concepts and how they apply to FactoryTalk Optix The Essentials - You Will Have: • Bachelor's Degree or equivalent years of relevant work experience • Legal authorization to work in the US is required. The Preferred - You Might Also Have: • Typically requires 2 years of relevant technical experience • Degree in Computer Science, Computer Engineering, Electrical Engineering, or equivalent • Experience in a software product development environment • Working knowledge of C++, C#, or TypeScript programming languages • Familiarity with Qt, .NET, or React frameworks • Experience creating, configuring and managing container infrastructure (Kubernetes, Helm, Docker) • Experience designing, developing, and maintaining applications that leverage MariaDB, including database schema design, query optimization, and performance tuning. • Experience using AI Models for design, debugging and implementation • Experience creating or updating GitHub Actions • Experience with Visual Studio and Visual Studio Code IDEs • Experience documenting and reviewing designs • Familiarity with Linux/WSL What We Offer: • Health Insurance including Medical, Dental and Vision • 401k • Paid Time off • Parental and Caregiver Leave • Flexible Work Schedule where you will work with your manager to enjoy a work schedule that can be flexible with your personal life. • To learn more about our benefits package, please visit at www.raquickfind.com . This position is part of a job family. Experience will be the determining factor for position level and compensation. At Rockwell Automation we are dedicated to building a diverse, inclusive and authentic workplace, so if you're excited about this role but your experience doesn't align perfectly with every qualification in the job description, we encourage you to apply anyway. You may be just the right person for this or other roles. #LI-Hybrid #LI-LifeAtRok #LI-SB1 We are an Equal Opportunity Employer including disability and veterans. If you are an individual with a disability and you need assistance or a reasonable accommodation during the application process, please contact our services team at +1 (844) 404-7247. Rockwell Automation’s hybrid policy aligns that employees are expected to work at a Rockwell location at least Mondays, Tuesdays, and Thursdays unless they have a business obligation out of the office.

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