Lead Software Development Engineer- Machine Control Systems

Position Overview

As a Lead Software Development Engineer, you will take on a key technical role within our software team, contributing to the development of high-performance applications for real-time embedded control systems. This position focuses on full-stack development, with responsibilities spanning embedded control systems, UI design, and system integration.

What You’ll Do

• Mentor other software engineers specializing in programmable hardware and displays, providing guidance, feedback, and support to ensure the successful delivery of automation projects.
• Lead the full software development lifecycle from requirements gathering and design to implementation, testing, and commissioning.
• Collaborate closely with vehicle systems experts, electrical engineers, and other stakeholders to define project requirements, develop software solutions, and integrate programmable systems with other control systems and equipment.
• Define and own the software development lifecycle infrastructure for industrial automation projects, including branching strategies, versioning standards, and release governance.
• Enforce code review, merge policies, and change control practices.
• Develop and maintain project plans, and schedules; monitoring project progress and identifying any risks or issues that may impact delivery timelines.
• Implement best practices and standards for programming, ensuring code quality, reliability, and maintainability.
• Stay current on industry trends, advancements in programmable hardware technology, and emerging standards and regulations; proactively incorporate new tools and methodologies to support continuous improvement and ensure departmental readiness for both new and existing product development.
• Foster a culture of collaboration, innovation, and continuous improvement within the automation team, promoting knowledge sharing and professional development.
• Build and maintain strong relationships with external software, automation, and industrial control partners to enhance development capabilities and ensure supplier components are effectively integrated within the broader company software architecture.
• Ability to collaborate with and lead international teams in various time zones.
• Oversee the development and release of software projects for components and systems for which you are responsible.
• Uphold company policies and procedures, contributing to a harmonious working environment and strong working relationships.

Key Competencies

• Comprehensive knowledge of software design and development practices, with a focus on heavy machinery.
• Proficiency with Atlassian toolchain (Bitbucket, Jira) including repository management, branching strategies, pull request workflows, and pipeline configuration.
• Experience with versioning and release practices for embedded firmware, including build artifact traceability, toolchain integration (compilers, linkers, build systems), and controlled field deployment.
• Familiarity with Jira for issue tracking and release management, with traceability between Jira issues and source control commits.
• Proven skills in designing, implementing, and optimizing motion control algorithms and software for industrial applications.
• Strong programming skills in languages commonly used in motion control systems, such as C/C++, Python, or MATLAB/Simulink.
• Experience working with various motion control hardware components, such as servo drives, motors, encoders, and actuators.
• Understanding of communication protocols commonly used in motion control systems, such as EtherCAT, CAN bus, Modbus, and Ethernet/IP.
• Strong communication skills to effectively collaborate with the engineering team and external partners.
• Capable of managing multiple development projects under tight deadlines with a focus on safety and quality.
• Knowledge of effective collaboration techniques and ability to build networks with people from different countries and cultures.

Physical Demands

• The position occasionally bends, stoops, reaches, pushes and pulls drawers to retrieve and file information and lifts and carries reports, records, and other materials that typically weigh less than 30 pounds.

Education & Experience

• Accredited engineering degree with an emphasis in electrical engineering, computer engineering, computer science, or a related field.
• Minimum of 10+ years of product development experience, preferably within the heavy equipment, off-highway, agricultural equipment, transportation, automotive, or material handling industries.

Compensation/Benefits

We foster a collaborative team environment that values innovation and encourages creative solutions to drive positive organizational impact. Our employees are the key to our success and help us stand out from our competitors. The base pay range for this role is $110,000 to $150,000. The final compensation offer may vary based on factors such as experience, education, skills, and location. We offer competitive pay, paid time off, and comprehensive benefits, including medical, dental, vision, life insurance, and a 401(k) plan.