Lead Software Development Engineer- Machine Control Systems

Description

Who we are:

The most complete lifting company in the world, Lanco represents four iconic, world-class heavy equipment manufacturers, mobile crane deployments across the US and Canada, the largest parts and service network in North America, and factory-authorized technician training. In this role, you will support Mi-Jack Products, Inc. Established in 1954, Mi-Jack Products is recognized as an industry leader and innovator in Travelift and Translift Rubber Tired Gantry crane manufacturing, sales, service, and support. Mi-Jack is also the industry leader in providing maintenance services, inspections, repairs and parts for the railroad, port and industrial equipment end-users. By designing and engineering maintainable solutions that can integrate into daily operations without missing a beat, we provide our customers with reliable, safe, and efficient solutions. From the engineering department to the manufacturing floor, we are committed to providing a superior product and an unsurpassed customer experience.

https://www.thelancogroup.com/our_services/material-handling/ https://www.mi-jack.com

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.

You’ll write clean, efficient code, guide architectural decisions, and work closely with teammates across disciplines to build scalable, reliable solutions. This role blends deep technical knowledge with collaboration, mentorship, and a commitment to quality software development. In addition to software development, this role requires a strong background in machine control and real-world equipment integration. The ideal candidate will have hands‑on experience working with heavy machinery systems and be comfortable engaging with hardware in the field.

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.
• Defines and owns 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. Owns toolchain selection and integration across source control, build servers, artifact repositories, and deployment orchestration.
• 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.(KS1.1)
• 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.(KS2.1)
• 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.

Work Environment

This is primarily an office classification, and employees work in an office with moderate noise levels, controlled temperature conditions and no direct exposure to hazardous physical substances. May work offsite in various environments. Up to 25% domestic travel may be required.

Location

Hazel Crest, IL

Travel

Less than 10%

Sponsorship

Sponsorship is not available for this position.

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.

What You’ll Need

Education: Accredited engineering degree with an emphasis in electrical engineering, computer engineering, (KS4.1)computer science, or a related field.

Experience: 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 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.

Please note that this job description is not designed to cover or contain a comprehensive listing of activities, duties, or responsibilities required of the employee for this job. Duties, responsibilities, and activities may change at any time, with or without notice.

Lanco is an equal employment opportunity employer. All employment‑related decisions, including but not limited to hiring, compensation, promotion, discipline (including termination), evaluation, training, and development opportunities, are made without discrimination based on race, color, sex, sexual orientation, gender related identity, pregnancy, national origin, ancestry, religion, age, military status, protected disability, citizenship, genetic information or any other category protected by applicable law.