Lead Software Engineer - Automated Shuttle Systems

Job Title: Software Engineer - Industrial Automation
Location: Hybrid (preferred: Midwest or Southeast U.S.)
Company: AI Storage Solutions (AiSS)
Industry: Material Handling / Automation / Logistics Technology
About Us
We are the leading U.S provider of automated pallet shuttle systems for the material handling industry. With operations in Wisconsin and Michigan, we develop, manufacture, deploy, and support or Rover pallet shuttles which include onboard vehicle controls and upper-level software platforms used to manage shuttle fleets and interface seamlessly with WCS, WMS and ERP systems.
Our company is built on deep experience in systems integration and operations, giving us a unique edge in delivering scalable, practical automation solutions with unmatched support.
Role Overview
We are seeking a hands-on Principal Software Engineer/Software Architect to develop, improve, and support the applications that operate our automated pallet shuttle systems. Your primary focus will be software development, including fleet management, system interfaces, operator applications, and tools that improve reliability and simplify deployment and support.
This is a senior individual-contributor role for someone who can both design the overall system architecture and personally develop, troubleshoot, test, and support the software. The position will have technical ownership of applications supporting fleet management, task execution, traffic control, diagnostics, operator interfaces, databases, system communications, and customer integrations.
The role will also provide technical direction and coordination with approximately 1–2 contractors or shared resources as needed. This is not primarily a people-management role; the emphasis is on software architecture, hands-on development, technical ownership, system reliability, and successful deployment.
Key Responsibilities
Software Development
· Develop and maintain software for shuttle fleet coordination, task execution, operator interfaces, diagnostics, and customer system integration.
· Enhance existing applications and develop new features using languages such as C#/.NET, JavaScript/TypeScript, and Python, as appropriate to the application.
· Build and support APIs, database connections, and communication interfaces with WCS, WMS, ERP, and equipment control systems.
· Write maintainable code, automated tests, and technical documentation; use version control, code reviews, and controlled deployment practices.
Commissioning & Support
· Work with controls engineers to define commands, status messages, alarms, and recovery behavior between application software and equipment.
· Investigate software issues, identify root causes, and improve performance, error handling, recovery, and operational stability.
· Support software testing, commissioning, and troubleshooting remotely and at customer sites as needed.
· Where qualified, assist with PLC logic, HMI changes, and controls troubleshooting in coordination with the controls team.
Required Qualifications
· Professional software development experience delivering and maintaining applications used in production.
· Strong proficiency in C#/.NET, JavaScript/TypeScript, and Python, with the ability to learn and work in additional languages as needed. Current proficiency in all is not necessarily required.
· Experience with application design, APIs, database integration, and communication between software services or devices.
· Practical experience with Git or comparable version control, debugging, testing, and software releases.
· Ability to troubleshoot complex issues, take ownership of assigned work, and follow problems through to resolution.
· Clear communication skills and the ability to collaborate with engineering, project, and customer support teams.
· Willingness to support testing and startup activities at company facilities and customer sites as needed.
Preferred Qualifications
· PLC programming and troubleshooting experience with platforms such as Allen-Bradley, Siemens, Beckhoff, and CODESYS, including Structured Text and/or Ladder Logic.
· Controls engineering experience involving equipment sequencing, I/O, sensors, drives, interlocks, HMI applications, and fault recovery.
· Experience developing software for material handling, warehouse automation, robotics, AGVs/AMRs, or other industrial equipment.
· Experience with fleet management, task scheduling, equipment coordination, and WCS, WMS, and ERP integrations.
· Familiarity with industrial communications such as OPC UA, MQTT, Modbus TCP, or EtherNet/IP.
· Experience with SQL databases, web interfaces, automated deployment pipelines, simulation, or software testing with connected hardware.
· Embedded or vehicle software development experience, including C/C++.
What We Offer
· A hands-on engineering role with direct influence on our software and the performance of customer systems.
· Competitive salary and performance-based incentives.
· A collaborative team with deep experience in automation and systems integration.
· Flexible work arrangements and support for professional development.
How to Apply
Please submit your resume and a brief introduction describing software applications you have developed, the languages you use, and your experience supporting deployed systems. Include any PLC programming or industrial controls experience, if applicable.

Work arrangement
Yes