Senior Software Developer, PLC & Motion Control Integration

Company Profile

Our client Samco Machinery is a leading North American manufacturer with over 50 years of experience providing innovative roll forming and material handling solutions to industries such as automotive, construction, transportation, and energy.

They deliver turnkey systems and customized engineering solutions to clients in more than 35 countries, combining efficiency, quality, and innovation to meet each customer’s unique needs.

About the Role

This is a hands-on hybrid role at the intersection of software development and industrial motion control. You will design, develop, test, and support both the application software and the PLC/HMI/motion control systems that drive custom roll forming lines and material handling machinery. From multi-axis servo motion and flying cutoff sequences to data acquisition and machine safety systems.

Working closely with the Electrical Engineering Manager and cross-functional engineering teams, you will own software deliverables from design through commissioning, field support, and warranty.

What You’ll Do

Software Development

• Design, develop, test, and maintain software applications (primarily Python) for machine control support, data acquisition, recipe/coil management, and production workflows.
• Create software designs and specifications through research and analysis; participate in and document software design reviews.
• Help define and enforce coding standards; ensure all code and documentation are properly maintained in version control.
• Follow the company Product Development Process and deliver all software components required by customer and project specifications.

PLC, HMI & Motion Control Integration

• Develop and integrate PLC logic (ladder logic, structured text) and HMI applications for custom roll forming and material handling machinery.
• Program and tune servo motion control: multi-axis coordinated motion, positioning, electronic gearing/camming, and high-speed applications such as flying cutoff, punching, and stacking.
• Configure and troubleshoot industrial communication networks (e.g., EtherNet/IP, PROFINET, EtherCAT, Modbus TCP, OPC UA) linking PLCs, drives, sensors, and supervisory software.
• Implement and validate machine safety systems — safety PLCs/relays, safety I/O, e-stop and guarding circuits — in accordance with applicable standards (e.g., ISO 13849, IEC 62061, CSA Z432).

Collaboration & Support

• Coordinate with the Electrical Engineering Manager to ensure software aligns with electrical design intent.
• Support manufacturing, machine testing/validation, installation, commissioning, and warranty phases.
• Provide field support, customer training, and direct support to external clients on projects and service issues.
• Support technical sales calls with external clients as a subject-matter resource.
• Mentor junior team members and follow company, ISO, and departmental procedures.

What You Bring

Required

• Bachelor’s degree in software engineering, Computer Engineering, Computer Science, Electrical Engineering, or equivalent work experience.
• 5+ years of software development experience, including 3+ years in industrial automation, machinery, or embedded systems.
• Proficiency in Python.
• Hands-on experience programming PLCs and HMIs, with working knowledge of IEC 61131-3 languages (ladder logic and/or structured text).
• Experience with industrial communication protocols and integrating PLCs with higher-level software.
• Exposure to servo/motion control systems (servo drives, VFDs, multi-axis applications).
• Working understanding of machine safety concepts and safety-rated control hardware.
• Strong analytical, troubleshooting, and root-cause analysis skills.
• Ability to travel to customer sites, suppliers, and company facilities.

Strong Assets

• Experience with major automation platforms such as Rockwell/Allen-Bradley (Studio 5000), Bosch, Siemens (TIA Portal), B&R, or Beckhoff (Twin-CAT).
• Safety PLC programming experience (e.g., Guard-Logix, Siemens F-CPU).
• Rollforming, metal processing, or custom machinery industry experience.
• Additional languages/tools: C#, C++, SQL; networking and network security fundamentals.
• Familiarity with Azure DevOps and modern CI/CD practices.

Core Competencies

Software architecture and design; PLC/controls communication; testing and validation; standards and safety compliance; cross-functional collaboration; technical mentorship; project execution; manufacturing support; IT operations/ITSM awareness.

Work Environment

• On-site in Scarborough, ON, splitting time between office and manufacturing floor environments.
• Fast-paced, deadline-driven, project-based work.
• Periodic travel to customer sites, suppliers, and company facilities.