Vehicle Controls Engineer (CODESYS)

Taylor Machine Works, Inc. is a relationship-focused, family-owned company which designs and manufactures heavy offroad equipment including forklifts and cargo handling equipment. Located in Louisville, Mississippi for nearly 100 years, Taylor provides challenging and rewarding technical career opportunities. Taylor Machine Works has become a worldwide operation with sales driven by the professional and aggressive activities of a vast domestic dealer sales, direct sales, and international sales organization. TMW designs, engineers, and manufactures more than 100 models of industrial lift equipment with lift capacities from 4,000 lbs. to 125,000 lbs. At the very center of this success has been an unwavering commitment to the key concepts of Faith-Vision-Work by the members of the Taylor family and employees who collectively form The Big Red Team!

Job Responsibilities –

• Reports directly to the Chief Engineer and provides regular updates on controls development projects.
• Collaborates with the Engineering Support Department (hydraulics, testing, and electronics support teams) to ensure seamless integration of control systems into vehicles.
• Leads the development of CODESYS programming for all new vehicle control systems, including drivetrain, hydraulics, and operator interface functions.
• Converts existing Parker IQAN programs to CODESYS, ensuring functionality is maintained or improved during migration.
• Designs, develops, and validates control software architecture for forklifts and other heavy mobile equipment.
• Creates and maintains CAN bus communication strategies (e.g., J1939, ISOBUS) for integration across vehicle subsystems.
• Integrates sensors, HMIs, operator controls, and electronic modules into complete vehicle systems.
• Performs system testing, calibration, and troubleshooting in lab and field environments.
• Develops and maintains documentation, including requirements, architecture, coding standards, and test plans.
• Ensures compliance with functional safety standards (ISO 13849, ISO 25119, or related mobile standards).
• Works with suppliers and vendors to specify and validate hardware components compatible with CODESYS-based controls.
• Provides technical leadership and training to engineers and technicians unfamiliar with CODESYS.
• Supports the Chief Engineer in R&D project planning, scheduling, and execution.
• Stays informed of emerging technologies in vehicle electrification, telematics, and automation for future product development.

Qualifications for Vehicle Controls Engineer (CODESYS Focus)

Education & Experience

• Bachelor’s degree in Electrical Engineering, Computer Engineering, Mechatronics, or related field (Master’s preferred).
• Minimum 5 years of experience in electronic vehicle control systems within the off-highway, heavy equipment, or industrial vehicle industry (e.g., forklifts, construction equipment, agricultural machinery, material handling equipment).
• Demonstrated hands-on experience with CODESYS programming environment for mobile machinery or industrial automation.
• Prior experience with proprietary vehicle control platforms (such as Parker IQAN) strongly preferred, with proven ability to migrate or transition to open-architecture systems.

Technical Skills

• Proficiency in IEC 61131-3 programming languages (Structured Text, Ladder Diagram, Function Block Diagram).
• Strong understanding of CAN bus communication protocols (J1939, CANopen, ISOBUS) and related diagnostic tools.
• Experience designing and implementing HMI systems, display interfaces, and operator controls.
• Familiarity with hydraulic and electro-hydraulic systems integration and tuning control loops.
• Ability to perform system-level troubleshooting of hardware/software integration on vehicles.
• Understanding of functional safety standards (ISO 13849, ISO 25119, or ISO 26262) as applied to mobile equipment.

Industry Knowledge

• Background in mobile equipment R&D with emphasis on control system development.
• Knowledge of vehicle electrical architecture design, wiring schematics, and harnessing.
• Awareness of emerging technologies in electrification, telematics, and automation.

Soft Skills

• Strong project management and documentation skills; ability to manage requirements, timelines, and deliverables.
• Effective communicator with cross-functional teams (design engineering, manufacturing, testing, suppliers).
• Ability to train and mentor team members new to CODESYS-based development.
• Problem-solving mindset with the ability to bridge the gap between proprietary and open software environments.

Other

• Willingness to travel occasionally for supplier coordination, testing, or field validation.
• Authorized to work in the U.S. (if applicable).

Benefits:

• Medical/Prescription
• Dental
• Vision
• Vacation
• 10 Holidays
• 401K
• Company paid Life Insurance