Software Engineer, Robotics

Applied Design Corporation | Boulder, CO (Onsite / Limited Hybrid)

Applied Design Corporation is a custom automation integrator with over 22 years of experience delivering one-off, turn-key automation systems across a wide range of industries, including:

• Food & Beverage
• Packaging
• Aerospace
• Defense
• And more

Our projects combine software, robotics, motion control, vision, and electromechanical systems to solve problems that don’t have off-the-shelf answers.

Current Projects, as an example:

• Designing, building, and installing a cobot-based automation system for office printer manufacturing
• Developing a robotic stress/strain testing system for consumer goods
• Designing, building, and installing a cobot-assisted packaging line for consumer goods

We also provide contracting services to other clients, assisting them with database management, cloud system creation and maintenance, and project feature request fulfillment (including API and front-end work).

We are hiring two Software Engineers - one Junior and one Senior - to join our growing automation team.

This role is structured as a 6-month 1099 contract, with a strong intent to convert to a full-time W2 position after the contract period if the fit is mutual. You will work closely with mechanical, electrical, and controls engineers to design and implement software for custom automation systems, often involving robotics, sequencing logic, device communications, and data handling.

Work is primarily onsite in Boulder, CO, with limited work‑from‑home flexibility. We plan to relocate within the north Denver metro area (Thornton / Northglenn / Westminster / Erie) within the next year.

• Develop and maintain Python‑based software infrastructure for automation systems
• Design and implement sequential logic for machines, robotics, and automation workflows
• Integrate and communicate with hardware devices using bit‑level logic and industrial protocols
• Work with databases for configuration, logging, and system data
• Collaborate cross‑functionally with mechanical, electrical, and controls engineers
• Troubleshoot and debug complex systems during bring‑up, testing, and installation
• Read datasheets, evaluate new devices, and implement novel solutions as required

Note:

Some projects involve work for military and law‑enforcement customers, including lethal weapons systems. Candidates must be comfortable working in this domain.

Ideal background:

• 1–3 years of professional software experience
• Exposure to robotics, automation, game development, or other state‑machine / sequential systems
• Familiarity with hardware interfaces, device communications, or embedded‑adjacent systems
• Eagerness to learn, ask questions, and take ownership of problems

You’ll succeed if you are:

• A self‑starter who can work through ambiguous problems
• Comfortable working on physical systems, not just pure software
• Interested in automation, robotics, and real‑world systems

Ideal background:

• 7–10 years of professional software experience
• Deep experience with Python in production systems
• Strong background in sequential logic, robotics, automation, or real‑time systems
• Comfortable designing system architecture and mentoring junior engineers
• Full‑stack capability (UI, backend, databases, device communication)
• Experience interfacing software with motion systems, robotics, or industrial equipment preferred

Junior Software Engineer: $35 – $55 / hour as a 1099 contractor, based on experience.

You’ll succeed if you are:

• Comfortable owning large portions of a system end‑to‑end
• Able to make sound technical decisions with limited precedent
• Calm and effective during system bring‑up, debugging, and field issues

Contract & Compensation

• This role starts as a 1099 contract (approximately 40 hours/week) for 6 months.

Senior Software Engineer: $60 – $90 / hour as a 1099 contractor, based on experience.

Hourly rates are based on experience and are designed to convert cleanly to a competitive full‑time salaried W2 role upon successful completion of the contract period.

• 3 weeks of PTO (accrued bi‑weekly) - 4 weeks after 5 years.
• 10 paid holidays (7 fixed, 3 floating)
• Long‑term, full‑time employment on technically challenging projects
• Associate’s or Bachelor’s degree in engineering, computer science, or a related technical field. Equivalent professional experience will be considered in lieu of education.

• Local to Colorado required - Primarily onsite in Boulder, CO. Some work‑from‑home flexibility.
• Must be a US Citizen

Please apply via Linked In with Resume and Cover Letter.