Principal Software Engineer

Responsibilities

• Technical Leadership:
  Lead the architecture and design of software systems across the full stack—from embedded firmware (C/C++) controlling hardware to high‑level application software (C#/.NET).
• Team Leadership:
  Provide technical guidance, mentorship, and leadership to a team comprising Software, Firmware, and Electronics Engineers.
• Physics‑Based Development:
  Apply a strong understanding of physics to develop algorithms that turn raw sensor data into actionable scientific insight, including signal processing, instrument control loops, and physical modeling.
• System Integration:
  Work closely with hardware engineers to bring up new boards, debug complex opto‑electronic systems, and ensure seamless integration between hardware and software.
• Innovation:
  Propose technology concepts involved in next‑generation product development, specifically focusing on thermal analysis and materials characterization.
• Collaboration:
  
  Responsible for low‑level software coding and algorithms, manufacturing support, and collaboration with cross‑functional teams for high‑level application coding.

• Education:
  
  Honors degree in Physics, Mathematics, or Engineering with a strong Physics component (a pure Computer Science degree without a strong scientific/physics background is not acceptable).
• Experience:
  
  Minimum of 10+ years of commercial software experience with a proven track record in comprehensive system development.
• Tech Stack:
  Expert‑level proficiency in C# /.NET and strong proficiency in C/C++ for embedded systems/firmware.
• Leadership:
  Demonstrated experience leading or mentoring multi‑disciplinary technical teams (Software and Firmware/Electronics).
• Domain Knowledge:
  Experience in scientific instrumentation, industrial automation, or a similar high‑technology environment where software interacts physically with hardware.
• Hardware Interface:
  Deep understanding of communication protocols (I2C, SPI, USB, Ethernet) and the ability to read schematics/datasheets for firmware development and hardware debugging.
• Strategy & Process:
  Define software development standards, drive Agile/Scrum processes, and implement CI/CD pipelines to ensure operational excellence and product quality.
• Desirable:
  Experience running a multi‑discipline team; signal processing (FFT, digital filtering) and image processing; MATLAB or Python for algorithm prototyping; mobile cross‑platform tools (Xamarin/MAUI) or cloud connectivity (Azure/AWS) for IoT‑enabled instruments; AI Champion.
• Preferred Characteristics:
  Strong leader who inspires confidence and drives technical decisions; physicist mindset with first‑principles thinking; analytical and data‑driven; ability to see both the small and the big picture; organizational and problem‑solving aptitude; adaptability.