Principal Software Engineer (Real-time C++) - Massachusetts

Our client is a cutting-edge machinery manufacturing company at the forefront of innovation in 3D metal printing technology. The company’s mission is to revolutionize high-volume manufacturing processes by enabling green, sustainable production of large-scale industrial parts. They collaborate with contract manufacturers to produce precision-engineered components for a wide range of industries, leveraging advanced 3D printing techniques. As they continue to grow, they are looking to bring on a Principal Software Engineer to lead the development of their state-of-the-art metal printing systems.

As a Principal Software Engineer, you will play a pivotal role in the development of embedded software for the company’s next-generation 3D metal printing machines. These machines are designed to deliver high-volume, precision printing for large-scale industrial parts, with an emphasis on sustainability and green manufacturing. You will be responsible for architecting and implementing software solutions that integrate motion control systems, real-time operating systems (RTOS), and other critical embedded components to ensure the efficient and reliable performance of the printing systems.

In this senior role, you will lead and mentor a team of junior engineers, providing guidance on best practices and technical direction. You will work closely with cross-functional teams, including hardware engineers and product managers, to ensure that software and hardware integration meets the high standards required for large-scale manufacturing environments.

Key Responsibilities:

• Lead the architecture, design, and development of embedded software for large-scale 3D metal printing machines, focusing on motion control systems, real-time performance, and machine functionality.
• Develop and maintain high-performance C++ software for embedded systems running on RTOS (e.g., RTX), ensuring reliable and deterministic operation.
• Drive the integration of motion control, sensor data, and real-time communication systems to enable seamless machine operation and high-precision printing capabilities.
• Collaborate with contract manufacturers to ensure software is properly integrated into the physical hardware, ensuring high-volume production capabilities.
• Provide leadership and mentorship to junior software engineers, fostering growth and development within the team.
• Lead troubleshooting and debugging efforts in both software and hardware environments, identifying root causes and implementing effective solutions.
• Stay up to date with advancements in embedded systems, 3D printing technology, and manufacturing processes to continuously improve software development practices.
• Work closely with cross-functional teams (hardware, product, and operations) to ensure system requirements and objectives are met, contributing to the overall success of the product development lifecycle.

Qualifications:

• 10+ years of experience in embedded software engineering with a strong focus on C++ programming.
• Proven experience with real-time operating systems (RTOS), particularly RTX or similar platforms.
• Strong background in motion control systems and integrating embedded software with hardware for precise, high-performance systems.
• Demonstrated ability to architect complex software systems, balancing performance, reliability, and scalability.
• Experience with 3D printing technologies and/or machinery manufacturing is highly desirable.
• Proven leadership experience in mentoring and leading junior engineers, helping to develop and grow technical talent within a team.
• Excellent problem-solving and troubleshooting skills, with the ability to diagnose and resolve complex system-level issues.
• Strong communication skills, with the ability to collaborate effectively with cross-functional teams and external partners.
• Bachelor's degree in Computer Science, Electrical Engineering, or a related field (Master’s preferred).