Job Specifications
Job Title: Python Software Engineer – Hardware Control & Robotics
Location: Redmond, WA - Onsite
Duration: 12+ Months
Job Description: Job Summary
We are seeking a highly skilled and motivated Software Engineer to join our specialized engineering team. This role is centered on the development of sophisticated software for advanced hardware control and lab automation, with a primary focus on aero-acoustic wind tunnel systems. In this role, you will use Python to design, build, and enhance control mechanisms for both a classic recirculating wind tunnel and a novel modular fan-array wind tunnel. This position offers a unique and exciting opportunity to work at the intersection of software development, robotics, acoustics, and aerodynamics.
Key Responsibilities
Design, develop, and maintain high-quality, reusable, and reliable Python code for controlling complex hardware systems, including wind tunnel fan arrays and associated mechanical components.
Implement and optimize control algorithms for real-time performance and precision, including PWM control for fan motors and actuators.
Develop software to program and generate a variety of airflow conditions, including laminar, turbulent, gradient, and time-varying flows.
Create and manage control interfaces for secondary systems, including robotic HATS (Head and Torso Simulator) movers, lift systems, and multi-channel spatial audio (HOA) setups.
Integrate data from motion capture systems (e.g., Optitrack) for real-time tracking and system alignment.
Develop and execute automated procedures for the calibration of wind speeds, acoustic sensors, and other critical measurements.
Build and maintain data pipelines for capturing, processing, and analyzing experimental data from a wide range of sensors.
Troubleshoot and resolve complex software and system-level issues to ensure high availability and reliability of all lab equipment.
Produce clear and comprehensive documentation for software architecture, APIs, and operational procedures.
Qualifications
Bachelor’s or Master’s degree in Computer Science, Electrical Engineering, Mechanical Engineering, Robotics, or a related field.
Proven professional experience in Python programming with a strong emphasis on hardware control, lab automation, or robotics.
Solid understanding of control systems theory, digital signal processing, and data acquisition principles.
Strong foundational knowledge of fluid mechanics, aerodynamic principles, and acoustic measurement techniques.
Experience working in a laboratory or R&D environment is highly desirable.
Demonstrated ability to debug complex, multi-component systems that include both hardware and software.
Excellent communication and collaboration skills, with an ability to work effectively in a multidisciplinary team.
Technical Skills
Required:
Proficiency in modern Python (3.8+) and object-oriented design.
Experience with scientific computing and data analysis libraries (NumPy, SciPy, Pandas).
Experience with hardware control interfaces and protocols (e.g., PWM, serial, Ethernet).
Experience with libraries for audio signal processing or multi-channel data acquisition (e.g., sounddevice, librosa).
Competency with version control systems, particularly Git.
Experience using configuration file formats like YAML or JSON.
Knowledge of network communication protocols and experience with REST APIs.
Preferred:
Experience with motion control systems for robotics or automation.
Familiarity with spatial audio technologies, particularly High-Order Ambisonics (HOA).
Experience integrating motion capture systems (e.g., Optitrack) into control software.
Experience with advanced aerodynamic measurement techniques such as Particle Image Velocimetry (PIV).
Familiarity with GUI development frameworks for creating internal tools.
Experience with cross-platform software development (Windows, macOS, Linux).
Top 3 Must-Have Skills
Python software engineering for hardware control / lab automation
Proficiency in modern Python (3.8+) and object-oriented design
Ability to design, develop, and maintain reliable, reusable control software for complex hardware systems (with LLM coding support e.g. Claude code, LLama, Gemini, OpenCode, etc.)
Strong practices around code quality, documentation, configuration (YAML/JSON), and version control (Git)
Real-time control + hardware interfaces (control systems, PWM, data acquisition)
Implementing and optimizing real-time control algorithms for precision (e.g., PWM control for motors/actuators)
Hands-on experience with hardware communication interfaces/protocols (PWM, serial, Ethernet)
Ability to debug and troubleshoot multi-component systems spanning software + hardware for high availability
Experimental data pipelines + signal processing (acoustics/audio + sensor data)
Building and maintaining data pipelines to capture, process, and analyze sensor/experimental data
Strong scientific computing and data analysis skills (NumPy, SciPy, Pandas)
Experience with audi