Software Engineer II, Hardware Control

Job Description

We are seeking a highly skilled and motivated Software Engineer to join a specialized engineering team. This role focuses on developing sophisticated software for advanced hardware control and lab automation, primarily targeting aero-acoustic wind tunnel systems. 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 opportunity to work at the intersection of software development, robotics, acoustics, and aerodynamics.

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).

California Fair Chance Act: This employer is a Fair Chance employer.

About Cincinnatus

Cincinnatus is an enterprise staffing company that partners with leading technology companies to source and employ highly skilled professionals for full-time and long-term contingent roles. Cincinnatus serves as the employer of record for these engagements, providing W-2 employment, payroll, benefits, and compliance, while placing employees directly within client teams to work on high-impact initiatives.

Roles hired through Cincinnatus are not project-based or freelance engagements. They are structured, role-based positions that typically involve full-time or fixed-term commitments, close collaboration with a client's internal teams, and integration into standard enterprise workflows.

Cincinnatus is a legal entity separate from Mercor. While opportunities may be discovered through Mercor's platform, employment, onboarding, payroll, and benefits for these roles are administered by Cincinnatus.

Equal Employment Opportunity

Cincinnatus is proud to be an Equal Employment Opportunity employer. We do not discriminate based upon race, religion, color, national origin, sex (including pregnancy, childbirth, reproductive health decisions, or related medical conditions), sexual orientation, gender identity, gender expression, age, status as a protected veteran, status as an individual with a disability, genetic information, political views or activity, or any other legally protected characteristic.

Cincinnatus is committed to providing reasonable accommodations for qualified individuals with disabilities and disabled veterans throughout the job application process.