Software Engineer II, Hardware Control

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

• Bachelors or Masters 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 clients internal teams and integration into standard enterprise workflows.

Cincinnatus is a legal entity separate from Mercor. While opportunities may be discovered through Mercors 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.