Software Engineer Principal I

About the Role

As a Software Engineer Principal I, you will act as a technical leader responsible for designing and implementing advanced control systems for Genie’s equipment. This individual‑contributor role provides broad technical influence and mentorship across multidisciplinary teams, requiring deep expertise in robotics, control theory, and embedded systems. Key responsibilities include architecting the vehicle control system, deciding which functions run on the high‑performance Linux computer versus distributed real‑time microcontrollers, and implementing ROS2 control hardware interfaces. You will develop firmware and drivers for CAN‑FD, I2C, SPI, and UART, design and tune closed‑loop algorithms such as PID, MPC, and LQR, and integrate sensors like IMUs, encoders, LiDAR, GPS, and pressure transducers for accurate state estimation. Additional duties involve modeling nonlinear hydraulic systems and serving as the subject‑matter expert to bridge knowledge gaps across teams. • Architect and implement vehicle control systems, allocating tasks between Linux embedded computers and real‑time microcontrollers. • Develop ROS2 control hardware interfaces and drivers for CAN‑FD, I2C, SPI, and UART communications. • Design, tune, and deploy closed‑loop algorithms (PID, MPC, LQR) for multi‑DOF vehicle dynamics. • Integrate sensors (IMU, encoders, LiDAR, GPS, pressure transducers) and create fused state estimations. • Model and control nonlinear hydraulic systems, converting digital commands into fluid power actions. • Serve as subject‑matter expert in control theory and robotics, mentoring embedded and application software teams.

Key Responsibilities

• ▸control architecture
• ▸ros2 drivers
• ▸firmware development
• ▸algorithm tuning
• ▸sensor fusion
• ▸hydraulic modeling

What You Bring

Required qualifications are a bachelor’s degree in robotics, computer science, mechanical engineering, mechatronics, or a related field, along with deep understanding of classical and modern control theory. Candidates must have proven ROS2 experience, especially with ros2_control and node lifecycle management, and hands‑on experience with distributed control architectures for mobile robots or heavy machinery. Proficiency in real‑time C++ (C++20/23) and familiarity with embedded communication protocols such as CAN (J1939 or CANopen), I2C, SPI, and RS485 are essential. Preferred qualifications include a master’s degree in robotics or at least eight years of relevant experience, electro‑hydraulic control experience in heavy machinery, and knowledge of functional safety standards. Experience with simulation tools like URDF, Gazebo or Isaac Sim, as well as real‑time microcontrollers, Yocto Linux, and safety‑critical RTOS implementations, is highly desirable. • Hold a B.S. in Robotics, Computer Science, Mechanical Engineering, Mechatronics, or a related field with deep control‑theory knowledge. • Demonstrated mastery of ROS2, ros2_control, node lifecycle management, and real‑time C++ (C++20/23) development. • Experience with distributed control architectures and embedded protocols such as CAN (J1939/CANopen), I2C, SPI, and RS485. • Preferred: M.S. in Robotics or ≥8 years relevant experience, electro‑hydraulic control background, and safety‑critical standards knowledge. • Preferred: Experience with URDF, Gazebo or Isaac Sim simulation, Yocto Linux, and real‑time microcontrollers.

Requirements

• ▸ros2
• ▸real‑time c++
• ▸can
• ▸gazebo
• ▸yocto linux
• ▸robotics bs

Benefits

The salary range for this role is $156 k–$190 k, adjusted for experience. Benefits include medical, dental, vision, and prescription coverage, life and AD&D insurance, short‑ and long‑term disability, extended leave, PTO, 10 paid holidays, 401(k) matching, employee stock purchase plan, legal assistance, wellness programs, tuition reimbursement, and discount programs. Remote work is offered two days per week, along with on‑site free parking and a LinkedIn Learning license.

Work Environment

Office Full-Time