Senior Principal Software Engineer

Job Description

Job Description

About the Opportunity

Our client is a well-established technology and manufacturing organization that develops high-performance automation and machine control systems for mission-critical industrial equipment.

The company is seeking a Senior Principal Software Engineer to lead the design, architecture, and development of sophisticated real-time software solutions that power complex electromechanical systems. This role offers the opportunity to work across software, hardware, manufacturing, and product teams while driving the successful delivery of highly reliable, performance-sensitive applications.

The ideal candidate brings deep expertise in modern C++ application development, real-time systems, mechatronics, and technical leadership. This individual will play a key role in architecting next-generation control platforms and guiding multidisciplinary engineering teams through the full product lifecycle.

What You'll DoSoftware Architecture & Development

• Design, architect, develop, and deploy real-time software applications for complex machine control systems.
• Lead the full software development lifecycle from requirements gathering through deployment and ongoing support.
• Develop scalable, maintainable, and high-performance software solutions using modern object-oriented design principles.
• Collaborate with multidisciplinary engineering teams to deliver integrated hardware and software solutions.

Technical Leadership

• Lead and mentor cross-functional engineering teams on complex, high-impact projects.
• Drive technical decision-making and architectural direction across multiple initiatives.
• Coordinate deliverables that impact multiple products, systems, or programs.
• Serve as a technical resource for engineering, manufacturing, customer support, and external stakeholders.

Testing & System Validation

• Define and oversee system-level testing strategies.
• Analyze test results and implement performance improvements.
• Lead troubleshooting efforts involving software, mechanical, and electrical subsystems.
• Ensure solutions meet reliability, quality, and performance requirements.

Project Execution

• Plan project schedules and technical milestones.
• Manage competing priorities and critical deadlines.
• Ensure projects are delivered on time, within scope, and within budget.
• Collaborate closely with product management and engineering leadership on strategic initiatives.

Required QualificationsEducation

• Bachelor's or Master's degree in Computer Science, Software Engineering, Electrical Engineering, or a related technical discipline.

Experience

• 10+ years of software engineering experience across the full software development lifecycle.
• 8+ years of hands-on C++ application development experience.
• Experience designing software for mechatronic or industrial automation systems.
• Experience working with real-time operating systems (RTOS).
• Strong background in object-oriented design and large-scale software architecture.
• Experience with Agile software development methodologies.
• Experience with software quality assurance, validation, and testing.

Technical Skills

• Advanced C++ development expertise ( required ).
• Real-time software development.
• System-level architecture and design.
• Troubleshooting and root cause analysis.
• Software testing and validation.
• Cross-functional systems integration.

Professional Skills

• Excellent analytical and problem-solving capabilities.
• Ability to diagnose and resolve complex software, mechanical, and electrical system issues.
• Strong project planning and organizational skills.
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills.
• Ability to communicate effectively with both technical and non-technical stakeholders.
• Experience presenting technical concepts to senior leadership.

Preferred Qualifications

• Experience with Java, C#, .NET, or ASP.NET.
• Knowledge of web services and distributed application architectures.
• Experience with SQL Server, Oracle, or other enterprise database platforms.
• Understanding of networking protocols, hardware, and communications standards.
• Experience with motion control systems and servo motor control.
• Exposure to industrial automation, material handling, or equipment control environments.

Core Competencies

• Software architecture and system design
• Real-time application development
• Machine control and automation systems
• Mechatronics integration
• System performance optimization
• Troubleshooting and root cause analysis
• Technical leadership and mentorship
• Project execution and delivery

Work Model & Compensation

• Full-time position
• On-site role
• Location: Danbury, Connecticut
• Base Salary: $175,000 – $190,000
• Performance-based bonus opportunity
• Comprehensive benefits package

Ideal Candidate Profile

The successful candidate will be a highly experienced software engineer with strong C++ expertise and a background in real-time industrial or mechatronic systems. This individual should be comfortable leading technical initiatives, collaborating across engineering disciplines, and driving projects from concept through deployment.

Candidates with primarily embedded firmware backgrounds may not be a fit unless they possess substantial experience developing high-level application software for complex machine control systems. Strong communication skills, technical leadership experience, and the ability to operate effectively in a fast-paced engineering environment are essential.