Senior Software Engineer (R&D/Prototyping)

DescriptionKforce has a client in Phoenix, AZ (Hybrid - 3+ days onsite) that is seeking a Senior R&D Software Engineer. We are working directly with the hiring manager on this search assignment. About the Role:We are seeking a Senior Software Engineer to drive the design and development of prototypes, proofs of concept (PoCs), and pilot-ready solutions that validate technical feasibility and enable rapid innovation. We are working directly with the hiring manager on this search assignment. Company offers a competitive compensaton package including base salary and annual bonus. This role operates at the intersection of software, hardware, and cloud systems, making it ideal for engineers who excel in hands-on, R&D-driven environments. You will work across lab and field settings, building solutions that may evolve into production systems. Key Responsibilities:* Design and build prototype applications using C#, .NET, SQL Server, and Microsoft Azure* Develop APIs, integrations, and telemetry systems connecting software with devices and external platforms* Build cloud-native solutions leveraging Azure, Docker, and Kubernetes* Implement AI-assisted capabilities (automation, diagnostics, analytics, decision support)* Rapidly develop PoCs to validate emerging technologies and workflows* Integrate software with edge devices, sensors, and telemetry systems* Support lab testing and field validation of integrated solutions* Develop diagnostics, logging, and monitoring tools* Troubleshoot across hardware, firmware, networking, cloud, and application layers.* Define prototype objectives, success criteria, and evaluation metrics* Document architecture decisions, trade-offs, and technical findings* Evaluate emerging technologies such as IoT, edge computing, and AR/spatial computingLeadership* Contribute to architecture reviews, code reviews, and Agile workflows* Mentor junior engineers and provide technical leadershipRequirements* Bachelor's degree in Computer Science, Computer Engineering or related field* 7-10+ years of software engineering experience* Strong expertise in C# and .NET Technologies* Experience with SQL Server or similar relational databases* Background in prototyping, PoCs, or experimental systems* Experience integrating software with hardware, or telemetry, or external systems* Strong troubleshooting skills across distributed systems* Experience with CI/CD, DevOps, Git, and automated testing* Excellent communication and documentation skillsNice to haves:* Hands-on experience with Microsoft Azure and cloud-based development* Experience with IoT, edge computing, or connected devices* Background in robotics, industrial automation, transportation, aerospace, or defense* Familiarity with device communication protocols and diagnostics* Experience with Docker, Kubernetes, and cloud-native architectures* Experience supporting lab and field testing environments* Knowledge of event-driven systems and observability toolsIdeal Candidate Background:* IoT/Edge Computing* Robotics/Autonomous Systems* Medical Device* Industrial Automation* Transportation/Connected Vehicle Platforms* Aerospace/Defense* Applied R&D/Prototyping Teams* Or other similar industriesThis role does not require embedded firmware or electrical engineering experience, but candidates must be comfortable working with hardware-integrated systems and solving cross-domain technical challenges.Job TypeDirect HireCompensation135000 - $165000