"Senior Windows Software Engineer - NREC"

At the National Robotics Engineering Center (NREC), it is our engineers and technicians who drive the breakthroughs that define our success. The members of our technical staff collaborates closely with leadership and multidisciplinary teams to design, build, and deploy sophisticated robotic solutions that address complex challenges in industrial, commercial and government sectors. Each project benefits from their expertise, creativity, and hands-on problem-solving, fueling progress and innovation across the organization.

As part of our dedicated team, you will work alongside world-class robotics professionals committed to pushing the boundaries of technology and redefining ideas into solutions for real-world applications. We foster a culture of professionalism, respect, and collaboration, offering a flexible and encouraging environment where you can sharpen your skills, lead impactful projects, and take control of your career development.

We are seeking a dynamic Senior Windows Software Engineer to lead and contribute to the design, development, and integration of Windows-based software systems that interface with laboratory instruments supporting advanced robotics technologies. This is an exciting opportunity for someone who thrives in a fast-paced and innovative setting. In this role, you will be instrumental in advancing key initiatives focused on scalable software architectures, instrument integration, and the development of high-impact robotics technologies while ensuring the team delivers exceptional and ground breaking results.

Your primary responsibilities are:

• Developing Windows-based applications and services that interface directly with laboratory instruments
• Building and maintaining software layers that expose instrument protocols, functions, and operations to the broader system
• Integrating with a variety of communication standards, including Modbus/TCP, Ethernet/IP, and EtherCAT
• Working with both modern and legacy codebases, including reverse-engineering or refactoring older components when necessary
• Collaborating with scientists, engineers, and product teams to understand instrument behavior and translate it into robust software interfaces
• Diagnosing hardware/software integration issues and develop reliable, repeatable solutions
• Writing clean, maintainable code and contributing to long-term architecture decisions
• Participating in testing, validation, and documentation to ensure high-quality instrument integrations
• Learning and applying scientific concepts relevant to instrument operation, with support from domain experts
• Supporting a team culture that values curiosity, knowledge-sharing, and supportive collaboration

Required Qualifications:

• Bachelor's degree in Computer Science, Engineering, Physics, or a related technical field
• At least 3 years of experience developing Windows applications or services using .NET/C#
• Familiarity with C++ and Python for tooling, integration, or performance-critical components
• Experience working with industrial or hardware-communication protocols (e.g., Modbus/TCP, Ethernet/IP, EtherCAT); deep expertise not required - willingness to learn is valued
• Ability to work with and modernize legacy codebases when needed
• Strong debugging skills across software, hardware interfaces, and network communication layers
• Clear, effective technical communication skills
• Ability to collaborate with experts within a multidisciplinary team, including scientists, hardware engineers, and software developers
• Interest in learning scientific concepts and how instruments operate at a functional level
• Ability to work independently, ask questions and seek input when needed
• Commitment to a respectful and supportive team environment

We especially want to hear from you if you have experience or qualifications in ANY of the following areas:

• Experience with instrument control, automation systems, or lab equipment
• Familiarity with serial communication, device drivers, or low-level hardware interfaces
• Exposure to real-time systems or deterministic communication protocols
• Experience writing APIs or SDKs for hardware devices
• Background in scientific computing, laboratory workflows, or experimental systems
• Interest in monitoring or supporting teammates as the team grows

Other Requirements:

• Successful pre-employment background check
• Travel Requirements: You should be able to travel domestically and be willing to work outside of normal business hours as needed

This position will require work on a variety of projects, including projects that involve military/defense applications and/or are funded by military/defense sponsors.

Why NREC?

At NREC, you will shape the robotics revolution by tackling real-world challenges in agriculture, manufacturing, defense, energy, and much more. You will work alongside top robotics experts, develop ground breaking technologies, and see your solutions deployed in the field.

NREC at a Glance:

• Located in Pittsburgh or "Roboburgh", a hub for over 120+ robotics companies
• 30+ years of pioneering robotics research
• 150+ professionals driving innovation and real-world impact
• Part of Carnegie Mellon University's Robotics Institute, a global leader in robotics

NREC also leads in educational outreach through its Robotics Academy, which develops curricula and software for K-12 and college-level students. You will also have opportunities to engage with these student groups through outreach activities.

Location: Pittsburgh, PA

Job Function: Software/Applications Development/Engineering

Position Type: Staff - Regular

Full Time/Part time: Full time

Pay Basis: Salary