Software Engineer II, Hardware Control

About this role

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

• Bachelor’s or Master’s degree in Computer Science, Electrical Engineering, Mechanical Engineering, Robotics, or a related field.
• Proven...