Location:
Redmond, WA ONSITE
Duration:
12 months
Job Summary
We are seeking a highly skilled and motivated Software Engineer to join our specialized engineering team. This role is centered on the development of sophisticated software for advanced hardware control and lab automation, with a primary focus on aero-acoustic wind tunnel systems. In this role, 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 and exciting opportunity to work at the intersection of software development, robotics, acoustics, and aerodynamics.
Key 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 professional experience in Python programming with a strong emphasis on hardware control, lab automation, or robotics.
- Solid understanding of control systems theory, digital signal processing, and data acquisition principles.
- Strong foundational knowledge of fluid mechanics, aerodynamic principles, and acoustic measurement techniques.
- Experience working in a laboratory or R&D environment is highly desirable.
- Demonstrated ability to debug complex, multi-component systems that include both hardware and software.
- Excellent communication and collaboration skills, with an ability to work effectively in a multidisciplinary team.
Technical Skills
Required:
- Proficiency in modern Python (3.8+) and object-oriented design.
- Experience with scientific computing and data analysis libraries (NumPy, SciPy, Pandas).
- Experience with hardware control interfaces and protocols (e.g., PWM, serial, Ethernet).
- Experience with libraries for audio signal processing or multi-channel data acquisition (e.g., sounddevice, librosa).
- Competency with version control systems, particularly Git.
- Experience using configuration file formats like YAML or JSON.
- Knowledge of network communication protocols and experience with REST APIs.
Preferred:
- Experience with motion control systems for robotics or automation.
- Familiarity with spatial audio technologies, particularly High-Order Ambisonics (HOA).
- Experience integrating motion capture systems (e.g., Optitrack) into control software.
- Experience with advanced aerodynamic measurement techniques such as Particle Image Velocimetry (PIV).
- Familiarity with GUI development frameworks for creating internal tools.
- Experience with cross-platform software development (Windows, macOS, Linux).
