Software Engineering - Software Engineer II

Job SummaryWe 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 Client 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 SkillsRequired:

• 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).

EEO:

Mindlance is an Equal Opportunity Employer and does not discriminate in employment on the basis of Minority/Gender/Disability/Religion/LGBTQI/Age/Veterans.