Senior Windows Software Engineer - NREC

Carnegie Mellon University • Pittsburgh, PA

19h • Onsite

About The Position

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.

Requirements

• 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
• Successful pre-employment background check
• 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.

Nice To Haves

• 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

Responsibilities

• 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

Benefits

• Joining the CMU team opens the door to an array of exceptional benefits.
• Benefits eligible employees enjoy a wide array of benefits including comprehensive medical, prescription, dental, and vision insurance as well as a generous retirement savings program with employer contributions.
• Unlock your potential with tuition benefits, take well-deserved breaks with ample paid time off and observed holidays, and rest easy with life and accidental death and disability insurance.
• Additional perks include a free Pittsburgh Regional Transit bus pass, access to our Family Concierge Team to help navigate childcare needs, fitness center access, and much more!

What This Job Offers

• Job Type: Full-time
• Career Level: Senior