Please note that the Principal Software Engineer in Robotics is a Boston-based onsite position, but we offer a flexible schedule that allows you to work from home 2 days per week, if needed.

Emulate is currently searching for a driven and enthusiastic Principal Software Engineer in Robotics, adept in the intricacies of the Robot Operating System and possessing a strong background in controls. As a Principal Software Engineer in Robotics, your expertise will be pivotal in crafting software solutions tailored to hardware interaction and control systems, including environmental controls and gantry controls. You will spearhead the development of innovative software, optimize system performance, and collaborate closely with cross-functional teams to seamlessly integrate robotics into our Organs-on-Chips technology. Join us at the forefront of medical innovation, where your contributions will shape the future of biotechnology, acknowledged by esteemed institutions like National Geographic as pioneers in the field!

Why Emulate?

As an Emulator, you will be part of a team who cares deeply about our mission to power a human-centric approach to biological innovation. Our culture is designed to help you succeed by promoting a collaborative approach to our work, providing opportunities for growth and development, and fostering a diverse and inclusive workplace that is conducive for all to thrive.

Emulate’s Core Values encompass being CURIOUS, RELENTLESS, ACCOUNTABLE, HUMAN, and ONE.  Here’s what that would mean for you as the Principal Software Engineer in Robotics:

You are CURIOUS and will:

  • Actively seek out new technologies and methodologies in robotics and software engineering to continuously enhance our products.
  • Explore unconventional approaches to solving complex problems in the field of Organs-on-Chips technology.

You are RELENTLESS and will: 

  • Demonstrate unwavering determination in overcoming challenges related to software development, hardware interaction, and controls implementation.
  • Continuously push the boundaries of robotics and software engineering to drive innovation and progress in the biotechnology field.

You are ACCOUNTABLE and will: 

  • Take ownership of software development projects from conception to implementation, ensuring high-quality deliverables that meet customer expectations.
  • Collaborate closely with customers and internal teams to understand their needs and provide timely solutions and support.

You are HUMAN and will: 

  • Foster a culture of inclusivity and authenticity within the software team, encouraging open communication and the sharing of diverse perspectives.
  • Use a mix creativity and experience to guide team members in innovative approaches to good coding practices and software design.

You are ONE and will: 

  • Work collaboratively with colleagues across departments to achieve common goals and uphold the company's vision of revolutionizing biotechnology.
  • Support and mentor fellow team members, fostering a sense of unity and camaraderie.

Key Tasks:

  • Lead the design, development, and implementation of software systems for complex robotic platforms, leveraging expertise in Robot Operating System (ROS).
  • Architect scalable and modular software solutions that meet the requirements of diverse robotic applications, ensuring flexibility and adaptability to future needs.
  • Collaborate with cross-functional teams to define software requirements, specifications, and project milestones, ensuring alignment with overall project goals.
  • Provide technical leadership and guidance to a team of software engineers, mentoring junior team members and fostering a culture of excellence and innovation.
  • Conduct code reviews and ensure adherence to software engineering best practices, including code quality, documentation, and testing.
  • Develop and maintain software interfaces for integrating hardware components, such as motor controllers and sensors, into robotic systems.
  • Troubleshoot and debug complex software issues, working closely with hardware engineers to identify and resolve integration challenges.
  • Stay current with advancements in robotics, software engineering, and related technologies, and incorporate relevant innovations into software development processes.
  • Collaborate with product management to define product roadmaps and prioritize feature development based on customer feedback and market trends.
  • Communicate project status, technical challenges, and solutions effectively to stakeholders, including management, customers, and cross-functional teams.
  • Drive continuous improvement initiatives to enhance software development processes, tools, and methodologies, optimizing productivity and quality across projects.
  • Work in office at least 3 days per week in a hybrid capacity.

Desired Skills:

  • 6-8 years development experience in robotics or hardware related fields.
  • Bachelor’s in computer science or the equivalent; Advanced degree preferred.
  • Proficiency in C/C++.
  • Experience with Python.
  • Expertise in Robot Operating System (ROS) for developing complex robotic systems.
  • Proficiency in Ubuntu package management and software update strategies for efficient software deployment in Linux environments (knowledge of Ubuntu Snaps is a plus).
  • Advanced knowledge of Linux operating systems and command line scripting for system configuration and automation.
  • Extensive experience interacting with motor controllers and integrating them into robotic platforms.
  • Strong familiarity with hardware/sensor drivers for interfacing sensors and peripherals with software systems.
  • Proficiency in software architecture and design principles, with a focus on scalability, modularity, and maintainability.
  • Experience in developing and maintaining large-scale software systems for robotics applications.
  • Strong understanding of software development methodologies, such as Agile or Scrum.
  • Excellent problem-solving skills and ability to troubleshoot complex technical issues.
  • Experience in leading and mentoring a team of software engineers in a collaborative environment.
  • Strong communication skills, with the ability to effectively convey technical concepts to both technical and non-technical stakeholders.
  • Ability to work independently and take ownership of projects from conception to delivery.
  • Continuous learning mindset to stay updated with the latest trends and technologies in robotics and software engineering.
  • Familiarity with good robotics practice standards like ISO 22166-1 is a plus.
  • Understanding of cybersecurity implementation and familiarity with security standards like ISO 27001 and NIST SSDF is a plus.

Equal Opportunities:

Emulate is an Equal Employment Opportunity Employer that is committed to diversity, equity, and inclusion. We take unbiased action to offer employment and advancement opportunities to all applicants, without attention to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, veteran, or ability status. Our methods for hiring include ensuring that all available opportunities are fairly promoted — via online globally available channels — in a manner accessible to all potential applicants.

About Emulate, Inc.

Emulate is igniting a new era in human health with industry-leading Organ-on-a-Chip technology. The Human Emulation System provides a window into the inner workings of human biology and disease — offering researchers an innovative technology designed to predict human response with greater precision and detail than conventional cell culture or animal-based experimental testing. Pioneered at the Wyss Institute for Biologically Inspired Engineering at Harvard University and backed by Northpond Ventures, Founders Fund, and Perceptive Advisors, Organ-on-a-Chip technology is already assisting researchers across academia, pharma, and government industries through its predictive power and ability to recreate true-to-life human biology. To learn more, visit emulatebio.com or follow us on LinkedIn and Twitter.  

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