Hardware Software Integration Engineer

WHO WE ARE

Level99 is a real-world gaming venue designed for adults, featuring over 50 mental and physical challenges in artistic environments. Games range from ninja warrior obstacle course style challenges to mental logic puzzles, and everything in between. Each challenge is quick—just 1 to 4 minutes—and Players can do the same room over and over again, or they can move on to something new. Like a video game, Players earn rewards, climb the leaderboard, and make progress – each time a Player comes back, the game remembers where they left off.  

Alongside the games, Level99 offers a full-service bar and award-winning restaurant – featuring scratch-cooking, local craft beers, handmade cocktails, and a variety of event spaces. Level99 has locations in Natick, MA, Providence, RI, and is opening in Tysons, VA, West Hartford, CT, and Disney Springs, FL. Level99 is backed by Act III Holdings, led by Panera founder Ron Shaich, and we have a talented team that has worked on successful entertainment projects ranging from 5 Wits to Walt Disney Imagineering. Visit www.level99.com for more details. 

OVERVIEW

The Hardware/Software Integration Engineer is responsible for the development, design, and planning for the integration that makes Level99 possible. A Level99 engineer can expect to work on a broad range of applications, which may include game development, front-end interactive software, back-end infrastructure, and more, both for internal use and for customer facing applications. This role is responsible for the hands-on integration of complex hardware, sensors, and physical interfaces with internally written show control software to achieve our game design goals.

Level99 Engineers identify critical aspects of new challenges and propose solutions that take technical, experiential, and creative needs into account. They work closely with the project management, creative, and mechanical engineering teams to ensure that each software and hardware solutions meets the technical and creative requirements of each feature.

In addition to creating new applications and features, the Engineer participates in code reviews, actively enhances the skills and learning of other team members, proactively works to eliminate technical debt, and stays up to date with rapidly changing technologies. This is a “working” engineer role, with the Hardware Software Integration Engineer responsible for managing and organizing the work, as well as prototyping and implementing finished solutions directly.

Each Engineer is passionate about getting the details right, anticipating staff and guest needs, and advancing the Level99 brand. A Level99 Engineer has honesty and personal integrity that is above reproach, prefers a joyful and positive approach to challenging situations, chooses humility over the need to “be right,” and in all things acts as though they are the Owner and Operator of each Level99 venue.

RESPONSIBILITIES

• Design, Develop, and Maintain high-quality, scalable, and responsive web applications covered by automated tests.
• Design, Develop, and Maintain new ways to interact with hardware to accelerate development and ease of integration of new entertainment concepts into existing software systems.
• Lead and assist with the physical installation and integration of complex electromechanical game systems.
• This includes occasional travel and field work.
• Debugging complex systems with a wide variety of hardware, software, sensors, mechanical components, and visual interfaces.
• Collaborate with cross-functional teams, including product managers, designers, and other developers, to ensure the seamless integration of our solutions with the overall product vision.
• Document existing and new systems to allow for others to learn, understand, and integrate quickly.
• Optimize applications for maximum speed, performance, testability, and usability.
• Stay up to date with the latest trends and best practices in front end development, ensuring our web applications remain at the forefront of the industry.
• Participate in code reviews, providing and receiving constructive feedback to improve overall code quality and maintainability.
• Mentor other developers, sharing your expertise and helping them grow professionally.
• Contribute to the development of reusable components and libraries, promoting code reuse and maintainability across projects.
• Identify and troubleshoot technical issues, proactively addressing potential challenges before they escalate.

MUST-HAVE SKILLS

• 5+ years of experience as a Software Developer working in an environment which includes integrating hardware with software
• Hardware knowledge in the following areas: DMX / Show control, PLCs, Lidar, SACN Lighting Controls, and Arduino based neopixel lighting control
• Strong proficiency in python, preferably Django Rest Framework
• Significant experience in both Windows and Linux operating systems
• Solid understanding of software design principles
• Strong proficiency in automated testing frameworks and methodology
• Familiarity with build tools
• Proficiency in Git
• Familiarity with CI/CD deployments, preferably experience with CircleCI and Ansible
• Strong problem-solving skills and the ability to work well in a fast-paced, collaborative environment.
• Experience in all phases of SDLC like Requirement Analysis, Implementation, and Maintenance
• Ability to work a flexible schedule based on business needs which may include days, nights, and weekends as well as emergency responsiveness to pressing technical issues as required
• Ability to travel for the installation process at new venues, as required (multiple weeks at a time in some cases)
• Ability to read and comprehend software and hardware documentation
• Excellent communication skills, both written and verbal
• Ability to self-manage time and resources in a low-oversight environment
• A positive, joyful, upbeat and energetic attitude – leading by example

OTHER DESIRABLE (BUT NOT NECESSARY) SKILLS & EXPERIENCE INCLUDE

• RabbitMQ message brokers (event-based programming in general)
• Game Lifecycle Programming
• Knowledge of software best practices and standards.
• Experience in designing and implementing a RESTful API

While we don’t expect a candidate to have deep experience in all of the above, we’re looking for someone with the passion and capability to learn quickly in the areas that are new!

YOU MIGHT BE A FIT ON THE LEVEL99 TEAM IF YOU…

• Like to laugh, would be described as a "low maintenance, low drama" person, have a tendency to have a bit of fun while you work
• Have a high tolerance for ambiguity, like to go fast, and are excited to learn on the job
• Are just a little bit obsessive about getting the details right the first time
• Have a high energy personality, the kind of person who is typically smiling, and likes to "get it done now"

Level99 is an E-Verify employer.