Software Engineer (Systems & Hardware Integration)

Position Summary:

We are seeking a Software Engineer to develop high-performance, hardware-adjacent software for advanced fabrication and optical instrumentation platforms. This is a primarily on-site role, focused on Linux-based systems development, high-throughput data handling, and software that interfaces directly with custom electronics, FPGA-backed subsystems, and precision instrumentation. An initial major project involves building a synchronized, high-bandwidth pattern streaming and data acquisition subsystem for a next-generation tool.

What you'll be doing

• Systems & Hardware Integration: Design Linux system software to interface with FPGA-backed PCIe hardware, storage arrays, and laboratory instrumentation (DAQ, optical triggers and sync signals).
• Data Engineering: Develop high-throughput data pipelines, including efficient buffer management, memory handling, and real-time performance monitoring for sustained data streaming.
• Interdisciplinary Collaboration: Collaborate with FPGA, electrical, and optical teams to define hardware/software boundaries and lead full-system bring-up and debugging.
• Internal & User-Facing Tooling: Build custom lightweight monitoring, control and visualization tools for both internal and external use.
• Engineering Best Practice: Maintain engineering excellence through regular code reviews, GitHub workflows, clear documentation, and rigorous system testing.

What experience you'll need

• 3 - 6 years in systems software, hardware-adjacent, or embedded/Linux development (equivalent graduate work or applied research work considered).
• Proficiency in C++ and Python, with strong Linux fundamentals (including concurrency, memory management, and low-level I/O).
• Experience building software for PCIe devices, DAQs, or custom boards, preferably in a hands-on lab setting during hardware bring-up and system debugging.
• Deep knowledge of high-throughput or streaming architectures, including multi-threading, buffer management, and data integrity.

Desirable Skills:

• Familiarity with FPGA-integrated systems, hardware triggers, and synchronization.
• Ability to read or modify Verilog/VHDL, or work closely with FPGA developers.
• Experience with performance sensitive data movement.
• Familiarity with server-class hardware, RAID storage, or custom compute platforms.
• Background in any of the following domains is a plus; lithography/nanofabrication, DAQ systems, cameras, motion control, optical instrumentation, or high-speed measurement systems.

Company Overview

Irradiant Technologies is pioneering the future of nano-optics and photonics with our proprietary 3D nanofabrication platform. Our technology enables the creation of optical components with geometries and refractive index profiles previously unattainable, opening doors to entirely new classes of photonic devices. By redefining what is possible in optical design and manufacturing, we are accelerating innovations in sensing, communication, imaging, display, and computation. As we transition from R&D to productization, we are expanding our engineering team to support the development of robust, integrated photonic systems.

Compensation and Benefits

The salary range for this role is $130,000 - $150,000+ (depending on experience). We are committed to equitable compensation across our company. We offer 401(k), multiple healthcare schemes and an annual reimbursement, to give our employees greater flexibility with the benefits that meet their needs. We offer a flexible Paid Time Off policy and encourage people to take regular vacation.

Equal Employment Opportunity

Irradiant Technologies is an equal opportunity employer. We are committed to creating a diverse and inclusive team free from discrimination or harassment. We encourage candidates of any race, color, religion, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, veteran or disability status to apply. Applicants with a disability are encouraged to contact us with any requests for accommodation.