C++ Software Engineer (CNC Controller - LinuxCNC/EtherCAT/Qt)

We are seeking a highly experienced Senior Software Engineer to drive the development of our nextgeneration machine control software. In this role, you will leverage your 7 to 10 years of experience in embedded Linux, C/C++, and advanced control theory to architect systems that combine realtime motion control, industrial EtherCAT communication, and intuitive operator interfaces.

This position is ideal for a seasoned engineer who thrives at the intersection of software and hardware, enjoys solving complex control and kinematic problems, and has a proven track record of building highly deterministic, proprietary systems for demanding industrial CNC environments.

Key Responsibilities

• System Architecture & Implementation: Design, implement, and maintain scalable C/C++ software architectures for real-time motion control, machine coordination, and core system services.
• Embedded Linux Development: Develop and optimize custom hardware abstraction layers, realtime modules, and deterministic software components within an embedded Linux/RTOS environment.
• Motion Control & Control Theory: Implement and refine advanced servo control loops, kinematics, trajectory planning, and complex motion algorithms.
• EtherCAT Integration: Architect and optimize reliable EtherCAT communication networks for drives, remote I/O modules, sensors, and distributed control systems (integrating commercial or proprietary EtherCAT master solutions).
• UI/UX Integration: Develop and maintain Qtbased applications (Qt Widgets or QML) for seamless operator interfaces, advanced diagnostic tools, and configuration utilities.
• Cross-Functional Collaboration: Partner closely with mechanical, electrical, and controls engineering teams to define rigorous system requirements and ensure flawless hardware/software integration.
• Performance Optimization: Analyze and dramatically improve system determinism, latency, and reliability in strict realtime environments.
• Full-Stack Debugging: Troubleshoot and resolve highly complex issues across the entire stack - from realtime kernel threads and custom drivers to EtherCAT networks and UI layers.
• Technical Leadership: Support architecture design, mentor junior engineers, and produce highly detailed technical documentation.

Required Qualifications

• Bachelors degree in Computer Science, Electrical Engineering, Robotics, or a closely related field.
• 7 to 10 years of professional, hands-on experience in C/C++ software development.
• Extensive experience with Embedded Linux, multithreading, and realtime programming (e.g., PREEMPT_RT, Xenomai, or custom RTOS).
• Deep understanding of CNC architectures, control theory, and motion control systems.
• Proven, practical experience integrating and optimizing EtherCAT networks in a high-performance industrial setting.
• Proficiency with Qt (or similar frameworks) for UI/UX development.
• Advanced debugging and profiling skills using tools such as gdb, perf, Wireshark, or hardware logic analyzers.
• Demonstrated ability to translate highly complex mechanical and electrical requirements into robust, maintainable software architectures.

Preferred Qualifications

• Advanced degree (Masters or Ph.D.) in an engineering discipline focused on robotics or control theory.
• Subject matter expertise in multi-axis machine tool behavior, advanced kinematics, and high-speed trajectory generation.
• Experience configuring and deploying custom embedded Linux distributions (e.g., Yocto, Buildroot).
• Experience with modern build systems and CI/CD pipelines (CMake, Meson, Jenkins, etc.).
• Strong understanding of industrial machine safety concepts and functional safety standards.

Personal Attributes

• Exceptional analytical and problemsolving skills with a systems-level mindset.
• Highly comfortable leading technical initiatives within multidisciplinary engineering teams.
• Selfmotivated and detailoriented, with the capacity to take full ownership of complex, mission-critical projects.
• Clear, definitive communicator who can articulate architectural decisions to both technical and non-technical stakeholders.

Requirements added by the job poster

• Bachelor's Degree or higher
• Working in an onsite setting
• 7+ years of work experience with C/C++
• 7+ years of Software Development experience in an embedded or real-time environment