Senior Embedded Software Engineer

Powerlighttech; Washington; On-site; GBP 45,000 - 65,000; Full time

Job summary

A cutting-edge technology company in Washington, UK is seeking a skilled software engineer to develop real-time embedded software solutions and lead project teams. The ideal candidate has over 5 years of experience in software development, particularly with C/C++ and Python. This role offers a blend of challenging problems and a collaborative workplace culture. Benefits include comprehensive medical coverage and flexible paid time off.

Benefits

401K and HSA options

Comprehensive medical, dental & vision benefits

Flexible paid time off program

Qualifications

• 5+ years designing real-time embedded software applications.
• Hands-on experience coding and testing prototype systems.
• Ability to lead projects and teams to deliver on schedules.

Responsibilities

• Select HW/SW platforms for real-time data acquisition.
• Develop embedded code for telemetry and control.
• Lead the full software development lifecycle.

Skills

C/C++ proficiency

Python programming

Project accountability

Embedded system knowledge

Machine learning applications

Education

Bachelor's degree in software engineering or related field

Tools

Embedded Linux

Git revision control

Job description

Who We Are

PowerLight Technologies is the leading developer of safe, long-distance laser power beaming solutions to transmit kilowatt-level power remotely, enabling energy delivery to digital infrastructure and evolving mobile assets on and off planet Earth. We seek to hire contributors who exhibit three special traits: hands‑on skill to create hardware and software; a commitment to teamwork; and a track record of high achievement, ideally with startup experience growing into a larger organization. The most successful team members exhibit all of these qualities, wrapped with genuine niceness and respect for others.

Successful team members are undeterred by extremely challenging, first‑of‑their‑kind problems to solve. They experiment, fail‑and‑learn quickly, and lock in mastery of their explorations alongside like‑minded innovators.

We hire professionals who know their craft; we look for those who can design boards, assemblies, optical chains, code, and processes with an eye toward successful, field‑ready, secure, well‑documented products and systems. We also value academic chops, people who love physics, analysis, and technical progress.

Our culture is one of urgency, accountability, teamwork, and a healthy sense of fun, along with a passion for science. We show up prepared, engage in healthy debate, embrace deadlines, and work hard to maintain a energizing workplace environment.

A career here means you will interact with the world's leading scientists, engineers, and builders. Join our team—bring your skills, experiences, and determination to make a difference. This is a unique opportunity for a skilled professional and thought leader to work in the emerging field of long-distance power beaming.

What You'll Do

• Select appropriate HW/SW platforms and architectures to achieve real-time data acquisition and control of complex systems including beam tracking, power management, and safety interlocks.
• Develop embedded code to perform system telemetry and control for these complex systems in real time.
• Develop database and post processing software to support system troubleshooting, development and analysis.
• Create graphical user interfaces for real time system telemetry and control panels.
• Maintain high quality documentation of code base and architectures.
• Help to build our software engineering team, software products and strategies as we grow.
• Develop code on various embedded and physical platforms such as FPGAs and ARM controllers for free space laser power transfer systems and power‑over‑fiber solutions; develop embedded code to perform system telemetry and control for these complex systems in real time.
• Lead development using demonstrated proficiency in C, C++, Python, and Rust.
• Lead the full software development lifecycle, from concept and design through testing and deployment, for the product portfolio.
• Develop device drivers, protocols, and APIs for autonomous platforms considering distributed communication networks and message standards.
• Bring a familiarity with machine learning and AI applications in robotics / autonomy to the team.
• Design and develop secure software architectures, incorporating security requirements, standards and controls throughout the software development lifecycle; lead processes identifying potential vulnerabilities and facilitating risk assessments.

Experience and Abilities

• Eligible to obtain and maintain an active U.S. Top Secret security clearance.
• Demonstrated self-starter for all things software.
• Hands-on experience coding and testing prototype systems.
• Ability to plan projects, be accountable for deliverables & schedules, and lead others.
• Strong sense of accountability and curiosity.
• Experience with programming languages such as C/C++, Python, and others.
• 5+ years designing real-time embedded software applications (audio, video, control, etc.).
• Embedded Linux, RTOSs and NO OS.
• FPGA development experience (Xilinx preferred).
• Bachelor's degree in software engineering, data science or related field.
• Humble, hungry and curious.

Preferred Skills and Experiences

• Embedded microcontrollers firmware & IDE experience (e.g., STM32).
• Experience designing IoT systems.
• Power quality characterization/compensation experience.
• Experience with communications, especially Ethernet & USB.
• UI development experience.
• Data analytics experience.
• Experience with AI applications.
• Experience with AI-assisted programming.
• Experience with Git revision control.
• Experience with agile software development.
• Start-up experience a plus.

Physical Requirements

Prolonged periods sitting or standing at a desk and working on a computer, as well as setting up and adjusting laser power beaming equipment for testing, both indoors and outdoors. Must be able to occasionally lift up to 20 pounds (e.g., computer, printer paper). Repeating motions that may include the wrists, hands and/or fingers using a computer, keyboard, mouse, or writing.

Benefits

• 401K and HSA options
• Comprehensive medical, dental & vision benefits
• Additional voluntary benefits offered
• Flexible paid time off program and paid holidays
• TeleDoc and Employee assistance programs
• In‑office gym and locker rooms, plus Green River Trail access outside the office
• Snacks/beverages
• Community giving programs and events

Contact

Careers email: [e-mail]

Website: https://powerlighttech.com

PowerLight Technologies is an equal opportunity employer. We celebrate diversity and are committed to creating an inclusive environment for all employees.