Audio Software Engineer

SGS Consulting; Washington (District of Columbia); On-site; USD 110,000 - 160,000; Full time

Job summary

SGS Consulting seeks a skilled software engineer to design and maintain Python-based control software for complex hardware systems, including wind tunnel components and motion-controlled devices.

You will develop real‑time algorithms, integrate Optitrack data, and build data pipelines while collaborating across disciplines in a lab/R&D setting.

Qualifications

• Bachelor's or Master's degree in a relevant field
• Professional Python programming with emphasis on hardware control
• Solid understanding of control systems theory, DSP, and data acquisition principles
• Foundational knowledge of fluid mechanics, aerodynamics, and acoustics
• Experience in a lab or R&D environment is desirable
• Ability to debug complex multi-component systems including hardware and software
• Excellent communication and collaboration within a multidisciplinary team

Responsibilities

• Design, develop, and maintain Python code for controlling hardware systems
• Implement and optimize real-time control algorithms including PWM control
• Develop software to program and generate varied airflow conditions
• Create and manage control interfaces for robotic movers, lifts, and HOA setups
• Integrate motion capture data (Optitrack) for real-time tracking
• Develop automated calibration procedures for wind speeds and sensors
• Build data pipelines for sensors across experiments
• Troubleshoot complex software and system issues for high availability
• Produce documentation for software architecture, APIs, and procedures

Skills

Python 3.8+

NumPy/SciPy/Pandas

PWM control

Serial/Ethernet

Audio processing

Git

YAML/JSON

REST APIs

Motion control

HOA

Optitrack integration

PIV measurement

GUI development

Cross-platform

Education

Bachelor's or Master's in CS/EE/Mech/Robotics

Python hardware control/lab automation experience

Control systems theory & DSP

Fluid mechanics & acoustics knowledge

Lab/R&D experience desirable

Debug multi-component systems

Communication & collaboration

Tools

Git

REST APIs

Job description

Job Responsibilities

• Design, develop, and maintain high-quality, reusable, and reliable Python code for controlling complex hardware systems, including wind tunnel fan arrays and associated mechanical components.
• Implement and optimize control algorithms for real-time performance and precision, including PWM control for fan motors and actuators.
• Develop software to program and generate a variety of airflow conditions, including laminar, turbulent, gradient, and time-varying flows.
• Create and manage control interfaces for secondary systems, including robotic HATS (Head and Torso Simulator) movers, lift systems, and multi-channel spatial audio (HOA) setups.
• Integrate data from motion capture systems (e.g., Optitrack) for real-time tracking and system alignment.
• Develop and execute automated procedures for the calibration of wind speeds, acoustic sensors, and other critical measurements.
• Build and maintain data pipelines for capturing, processing, and analyzing experimental data from a wide range of sensors.
• Troubleshoot and resolve complex software and system-level issues to ensure high availability and reliability of all lab equipment.
• Produce clear and comprehensive documentation for software architecture, APIs, and operational procedures.

Skills

• Proficiency in modern Python (3.8+) and object-oriented design.
• Experience with scientific computing and data analysis libraries (NumPy, SciPy, Pandas).
• Experience with hardware control interfaces and protocols (e.g., PWM, serial, Ethernet).
• Experience with libraries for audio signal processing or multi-channel data acquisition (e.g., sounddevice, librosa).
• Competency with version control systems, particularly Git.
• Experience using configuration file formats like YAML or JSON.
• Knowledge of network communication protocols and experience with REST APIs.
• Experience with motion control systems for robotics or automation.
• Familiarity with spatial audio technologies, particularly High-Order Ambisonics (HOA).
• Experience integrating motion capture systems (e.g., Optitrack) into control software.
• Experience with advanced aerodynamic measurement techniques such as Particle Image Velocimetry (PIV).
• Familiarity with GUI development frameworks for creating internal tools.
• Experience with cross-platform software development (Windows, macOS, Linux).

Education/Experience

• Bachelor's or Master's degree in Computer Science, Electrical Engineering, Mechanical Engineering, Robotics, or a related field.
• Proven professional experience in Python programming with a strong emphasis on hardware control, lab automation, or robotics.
• Solid understanding of control systems theory, digital signal processing, and data acquisition principles.
• Strong foundational knowledge of fluid mechanics, aerodynamic principles, and acoustic measurement techniques.
• Experience working in a laboratory or R&D environment is highly desirable.
• Demonstrated ability to debug complex, multi-component systems that include both hardware and software.
• Excellent communication and collaboration skills, with an ability to work effectively in a multidisciplinary team.