Principal Software Engineer (C++)

Boxbot; Alameda (CA); On-site; USD 180,000 - 230,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Medical insurance

Dental insurance

Vision insurance

Life insurance

Career growth opportunities

Job summary

Boxbot in Alameda, CA is seeking a Principal Software Engineer to lead software development for our advanced automation systems. You will build high-performance C++ software, mentor a team, and be heavily involved in architectural decisions. This role offers a collaborative environment and opportunities to work on impactful projects.

We offer a competitive salary between $180,000 and $230,000 annually, along with comprehensive benefits. Join us to help transform logistics through innovative automation solutions.

Qualifications

• 8+ years of professional software engineering experience, with deep expertise in C++.
• Strong experience building software for complex physical systems.
• Proven ability to architect reliable, maintainable software for systems.

Responsibilities

• Own the architecture and development of software for automated material-handling systems.
• Build high-performance, reliable C++ software interfacing with robotics.
• Mentor other software engineers and raise the technical capability of the team.

Skills

C++

Software architecture

Debugging

Multi-threaded programming

Real-time systems

Education

Bachelor’s or Master’s degree in Computer Science, Software Engineering

Tools

Linux environments

Job description

About Boxbot

Boxbot revolutionizes logistics with adaptive automation, creating the facility of the future. As the industry grapples with labor shortages and rising costs, our advanced solutions effectively meet these challenges. We transform traditional conveyor systems into intelligent, three‑dimensional package‑handling networks, dramatically improving dispatch efficiency and operational productivity. Our versatile platform seamlessly integrates cutting‑edge software and hardware, offering a comprehensive solution that optimizes multiple facets of the supply chain.

We’re a close‑knit team that is well funded and quickly expanding to bring our product to market. We seek teammates who take pride in their work and get excited about building new systems with significant responsibility.

We’re looking for a Principal Software Engineer to help lead our software development efforts and play a crucial role in shaping the future of our products. This hands‑on technical leadership role is for someone who wants to build production‑grade software for large‑scale automation systems, not just manage tickets or write isolated application code. You’ll be deeply involved in both high‑level architecture decisions and day‑to‑day coding.

Responsibilities

• Own the architecture and development of software for Boxbot’s automated material‑handling systems, from core controls to customer deployment
• Build high‑performance, reliable C++ software that interfaces directly with robotics, motion control, sensors, PLCs, and other automation hardware
• Lead technical decisions across system architecture, controls software, deployment tooling, reliability, and performance
• Work hands‑on with mechanical, electrical, firmware, controls, and field teams to bring complex hardware/software systems to life
• Debug and solve real‑world system issues across software, hardware, networking, timing, and controls boundaries
• Set a high bar for code quality, system reliability, testability, and maintainability through strong engineering practices
• Mentor other software engineers and help raise the technical capability of the team
• Contribute to product roadmap decisions, technical strategy, and long‑term platform architecture
• Support deployments at customer sites by partnering with implementation teams to ensure systems are robust, scalable, and supportable

Requirements

• 8+ years of professional software engineering experience, with deep expertise in C++
• Strong experience building software for complex physical systems, such as robotics, industrial automation, controls, embedded systems, or hardware‑integrated products
• Proven ability to architect reliable, maintainable software for systems that must work in the real world
• Experience with real‑time or near‑real‑time systems, multi‑threaded programming, hardware interfaces, and Linux‑based environments
• Strong debugging skills across software, hardware, networking, timing, and system integration issues
• Ability to lead technical direction, make sound architecture decisions, and mentor other engineers
• Comfortable working closely with mechanical, electrical, firmware, controls, manufacturing, and field teams
• Strong ownership mindset, practical judgment, and bias toward building systems that are simple, reliable, and deployable
• Bachelor’s or Master’s degree in Computer Science, Software Engineering, or a related technical field, or equivalent experience

What We Offer

• Opportunity to work on cutting‑edge automation technology with real‑world impact
• Collaborative and innovative work environment
• Competitive salary and benefits package
• Career growth opportunities in a rapidly expanding company
• Chance to play a key role in high‑stakes projects

Compensation

$180,000 - $230,000 a year

Boxbot is an equal‑opportunity employer. We celebrate diversity and are committed to creating an inclusive environment for all employees. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, disability, or veteran status.

We are headquartered in Alameda, CA with an easy commute via Bart, Ferry, Amtrak, and free parking. We take the well‑being of our teammates seriously, with benefits including medical, dental, vision, life, and more!