Principal Software Engineer- Machine Automation

IPG Photonics; Fridley (MN); On-site; USD 120,000 - 150,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Paid vacation time

12 Paid Holidays

Medical, dental, and vision insurance

Job summary

IPG Photonics in Fridley, Minnesota is seeking a Principal Software Engineer to design, implement, and support software for laser processing equipment. The role demands over 15 years of experience in software engineering and leadership, fostering innovation in advanced manufacturing systems.

The successful candidate will collaborate with multidisciplinary teams to resolve complex integration issues and drive engineering excellence across projects. Comprehensive benefits are provided, reflecting our commitment to employee wellness.

Qualifications

• 15+ years professional software engineering experience.
• Demonstrated experience leading technical projects and mentoring engineers.
• Strong troubleshooting skills at an overall system level (software, electrical and mechanical).

Responsibilities

• Analyze machine requirements and develop software solutions.
• Design and maintain software features within established architectures.
• Provide technical leadership and mentor junior engineers.

Skills

Microsoft C#/.NET development

Industrial automation

Machine vision integration

Multithreaded and distributed systems

Problem-solving skills

Education

BSCE, BSCS, BSEE, or equivalent

Tools

Microsoft Azure DevOps

Git

Job description

Overview

IPG’s Material Processing Systems Group is focused on integrating state-of-the-art IPG lasers into turn-key systems for the semiconductor, medical, and other industries. We are seeking a Principal Software Engineer to join the group in the development of advanced laser-based manufacturing systems. This position serves as a principal technical contributor responsible for designing, implementing, and supporting software solutions for IPG’s laser processing equipment.

The successful candidate will leverage extensive experience in industrial automation, machine control, and software engineering to develop new machine capabilities, improve existing platforms, and support customer-driven enhancements. Working within established software architectures, the individual will provide technical leadership, mentor less experienced engineers, and help drive engineering excellence across projects.

In addition to software development responsibilities, the Principal Software Engineer will work closely with manufacturing, applications, service, and project teams to support machine builds, system integration, commissioning activities, and project execution on the production floor. This role requires strong system-level problem-solving skills and the ability to coordinate efforts across software, electrical, mechanical, and applications engineering disciplines.

Responsibilities

• Analyze machine requirements, customer requests, and engineering specifications to develop software solutions for laser-based material processing systems.
• Design, implement, test, and maintain software features within established machine control architectures.
• Serve as a technical leader and subject matter expert within assigned projects and areas of responsibility, providing technical guidance and collaborating with other principal engineers to align engineering standards and implementation approaches.
• Mentor junior and mid-level engineers through design reviews, code reviews, troubleshooting, and technical guidance.
• Collaborate with electrical, mechanical, controls, and applications engineers to deliver integrated machine solutions.
• Support machine integration, testing, validation, and commissioning activities during machine builds.
• Provide technical leadership for assigned projects and coordination during machine build, integration, commissioning, and acceptance activities, ensuring software deliverables are executed according to project objectives and engineering standards.
• Diagnose and resolve complex system-level issues involving software, motion control, machine vision, communications, and hardware integration.
• Drive software quality through adherence to coding standards, testing practices, and maintainability guidelines.
• Evaluate and implement improvements to existing machine architectures, software frameworks, and development processes.
• Support field service teams and customers in resolving advanced software and machine performance issues.
• Participate in customer visits and occasional domestic or international travel to support installations and project execution.

Requirements

• 15+ years professional software engineering experience.
• Demonstrated experience leading technical projects and mentoring engineers.
• BSCE, BSCS, BSEE, or equivalent. MS, a plus.
• Demonstrated history of solving complex technical challenges in industrial automation, CNC, robotics, or manufacturing systems.
• Expert proficiency in Microsoft C#/.NET development.
• Experience developing industrial automation, CNC, robotics, or precision automation equipment software.
• Strong understanding of multithreaded and distributed systems.
• Experience integrating motion control systems, machine vision systems, and industrial hardware.
• Ability to manage multiple projects and priorities in a fast-paced manufacturing environment.
• Experience with Application Lifecycle Management (ALM) tools such as Microsoft Azure DevOps and Git.
• Strong understanding of object-oriented design principles and software development best practices.
• Strong troubleshooting skills at an overall system level (software, electrical and mechanical).
• Strong professional organization and task priority skills.

Experience Desired (not required)

• Experience with advanced software testing technologies in .NET.
• Experience using a PC to interface with external sensors and control peripheral devices via vendor SDK, serial or TCP/IP communications.
• Experience with web services and APIs including ASP.NET, JSON, and RESTful interfaces.
• Experience developing automated manufacturing equipment, particularly factory-connected systems and Industry 4.0 solutions.
• Experience with databases (Microsoft SQL Server).
• Motion control systems (Aerotech A3200, Aerotech Automation 1, ACS).
• Machine vision (Dalsa/Sapera/Sherlock, Cognex, Matrox).

Compensation

The pay range on this posting applies to the role in the primary location specified. If the candidate would ultimately work outside of the primary location posted, the applicable range could differ. Actual starting pay is determined by a number of factors including relevant skills, qualifications, and experience.

Other Compensation

• Annual Discretionary Bonus or Sales Bonus as Applicable.

Benefits Provided

• Paid vacation time accrued based on years of service.
• Paid sick time.
• 12 (twelve) Paid Holidays Each Calendar Year.

*Prorated for reduced hour schedules.

Additional Benefits Offered

• Medical, dental, and vision insurance plans with options for HSA/FSA.
• Dependent Care FSA.
• Paid Basic Life and AD&D Insurance.
• Short-term and Long-term Disability insurance.
• 401(k) plan with Company matching.
• Employee Stock Purchase Plan (ESPP).
• Tuition Reimbursement Program.
• Employee Assistance Program (EAP).
• Adoption Assistance.
• Pet Insurance.
• Parental Bonding Leave.
• Bright Horizons Backup Care.
• Bright Horizons College Coach.

*Benefits eligibility may differ by program for reduced hour schedules.