Senior Embedded Software Engineer

Allient; City of Rochester (NY); On-site; USD 130,000 - 180,000; Full time

Job summary

Allient-Rochester seeks a Senior Embedded Software Engineer to join our team in Rochester, NY. You will own subsystems, guide firmware development, and lead cross-functional efforts across hardware and software.

Ideal candidates have 10+ years embedded experience, expertise in EtherCAT, real-time OS, Linux, C/C++, and a track record delivering robust motion-control software in regulated environments.

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s or Master’s degree in Computer Science, Software Engineering, or a related field.
• 10+ years of professional experience in embedded software/firmware development.
• Ownership of complex embedded systems or product architectures in production environments.

Responsibilities

• Design, implement, and optimize embedded motion control, servo, and I/O systems to meet performance and reliability targets.
• Own critical subsystems within larger product architectures.
• Lead EtherCAT and real-time fieldbus architectures and develop high-performance communication stacks.
• Coordinate software across hardware teams and vendors; manage full software lifecycle.
• Create verification and regression tests; mentor junior engineers; drive continuous improvement.

Skills

EtherCAT

Real-time programming

CANopen

Modbus/TCP

Ethernet/IP

PROFINET

Linux

RTOS

C

C++

Version control

Agile

ITAR compliance

Education

Bachelor's or Master's degree in Computer Science / Software Engineering or related field

Tools

Git

Job description

Allient-Rochester (formerly ORMEC Systems, Inc.), a subsidiary of Allient Inc., specializing in motion control systems, including motion controllers, servo drives, motors, and integrated automation solutions is in growth mode and currently seeking a Senior Embedded Software Engineer to join our team in Rochester, New York!

Allient-Rochester services the aerospace & defense, medical, semiconductor equipment, e-mobility & logistics, factory & industrial automation, and packaging industries, Allient-Rochester’s tradition of innovation and excellence in motion control continues to grow as part of Allient’s global network of motion and control solutions. The Senior Embedded Software Engineer researches, designs, and develops embedded software systems in collaboration with hardware product development. This role requires a high level of independence and leadership, particularly in complex projects, and involves managing the full software development lifecycle, contributing to technology strategy, on-time delivery of software projects, and mentoring junior engineers.

Responsibilities:

• Design, implement, and optimize embedded motion control, servo, and I/O systems to meet aggressive performance, determinism, and reliability requirements.
• Own critical subsystems within larger product architectures.
• Serve as a technical authority for EtherCAT and real-time fieldbus architectures.
• Lead the design and implementation of high-performance communication stacks, synchronization strategies, and distributed systems between controllers and drives.
• Lead integration and optimization of multiple industrial protocols. Ensure robust interoperability with third-party systems and controllers.
• Contribute to and own portions of system-level architecture for embedded platforms, spanning firmware, real-time OS, communication layers, and hardware/firmware boundaries.
• Translate high-level architectural direction into robust subsystem designs that scale across products.
• Research and integrate new technologies to enhance product capabilities.
• Coordinate technologies with industry partners and vendors; interface with vendors to select/customize purchased software, support programs, and hardware such as single board computers.
• Investigate and resolve software issues, implementing enhancements and optimizations.
• Oversee all phases of software development (design, coding, testing, documentation, deployment, and maintenance).
• Create and maintain verification and regression tests for all aspects of the design of developed products.
• Manage projects independently, adapting to complexity and scale.
• Support a culture of continuous improvement and innovation within the team, engaging in advanced training and professional development initiatives.
• Collaborate with cross-functional teams to ensure cohesive system design and support the alignment of software development projects with organizational goals and product roadmaps.
• Adhere to best practices in software development and documentation, ensuring compliance with industry standards and regulatory requirements.
• Stay updated with emerging technologies and methodologies to contribute to efficiencies and competitive advantages in software engineering processes.
• Provide mentorship and technical guidance to junior engineers.
• Contribute to technology roadmaps and strategic planning for software development.
• Lead efforts in continuous improvement, innovation, and best practices.
• Lead and actively participate in all phases of the product lifecycle—architecture, implementation, review, documentation, testing, release, and long-term maintenance.
• Own complex problem investigations in the field and drive root-cause analysis and systemic improvements.
• Support coordination across teams, including hardware, QA, and product management.
• As a Team Leader, oversee the daily operations of the software engineering team, including task assignments, performance monitoring, and technical guidance (as assigned).
• As a Product Leader, take ownership of a specific product line’s software development, documentation, testing, maintenance, quality, and support (as assigned).

Minimum Qualifications:

• Bachelor’s or Master’s degree in Computer Science, Software Engineering, or a related field.
• 10+ years of professional experience in embedded software/firmware development.
• Demonstrated ownership of complex embedded systems or product architectures in production environments.

Technical Skills Required:

• Expert-level experience with embedded system design and real-time programming.
• In-depth knowledge of EtherCAT protocols and real-time communication systems.
• Strong understanding of industrial Fieldbus technologies and their application, including CANopen, Modbus/TCP, Ethernet/IP, and PROFINET.
• Expertise in Linux, Unix, and real-time operating systems.
• Proficiency with Windows operating system and computer operation.
• Proficiency in C, C++. Proficiency with software development tools, version control systems, and agile methodologies.
• Must be a U.S. person due to ITAR regulations.

Technical Skills Desired:

• Experience with Embedded control system integration:
  • Motion control algorithms and systems.
  • ROS 2, with a focus on motion control and servodrive interfacing.
  • RTOS for embedded controllers (eg. FreeRTOS) . o Computer-based industrial automation motion controllers and soft-PLC.
  • Serial encoders (e.g., EnDat, BiSS, SSI). Knowledge of programming in IEC 61131-3, related development tools, and Relay Ladder Logic.
  • Proficiency in Python and C#.
  • Experience with QNX Neutrino or other POSIX-based operating systems.
  • Knowledge of FPGA architecture and design.
  • Ability to design, build, and maintain sophisticated hardware test platforms for electronics and motion systems.

Additional Required Competencies:

• Strong problem-solving and analytical skills.
• Ability to work independently and lead projects effectively.
• Excellent verbal and written communication skills.
• Commitment to quality, efficiency, and innovation.
• Experience in cross-functional team collaboration

To learn more about Allient Inc. visit www.Allient.com

*Allient Inc. provides equal employment opportunities to all employees and applicants for employment and prohibits discrimination and harassment of any type without regard to race, color, religion, age, sex, national origin, disability status, genetics, protected veteran status, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, or any other characteristic protected by federal, state, or local laws. This applies to all terms and conditions of employment, including recruiting, hiring, placement, promotion, termination, layoff, recall, transfer, leaves of absence, compensation, and training.