Senior Python Software Engineer – Manufacturing Test & Automation

Red Oak Technologies; San Francisco (CA); On-site; USD 150,000 - 165,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Competitive compensation

Benefits

Career growth opportunities

Job summary

Red Oak Technologies is seeking a Senior Python Software Engineer to create and enhance automated manufacturing test systems. This role involves writing clean and scalable Python code, working alongside hardware and data systems.

The ideal candidate will have at least 3 years of experience in software development, strong Python skills, and knowledge of database management. Join a team dedicated to advancing robotics and automation technologies in California.

Qualifications

• 3+ years of professional software development experience.
• Strong understanding of object-oriented programming and design patterns.
• Experience with test automation frameworks and TDD.

Responsibilities

• Develop Python-based software for automated manufacturing test systems.
• Design scalable and maintainable software using best practices.
• Troubleshoot software and hardware integration issues.

Skills

Python programming

Object-oriented programming

Hardware interfacing

SQL and database management

Docker

Education

Bachelor's degree in Computer Science or related field

Tools

Git version control

Linux/Unix environments

Job description

Senior Python Software Engineer – Manufacturing Test & Automation

Base Salary: $150,000 – $165,000 (DOE)

We're partnering with an innovative hardware technology company developing advanced sensing, robotics, and automation solutions used in industrial and autonomous systems.

We are seeking a Senior Python Software Engineer to develop and maintain automated manufacturing test systems that support high-volume production. This role is ideal for a software engineer who enjoys writing clean, scalable Python code while working closely with hardware, instrumentation, manufacturing systems, and data pipelines.

Responsibilities

• Develop Python-based software for automated manufacturing test systems.
• Build Hardware Abstraction Layers (HALs) and reusable software interfaces for test equipment and instrumentation.
• Design scalable, maintainable software using modern design patterns and software engineering best practices.
• Develop and optimize manufacturing data pipelines and database integrations.
• Build fault-tolerant software with retry logic, exception handling, and recovery mechanisms.
• Troubleshoot software, instrumentation, communication, and production test station issues.
• Develop automated multi-instrument test sequences and improve manufacturing throughput.
• Write unit tests and support software validation prior to production deployment.
• Participate in code reviews and maintain structured Git-based development workflows.
• Work closely with Manufacturing, Test, Software, Product, and Operations teams to support production and NPI builds.

Required Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in Computer Science, Computer Engineering, Software Engineering, or related technical field.
• 3+ years of professional software development experience.
• Strong Python programming skills with experience developing production-quality software.
• Solid understanding of object-oriented programming, design patterns, custom exceptions, decorators, and context managers.
• Experience interfacing with hardware using protocols such as SCPI, PyVISA, Serial (RS-232/485), TCP/IP, Modbus, or similar.
• Experience working in Linux/Unix environments.
• Experience with Git version control and Docker.
• Strong SQL and database experience (PostgreSQL, SQLite, MariaDB, or similar).
• Experience troubleshooting software and hardware integration issues.

Preferred Qualifications

• Experience supporting manufacturing, production test, NPI, or automation environments.
• Experience with test automation frameworks, TDD, unit testing, or software simulations.
• Exposure to optics, cameras, lasers, computer vision, or OpenCV.
• Experience in robotics, industrial automation, electronics, automotive, or other hardware-focused industries.
• Experience developing software that interacts directly with physical devices and test equipment.

Why Join?

• Work on cutting‑edge sensing, robotics, and automation technologies.
• Build software that directly impacts product quality, manufacturing efficiency, and production scalability.
• Collaborate with highly skilled software, hardware, and manufacturing engineering teams.
• Competitive compensation, benefits, and long‑term career growth opportunities.