Senior Software Engineer (R&D/Prototyping)

Kforce Inc; Phoenix (AZ); Hybrid; USD 140,000 - 190,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Medical, dental, vision insurance

HSA/FSA

401(k) match

Paid time off

Job summary

Kforce Inc. is seeking a Senior R&D Software Engineer in Phoenix, AZ, with hybrid work arrangement (3+ days onsite). You will lead rapid prototyping, PoCs, and edge-integrated solutions using C#, .NET, SQL Server, and Azure to validate feasibility and enable innovation.

The role emphasizes architecture leadership, cross-functional collaboration, and hands-on prototyping across cloud, on‑prem, and hardware interfaces, with a strong emphasis on telemetry, diagnostics, and observability.

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in a related field.
• 7–10+ years of software engineering experience.
• Strong expertise in C# and .NET technologies.
• Experience with SQL Server or similar relational databases.
• Background in prototyping, PoCs, or experimental systems.
• Experience integrating software with hardware, telemetry, or external systems.
• Strong troubleshooting across distributed systems.
• Experience with CI/CD, DevOps, Git, and automated testing.
• Excellent communication and documentation skills.

Responsibilities

• Design and build prototype applications using C#, .NET, SQL Server, and Microsoft Azure.
• Develop APIs, integrations, and telemetry systems connecting software with devices and external platforms.
• Build cloud-native solutions leveraging Azure, Docker, and Kubernetes.
• Implement AI-assisted capabilities (automation, diagnostics, analytics, decision support).
• Rapidly develop PoCs to validate emerging technologies and workflows.
• Integrate software with edge devices, sensors, and telemetry systems.
• Support lab testing and field validation of integrated solutions.
• Develop diagnostics, logging, and monitoring tools.
• Troubleshoot across hardware, firmware, networking, cloud, and application layers.
• Define prototype objectives, success criteria, and evaluation metrics.
• Document architecture decisions, trade-offs, and technical findings.
• Evaluate emerging technologies such as IoT, edge computing, and AR/spatial computing.

Skills

C#

NET Technologies

SQL Server

Azure

CI/CD

DevOps

Git

Automated testing

Azure DevOps

Education

Bachelor's degree

Tools

Docker

Kubernetes

Azure

Job description

Responsibilities

Kforce has a client in Phoenix, AZ (Hybrid – 3+ days onsite) seeking a Senior R&D Software Engineer. The role involves driving design and development of prototypes, proofs of concept, and pilot‑ready solutions that validate technical feasibility and enable rapid innovation.

• Design and build prototype applications using C#, .NET, SQL Server, and Microsoft Azure
• Develop APIs, integrations, and telemetry systems connecting software with devices and external platforms
• Build cloud‑native solutions leveraging Azure, Docker, and Kubernetes
• Implement AI‑assisted capabilities (automation, diagnostics, analytics, decision support)
• Rapidly develop PoCs to validate emerging technologies and workflows
• Integrate software with edge devices, sensors, and telemetry systems
• Support lab testing and field validation of integrated solutions
• Develop diagnostics, logging, and monitoring tools
• Troubleshoot across hardware, firmware, networking, cloud, and application layers
• Define prototype objectives, success criteria, and evaluation metrics
• Document architecture decisions, trade‑offs, and technical findings
• Evaluate emerging technologies such as IoT, edge computing, and AR/spatial computing

Leadership

• Contribute to architecture reviews, code reviews, and Agile workflows
• Mentor junior engineers and provide technical leadership

Requirements

• Bachelor's degree in Computer Science, Computer Engineering or related field
• 7–10+ years of software engineering experience
• Strong expertise in C# and .NET Technologies
• Experience with SQL Server or similar relational databases
• Background in prototyping, PoCs, or experimental systems
• Experience integrating software with hardware, or telemetry, or external systems
• Strong troubleshooting skills across distributed systems
• Experience with CI/CD, DevOps, Git, and automated testing
• Excellent communication and documentation skills

Nice to Haves

• Hands‑on experience with Microsoft Azure and cloud‑based development
• Experience with IoT, edge computing, or connected devices
• Background in robotics, industrial automation, transportation, aerospace, or defense
• Familiarity with device communication protocols and diagnostics
• Experience with Docker, Kubernetes, and cloud‑native architectures
• Experience supporting lab and field testing environments
• Knowledge of event‑driven systems and observability tools

Ideal Candidate Background

• IoT/Edge Computing
• Robotics/Autonomous Systems
• Medical Device
• Industrial Automation
• Transportation/Connected Vehicle Platforms
• Aerospace/Defense
• Applied R&D/Prototyping Teams
• Other similar industries

This role does not require embedded firmware or electrical engineering experience, but candidates must be comfortable working with hardware‑integrated systems and solving cross‑domain technical challenges.

The pay range is the lowest to highest compensation we reasonably in good faith believe we would pay at posting for this role. We may ultimately pay more or less than this range. Employee pay is based on factors like relevant education, qualifications, certifications, experience, skills, seniority, location, performance, union contract and business needs. This range may be modified in the future.

We offer comprehensive benefits including medical/dental/vision insurance, HSA, FSA, 401(k), and life, disability & ADD insurance to eligible employees. Salaried personnel receive paid time off. Hourly employees are not eligible for paid time off unless required by law. Hourly employees on a Service Contract Act project are eligible for paid sick leave.

Note: Pay is not considered compensation until it is earned, vested and determinable. The amount and availability of any compensation remains in Kforce's sole discretion unless and until paid and may be modified in its discretion consistent with the law.

This job is not eligible for bonuses, incentives or commissions.

Kforce is an Equal Opportunity/Affirmative Action Employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, pregnancy, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, age, protected veteran status, or disability status.