Software Engineer III

Montana Instruments; Bozeman (MT); On-site; USD 110,000 - 150,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Health insurance

401k matching

PTO & holidays

Job summary

Montana Instruments is seeking a Software Engineer III to design, architect, develop, integrate and validate software for advanced scientific instrumentation and cryogenic technologies. You will lead complex subsystems, guide junior engineers, and drive projects from concept to release while balancing hands-on coding with technical leadership.

Require a BS in CS/related field and 5+ years in software engineering, with strong skills in C++, Python, Linux, and architecture.

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in Computer Science, Computer Engineering, Software Engineering, or related technical discipline; equivalent experience may be considered.
• Typically, 5+ years of professional software engineering experience.
• Experience designing scalable software architectures and leading development of complex software subsystems.
• Experience working with embedded systems and hardware-integrated software applications.

Responsibilities

• Design, architect, and implement software for advanced instrumentation and cryogenic technologies.
• Lead development of complex software subsystems and guide junior engineers.
• Drive projects from concept through release with hands‑on development and technical leadership.
• Mentor teammates and promote robust software engineering practices.

Skills

C++

Python

Linux

Software architecture

Git & workflows

Education

Bachelor's degree in CS/related field

Tools

Qt

ArchOS/Yocto Linux

Job description

Your Role

At Montana Instruments, the Software Engineer III is an experienced software professional responsible for the design, architecture, development, integration, and validation of software systems used in advanced scientific instrumentation and cryogenic technologies. As a key contributor within multidisciplinary project teams, this role leads development efforts for complex software subsystems, provides technical guidance to less experienced engineers, and drives projects from concept through release. The Software Engineer III balances hands‑on software development with technical leadership to deliver innovative, reliable, and maintainable solutions that support Montana Instruments' product roadmap and enable scientific discovery.

Your Role

At Montana Instruments, the Software Engineer III is an experienced software professional responsible for the design, architecture, development, integration, and validation of software systems used in advanced scientific instrumentation and cryogenic technologies. As a key contributor within multidisciplinary project teams, this role leads development efforts for complex software subsystems, provides technical guidance to less experienced engineers, and drives projects from concept through release. The Software Engineer III balances hands‑on software development with technical leadership to deliver innovative, reliable, and maintainable solutions that support Montana Instruments' product roadmap and enable scientific discovery.

To succeed, you will need

• Bachelor's degree in Computer Science, Computer Engineering, Software Engineering, or related technical discipline. Equivalent experience may be considered.
• Typically, 5+ years of professional software engineering experience.
• Demonstrated experience developing and deploying software products through complete development lifecycles.
• Experience designing software architectures and leading development of complex software subsystems.
• Experience working with embedded systems and hardware-integrated software applications.

Competencies // Knowledge, Skills, And Abilities (KSA’s)

• Advanced proficiency in C++ and Python
• Strong understanding of Linux/UNIX development environments
• Experience designing scalable and maintainable software architectures
• Strong knowledge of software engineering principles, object-oriented design, design patterns, and software lifecycle methodologies
• Proficiency with source control and collaborative development tools, including Git-based workflows
• Experience developing automated testing and validation strategies
• Strong analytical, troubleshooting, and debugging skills
• Ability to decompose complex technical problems and develop practical engineering solutions
• Effective written and verbal communication skills with both technical and non-technical audiences
• Ability to mentor junior engineers and provide technical leadership without direct supervisory authority

Preferred Qualifications

• Experience with Qt application development
• Experience with ArchOS and/or Yocto Linux
• Experience with scientific instrumentation, automation systems, or precision electromechanical equipment
• Familiarity with communication protocols including USB, Ethernet, CAN, SPI, I²C, Modbus, and RS-485.
• Experience with CI/CD pipelines and automated build systems
• Experience integrating software with embedded firmware, electronics hardware, vacuum systems, cryogenic systems, or laboratory instrumentation
• Background in physics, chemistry, materials science, cryogenics, quantum technologies, or related scientific fields

What We Offer You

• Competitive salaries, annual bonuses, and opportunities for growth.
• Comprehensive health & insurance benefits (medical, dental, vision).
• Company HSA Seed.
• Company paid life insurance.
• Short-term and long-term disability.
• 401k matching up to 6%.
• PTO, personal days, sick days, and company paid holidays.
• Company sponsored team events.