Software Engineer III - Embedded Systems

Thorlabs; Jessup (Lackawanna County); On-site; USD 99,000 - 130,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Medical, Dental, Vision insurance

401(k)

Paid time off

Tuition reimbursement

Job summary

Thorlabs is seeking a senior firmware/software engineer in the United States to design and develop software for advanced photonics instruments. You will work on embedded systems, GUI, and cross-disciplinary projects.

The role requires 7+ years of experience, BS or MS in related fields, and strong debugging and lab skills. The compensation ranges from $99,000 to $130,000 per year, with comprehensive benefits.

Qualifications

• 7+ years of firmware or software development for instrumentation.
• Proficiency with C/C++ in embedded real-time systems.
• Experience with bare-metal and RTOS environments.
• Strong debugging skills and lab instrumentation experience.
• GUI development with C# and/or Qt C++ on Windows or Linux.
• Experience with Git and Linux system configuration.

Responsibilities

• Firmware and software development for photonics/instrumentation products.
• Microcontroller programming.
• GUI programming.
• Architectural planning and implementation.
• System-level thinking and cross-disciplinary collaboration.
• Managing multiple projects with schedules and progress reporting.
• Documentation and bug tracking.
• Production support as needed.
• Training, mentoring and supervising junior team members.

Skills

C/C++ (embedded)

RTOS

Debugging

Git version control

GUI development (C#, Qt)

Python

Linux

Embedded systems

Education

BS in Computer Science / Electrical Engineering

MS preferred

Job description

At Thorlabs, we design and manufacture components, instruments, and systems that transform the world by identifying, enabling, and accelerating key photonics (i.e., light-based) technologies. Backed by a dedicated workforce of more than 3,000 employees worldwide, Thorlabs contributes to cutting‑edge research and real-world innovation.

Whether you're early in your career or bringing years of experience, you’ll find opportunities to grow, take ownership, and make meaningful contributions from day one. We know every employee brings unique talents and perspectives that fuel our success, and we seek driven individuals who are excited to make an impact in a fun, fast‑moving culture.

Responsibilities

• Firmware and software development for the company’s advanced photonics and instrumentation products.
• Microcontroller programming.
• Programming graphical user interfaces (GUI).
• Complex software/firmware architecture planning and implementation.
• System level thinking and cross‑disciplinary interactions.
• Managing multiple projects simultaneously, maintaining schedules and reporting on progress to business unit leadership.
• Documentation and bug tracking.
• Production support, as needed.
• Training, mentoring, and supervising junior team members.

The Company retains the right to change or assign other duties to this position.

Experience

• 7+ years of experience in firmware or software development for scientific, academic, industrial, biotech, medical, or semiconductor instrumentation.

Education

• Bachelor's degree (BS), Master’s degree (MS) preferred, in Computer Science, Computer or Electrical Engineering, or related field.

Specialized Knowledge and Skills

Required:

• Experience with C/C++ programming for embedded real time systems and microcontroller firmware.
• Hands‑on experience with embedded development, including bare‑metal and RTOS environments.
• Strong debugging skills and proficiency with electronics lab tools (oscilloscopes, logic analyzers, multimeters).
• Strong commitment to software engineering best practices including version control, documentation, and structured release management.
• GUI development with C# and/or Qt C++ on either Windows or Linux.
• Python.
• GIT for software version control.
• Experience with Linux system configuration.

Preferred but not required:

• Experience with STM32 microcontrollers and FreeRTOS.
• Proficiency with modern C++.
• Experience using Azure DevOps for managing software projects.
• Linux Bash scripting.
• General understanding and/or hands‑on experience with analog and digital electronics.
• Good communications skills, both oral and written, technical presentation skills.

The estimated pay range for this role is $99,000 - $130,000 annually.

Thorlabs values its diverse environment and is proud to be an Equal Employment Opportunity/Affirmative Action employer. All qualified individuals will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, gender, gender identity or expression, sexual orientation, national origin, genetics, disability, age or veteran status. Job descriptions are not intended as and do not create employment contracts. The organization maintains its status as an at‑will employer. Employees can be terminated for any reason not prohibited by law.

Thorlabs offers a complete benefits package that includes medical, dental and vision insurance, company paid life insurance, a generous PTO package, a 401(k) plan, and tuition reimbursement just to name a few.