Software Engineer III - Embedded Systems

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

Benefits offered by this job

Medical insurance

Dental insurance

Vision insurance

Life insurance

PTO

401(k) plan

Tuition reimbursement

Job summary

Thorlabs in the Baltimore/Washington, DC area designs and manufactures precision photonics instruments. We are seeking a Software Engineer to design and develop control firmware and software for laser systems, build embedded code for micro-controllers, and create GUI interfaces.

You will mentor junior engineers, guide cross‑disciplinary teams, and contribute to project planning. Required: 7+ years in embedded or software development, C/C++, RTOS/bare‑metal, Qt/C++, C#, Python, Linux, and

Qualifications

• 7+ years in firmware or software development for instrumentation.
• BS in CS/EE; MS preferred.
• Embedded C/C++ in RTOS/bare-metal.
• GUI development with C#/Qt.
• GIT/Azure DevOps and release management.

Responsibilities

• Develop firmware and software for photonics instruments.
• Program microcontrollers.
• Develop GUI interfaces.
• Architect complex software/firmware solutions.
• Coordinate across teams and manage multiple projects.
• Document and track bugs.
• Provide production support.
• Mentor junior engineers.

Skills

C/C++ embedded

Bare-metal/RTOS

GUI: C#/Qt

Python

Git/Azure DevOps

Linux config

Debugging tools

Documentation

Education

Bachelor's degree in CS/EE

Master's degree preferred

Tools

STM32 microcontrollers

Qt

C#

Python

Azure DevOps

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, Thorlabscontributes 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.

This position will be responsible for the design and development of control firmware and software for a broad range of precision laser and photonic instruments within the Laser Systems and Technology (LST) business unit. The successful candidate will have the ability to design and build complex embedded code for micro-controllers as well as graphical user interfaces (GUI). The Software Engineer should have sufficient proficiency and experience to serve as a go-to reference and resource to guide a multi-disciplinary team in making successful decisions in architecting complex codebases, facilitating collaborative software development via GIT and Azure DevOps. This position will also have the responsibility to mentor and supervise junior members of the software/firmware team within the LST business unit. Although the location of the position is in the Baltimore/Washington DC area, from time to time, the Software Engineer may be required to undertake duties at other Thorlabs locations.

• 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

The following are 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

The following are 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 - $ 130000 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 identify 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.