Software Engineer – UX / Front-End Systems Interface

IPG Defense; Huntsville (AL); Hybrid; USD 100,000 - 160,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Health insurance

401(k) plan

Paid vacation

Job summary

IPG Defense is seeking a mid-level Software Engineer focusing on UX/Front-End to develop operator dashboards for its defense-grade laser systems. You will design real-time interfaces with C++/Qt, integrate telemetry and video data, and collaborate with field teams to optimize usability.

The role may entail occasional travel, and the team emphasizes secure coding and MIL-STD compliance. The position targets mid-level engineers, with opportunities for junior or senior levels based on experience,

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in Computer Science, Software Engineering, or a related field is required.
• 3–7 years of experience in front-end or UX development for technical systems; junior/senior considered at appropriate level.
• Proficiency in C++ and C# with Qt/QML on Windows and Linux.
• Experience building real-time or data-rich interfaces (telemetry, monitoring, or control).
• UI/UX for camera/video or defense systems with a focus on operator usability.
• GPU-accelerated rendering experience (OpenGL or similar).
• Strong written and verbal communication for cross-disciplinary collaboration.

Responsibilities

• Design and implement intuitive GUIs in C++/C# and Qt/ QML for laser command, camera views, diagnostics, and health monitoring.
• Integrate real-time telemetry, video, and safety data into low-latency displays.
• Collaborate with operators and test teams to refine workflows and iterate interface designs.
• Support AR-based visualization for alignment and targeting.
• Apply secure coding, code review, and CI across the interface codebase.
• Ensure adherence to DFARS cybersecurity and MIL-STD usability standards.

Skills

C++

C#

Qt/QML

Real-time UI

OpenGL

UI/UX design

Cross-disciplinary collaboration

Education

Bachelor’s degree in Computer Science or Software Engineering

Tools

Windows

Linux

Git

Visual Studio

Job description

POSITION INFORMATION

Department / Function: Engineering – IPG Defense

Reports To: Chief Engineer

Work Location: Huntsville, AL

Employment Type: Full-time (Exempt)

Travel: Less than 10%; occasional travel to field test sites.

Security / Clearance: Not required; active DoD security clearance preferred.

ABOUT IPG DEFENSE

IPG Defense, a stand-alone business of IPG Photonics, was incorporated in 2026 to provide direct support for defense products. Headquartered in Huntsville, AL, IPG Defense is bringing commercial scale to laser defense systems, leveraging IPG Photonics’ 36 years of experience in fiber laser technology. Our mission: develop and deliver the most advanced, next-generation laser defense solutions for military and civilian use — systems that accurately and reliably detect, track, target, and neutralize threats.

IPG Photonics is the world’s leading developer and manufacturer of high-performance fiber lasers and amplifiers for diverse applications in numerous markets. Founded in 1990, IPG pioneered the development and commercialization of optical fiber-based lasers — a critical technology in our high-energy laser (HEL) systems, including the CROSSBOW program.

Your skills and experience will play a key role in shaping our growing organization, building our capabilities, and delivering on our mission. Join us and build a career that will shape the future of laser defense.

POSITION SUMMARY

The Software Engineer – UX / Front-End develops operator dashboards and visualization tools for IPG’s defense-grade high-energy laser systems. This position combines UX design principles with high-performance C++/Qt development to create real-time control and situational-awareness interfaces for mission-critical applications. This opening targets a mid-level engineer; junior and senior candidates may also be considered, with level determined by experience and qualifications.

KEY RESPONSIBILITIES

• Design and implement intuitive, easy-to-use GUIs in C++/C# and Qt (including QML) for laser command, camera views, diagnostics, and health monitoring.
• Integrate real-time telemetry, video, and safety data into unified, low-latency visual displays.
• Work directly with system operators and test teams to refine workflows, run usability evaluations, and iterate on interface designs.
• Support AR-based visualization for alignment and targeting.
• Apply secure-coding, code-review, and CI practices across the interface codebase.
• Ensure adherence to DFARS cybersecurity and MIL-STD usability standards.

MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS

• Bachelor’s degree in Computer Science, Software Engineering, or a related field.
• 3–7 years of experience in front-end or UX development for technical systems (junior and senior candidates considered at the appropriate level).
• Proficiency in C++ and C# with Qt/QML on Windows and Linux.
• Experience building real-time or data-rich interfaces (telemetry, monitoring, or control applications).
• Experience developing UI/UX for camera or video systems and/or defense systems, with a demonstrated focus on operator ease of use.
• Experience with GPU-accelerated rendering (OpenGL or similar).
• Strong written and verbal communication skills for cross-disciplinary collaboration.

PREFERRED QUALIFICATIONS

• Active DoD security clearance.
• AR/VR interface development experience (Unity or Unreal Engine).
• Experience with HMI design for mission-critical or safety-critical systems.
• Familiarity with defense UI/UX standards and human-factors principles.
• Experience with Java, CUDA, or video streaming pipelines (e.g., GStreamer).
• Experience conducting usability testing with end users.

WORK ENVIRONMENT & PHYSICAL REQUIREMENTS

• Primarily office/lab setting; occasional travel to field sites and use of laser-safety PPE.

WHY JOIN IPG DEFENSE

• Work at the forefront of directed-energy and photonics innovation on systems that matter to national security.
• Vertically integrated technology: we design and build our own lasers, giving engineers end-to-end ownership from component to fielded system.
• Small, expert, fast-moving team in Huntsville, AL — one of the nation’s fastest-growing aerospace and defense hubs.
• Career growth through hands-on work across the full product lifecycle: concept, prototype, integration, field test, and production.
• Competitive salary and a comprehensive benefits package — see Compensation & Benefits below.

COMPENSATION & BENEFITS

Other Compensation: Employees hired at the senior level are eligible for additional rewards which could include:

• Annual Discretionary Bonus

Benefits Provided: All Regular US employees receive:

• Paid vacation time accrued based on years of service
• Paid sick time
• 12 (twelve) Paid Holidays Each Calendar Year

Additional Benefits Offered: IPG also offers access to:

• Medical, dental, and vision insurance plans with options for HSA/FSA
• Dependent Care FSA
• Paid Basic Life and AD&D Insurance
• Short-term and Long-term Disability insurance
• 401(k) plan with Company matching
• Employee Stock Purchase Plan (ESPP)
• Tuition Reimbursement Program
• Employee Assistance Program (EAP)
• Adoption Assistance
• Pet Insurance
• Parental Bonding Leave
• Bright Horizons Backup Care
• Bright Horizons College Coach

EQUAL EMPLOYMENT OPPORTUNITY

IPG Defense is an Equal Opportunity Employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, disability, or status as a protected veteran.