Software Engineer I

Thorlabs is a dynamically growing company in the Photonics sector designing and manufacturing complex optical systems from lasers to microscopes. We are looking for a talented and motivated Software Engineer with a proven record of industry or academic achievement to work as part of our Laser Systems and Technology group located in the Washington D.C. metro area. The successful candidate must show strong analytical and communication skills, be comfortable doing hands-on work, be a self-starter, be detail oriented, organized, disciplined in completing work assignments, and be prepared to thrive in a highly collaborative environment.

Purpose of the Position

This position will be responsible for the development of graphical user interfaces (GUI), instrument control software, firmware, and signal/image processing codes as part of multi-disciplinary engineering teams. The Software Engineer will be responsible for designing new software for our laser instruments, sustaining engineering for existing software products, and for developing test and measurement software in the production environment. Additionally, the position will work on firmware development under the supervision of senior software/firmware engineers. The position will be working across many of our key product lines in this mission critical position, supporting various aspects of our operation. This role meets with the larger team regularly and reports progress. Position involves minimal travel (generally less than 10%).

Essential Job Functions include the following, but are not limited to:

• Software support for developing the company’s advanced photonics and instrumentation products.
• Primary software developer for small projects. For larger projects, will work with a team of programmers.
• Programming graphical user interfaces (GUI).
• Microcontroller programming under the supervision of experienced firmware programmers.
• Follow established SW development process.
• System level thinking and cross-disciplinary interactions.
• Preparing regular reports and presentations on project status and progress.
• Documentation and bug tracking.
• Software testing and assisting with validation of system design
• Production support, as needed.

In addition to the essential functions and duties listed above, all positions are also responsible for:

• Meeting company standards pertaining to quantity and quality of work performed on an ongoing basis, performing all work-related tasks in a manner that is in compliance with all Company policies and procedures
• Adhering to Company policies, procedures, and directives regarding standards of workplace behavior in completing job duties and assignments The Company retains the right to change or assign other duties to this position

Physical Activities: Work may be active, could stand or sit for long durations and/or perform repetitious work at times. Exerts or lifting up to 20 lbs. of force occasionally. While performing the duties, the work area may be noisy at times and the employee could come into contact with potentially harmful chemicals or fumes, with ventilation systems minimizing any harmful effects.

Requirements

Experience:

• Practical academic or internship experience in developing graphical user interfaces

Education:

• Bachelor’s degree in computer science, computer engineering, or a related field.

Specialized Knowledge and Skills:

The following are required:

• Experience with GUI development in QT, C-sharp, or other environments
• Experience with object-oriented design and development
• Experience with Python and C/C++.
• Experience using GIT

The following are preferred but not required:

• Microcontroller programming (Atmel, STMicro, Arduino, experience with FPGA)
• General understanding and/or hands on experience with analog and digital electronics
• Good communications skills, both oral and written, technical presentation skills.

Salary range for this position is $79,000 - $130,000 d.o.e.

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 re