Principal Software Engineer, Manufacturing Test

About the role

Lead the design, implementation, deployment, and sustainment of manufacturing test software systems supporting assembly, integration, calibration, and final system validation in production.

Responsibilities

• Architect scalable software frameworks for automated production test fixtures, diagnostics, telemetry collection, and hardware validation workflows.
• Own software configuration management, deployment pipelines, version control, and release processes for manufacturing and production environments.
• Develop robust automation tools and scripts using Python, Bash, PowerShell, or similar technologies to streamline production operations and reduce operator error.
• Design and maintain Linux-based manufacturing systems including user management, permissions, networking, package management, and system hardening.
• Partner with electrical, firmware, and mechanical engineering teams to integrate software with embedded systems, sensors, robotics hardware, and test instrumentation.
• Drive root-cause analysis investigations related to manufacturing defects, test failures, production escapes, and system reliability issues.
• Establish software validation methodologies to ensure production systems meet product requirements, configuration control, quality standards, and operational readiness criteria.
• Improve manufacturing throughput, test coverage, traceability, and process repeatability through automation and data-driven decision making.
• Develop tools and infrastructure for data collection, serialization, logging, and transport across manufacturing and test systems to track 'as built' FW/SW configuration.
• Mentor junior engineers and manufacturing personnel on software best practices, debugging methodologies, and test system operation.
• Contribute to long-term manufacturing software strategy, tooling standardization, and production scalability initiatives.
• Collaborate cross-functionally with production, quality, supply chain, field operations, and product engineering teams to improve system reliability and operational efficiency.
• Support deployment, troubleshooting, training, and sustainment activities across manufacturing and operational environments as needed, leveraging Admin/IT support.
• Partner with product engineering teams to improve design-for-manufacturability throughout the product lifecycle.

Requirements

• Bachelor’s degree in Computer Science, Software Engineering, Electrical Engineering, Robotics, or related technical field.
• 10+ years of professional experience in software engineering, manufacturing automation, robotics, embedded systems, or production test environments, including technical leadership of complex systems.
• Strong proficiency in Python and at least one additional scripting or systems language such as Bash, PowerShell, or C/C++.
• Experience designing scalable automated manufacturing test systems, reusable hardware test frameworks, and hardware-in-the-loop validation infrastructure.
• Deep expertise in Linux-based systems administration, deployment automation, networking, security, system services, and package management in production engineering or manufacturing environments.
• Experience with software configuration management, source control, CI/CD practices, and release management workflows.
• Familiarity with hardware interfaces and communication protocols such as UART, CAN, Ethernet, USB, I2C, SPI, or serial communications.
• Strong understanding of robotics, drones, electromechanical systems, embedded hardware, or autonomous systems.
• Experience troubleshooting integrated hardware/software systems in fast-paced production environments.
• Proficiency with data serialization and transport technologies such as JSON, Protobuf, REST interfaces, or similar frameworks.
• Able to interpret electrical schematics, wiring diagrams, and technical documentation.
• Excellent analytical, debugging, communication, and cross-functional collaboration skills.
• Demonstrated ability to lead technical initiatives and drive projects and teams with minimal oversight.
• Experience with PostgreSQL, SQLite, TimescaleDB, InfluxDB, or similar data storage systems used for manufacturing traceability and analytics.
• Experience building production telemetry, yield analysis, and traceability systems that support manufacturing decision making.
• Preferred Experience: developing production or engineering tools using Qt Framework or Python Qt bindings (PyQt/PySide).
• Experience with automated test equipment, instrumentation, hardware validation systems.
• Familiarity supporting manufacturing execution systems (MES), ERP integrations, or production traceability systems in HV production.
• Experience supporting products operating under quality management systems in robotics, automotive, or other regulated industries in medium to high-volume production.
• Familiarity with containerization, virtualization, or infrastructure automation technologies to optimize resources, application deployments and updates.
• Experience with PLCs and industrial communication control systems protocols (i.e.: OPC UA, SCADA).
• Candidates with experience in sUAV, robotics development, and/or hobby drones.

Physical Requirements

• Ability to sit, stand, bend, reach, climb, and move about regularly throughout the day and lift/carry up to 25 pounds.
• Must have manual dexterity to operate standard office equipment as well as standard machine shop equipment.
• Must be physically capable of the assigned duties.

Work Environment

• This position typically operates in a standard office setting and manufacturing environment.
• This role requires use of standard office and manufacturing equipment and may require occasional travel to customer locations or facilities.
• This position may have exposure to outdoor weather conditions, noise, and non-climate-controlled environments.
• May require the use of personal protective equipment (PPE) depending on the environment.
• This is a fast-paced work environment and requires cross departmental collaboration with independent and team-based responsibilities.
• Standard works hours for this position are 8:30am-5:00pm with occasional overtime as operational needs demand.

Benefits

• Comprehensive BCBS medical, dental, and vision coverage; 80% sponsored by the company.
• Safe Harbor 401(K) with company match.
• Paid Parental Leave.
• A work environment that encourages teamwork and innovation.
• On-site gym at our Huntsville, AL location.
• Employer provided life insurance.
• Robust Employee Assistant Program (EAP).
• Competitive salary, generous paid time off (PTO), and flexible leave options.

EEO Statement

PDW is an equal opportunity employer that upholds all federal and state non-discrimination laws. We ensure a fair and unbiased evaluation for employment for all qualified candidates regardless of race, color, religion, age, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, marital status, medical condition, disability, genetic information, veteran status, or any other characteristic protected by law.