UI/UX Software Engineer - NREC

About the role

At the National Robotics Engineering Center (NREC), engineers and technicians drive the breakthroughs that define success. Technical staff collaborate closely with leadership and multidisciplinary teams to design, build, and deploy sophisticated robotic solutions for industrial, commercial, and government sectors. As part of the team, you will work alongside world‑class robotics professionals, shaping ideas into real‑world solutions in a flexible, encouraging environment that supports skill development, leadership, and career growth. Located in Pittsburgh, PA, the role falls under Software/Applications Development/Engineering. The UI/UX Software Engineer will work on user interfaces for robotic systems, collaborating with internal teams and sponsoring partners across all lifecycle stages, supporting projects ranging from industrial machine‑operator assist systems to agricultural productivity tools and other automation, autonomy, or safety systems.

Responsibilities

• Co‑Design Human‑Machine Interfaces: Partner closely with robotics engineers, hardware teams, and field operators to design custom, intuitive interfaces for complex robotic systems.
• Build Native Qt/QML Frontends: Develop fluid, hardware‑accelerated user interfaces using QML and/or Qt, binding them smoothly to backend C++ or Python data streams.
• Prototype & Test with Real Users: Prototype interaction flows and collaborate directly with end‑users to evaluate usability, safety, and operator performance in the field.
• Integrate Real‑Time System Data: Connect UI components to central system state engines, telemetry feeds, and databases while ensuring the interface remains fast and responsive.
• Champion Collaborative Software Development: Actively participate in an inclusive team culture through constructive peer reviews of both designs and code, integration testing, version control, and clear documentation.
• Integrate & Adapt APIs: Adapt open‑source libraries, proprietary tools, and backend APIs to extend UI capabilities cleanly and maintainably.
• Cross‑Functional Field Testing: Validate and refine interfaces through hands‑on testing with both simulated environments and physical robotic hardware alongside the broader engineering team.

Required Qualifications

• Education & Experience: B.S. in Computer Science, HCI, Design, or equivalent practical experience, with 1–3+ years of combined academic or professional software development experience.
• Qt / QML Proficiency: Hands‑on experience building modern, responsive user interfaces using QML and/or Qt.
• Frontend‑to‑Backend Integration: Understanding of how to connect QML frontends to application backends (via C++ signals/slots, PySide6/PyQt, or async data handlers).
• User‑Centered Mindset: Ability to translate user feedback, operational workflows, and rough sketches/wireframes into clear, functional visual layouts.
• Teamwork & Communication: Strong interpersonal and technical communication skills