Principal Software Engineer/Technical Lead - R&D

Company Description

Boston Engineering improves the way people work and live through innovative product design and novel engineering. We are product designers and engineers for the Medical, Industrial, Commercial, and Defense sectors. Experts in robotics, motion control and embedded systems, DFX, and digital transformation, we are ISO 9001 and ISO 13485 certified.  Founded in 1995, we are located in Waltham, MA.

Job Description

Boston Engineering is seeking a Technical Lead Software Engineer to guide and execute software development within our Maritime Intelligence Business . In this role, you will lead efforts that directly support the commercialization and standardization of advanced maritime technologies, aligned with our long-term strategic roadmap. This is a leadership opportunity that blends technical depth with vision, ownership, and cross-disciplinary collaboration.

You will be responsible for both tactical execution and strategic software leadership , streamlining and standardizing development practices across projects. Your work will enable faster delivery, higher quality, and greater adaptability across a range of cutting-edge maritime systems, often integrating embedded software, hardware, and control systems.

This role is restricted to US persons (i.e., US citizens, permanent residents, and other protected individuals under the Immigration and Naturalization Act, 8 USC 1324b(a)(3)) due to access to export-controlled technology. Boston Engineering will require proof of status prior to employment.

Proven ability to:

• Lead the design, development, and optimization of embedded software for robotic or autonomous systems
• Architect and implement robust software solutions tightly integrated with hardware, sensors, and control systems
• Ensure software meets demanding real-time performance, reliability, and safety requirements
• Foster a collaborative and innovative engineering culture that promotes continuous learning and improvement
• Communicate complex technical concepts clearly and effectively to both technical and non-technical audiences
• Lead technical design reviews, facilitate in-depth discussions, and contribute to long-term roadmap planning
• Stay abreast of emerging technologies, tools, and industry trends relevant to embedded and maritime systems
• Proactively identify technical risks and bottlenecks, offering practical solutions to maintain momentum

Required experience:

• Proficient with industry-standard software development tools, version control, and debugging environments
• Demonstrated success in fast-paced, technically demanding, and customer-oriented settings
• Experience collaborating with cross-disciplinary teams, including systems, electrical, and mechanical engineers
• Excellent organizational, written, and verbal communication skills
• U.S. Person status required; ability to obtain and maintain a security clearance
• Willingness to travel occasionally as project needs require

If this sounds like the right challenge for you, apply today!

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in Computer Science, Software Engineering, or a related discipline (Master’s degree preferred)
• Minimum of 7 years of experience in embedded software development, including 3+ years in a technical or team lead role
• Proficiency in C and C++ for embedded systems; experience with ROS2, Java, Python, Zephyr OS, and Ubuntu 22
• Familiarity with real-time operating systems (RTOS) is a strong plus
• Hands-on experience with common communication protocols including I2C, Ethernet, serial, and GPIO
• Background in robotics, uncrewed systems, and military platforms , including software development on embedded targets such as STM32, x86, PIC32, and ARM architectures
• Skilled in CI/CD pipelines and modern development toolchains
• Strong experience in authoring and reviewing software requirements, specifications, and design documentation , and leading effective technical design reviews
• Working knowledge of ISO 9001 and CMMI quality frameworks
• Experience with maritime systems , including relevant sensors and communications , is desirable
• Familiarity with cloud-based environments and network/server-based data workflows for offload, analysis, and management is a plus
• Exposure to uncrewed systems navigation, localization, and autonomy technologies is beneficial

What Sets You Apart:

• A strong interest in identifying new business opportunities , including contributing to proposal development
• Experience or academic background in machine learning, computer vision, or artificial intelligence (AI)
• Familiarity with safety-critical software development and applicable certification standards
• Knowledge of Agile methodologies and modern DevOps practices
• Understanding of government contracting processes , including technical requirements, documentation standards, and stakeholder communication
• Experience working within or supporting quality management systems (QMS)

Additional Information

Location: Office-based role in Waltham, MA

Reports to : General Manager, Maritime Intelligence Business

Salary Range: The final salary offer will be based on individual education, skills, and experience.

**No relocation**

We offer a full employee benefit plan, including a matching 401 (k) plan, in an open, energetic working environment that fosters strong client relationships and an entrepreneurial team spirit.

**Your application will not be considered complete without a submitted writing sample.**

**Please ensure you have a link to your GitHub or website on your application to share with our hiring managers.**

All your information will be kept confidential according to EEO guidelines.