Software Engineer II at Mercor

Software Engineer II | $70–95/hr | Redmond, WA (On-Site)

Join a specialized engineering team developing sophisticated software for advanced hardware control and lab automation, with a focus on aero-acoustic wind tunnel systems. This is a rare opportunity to work at the intersection of software development, robotics, acoustics, and aerodynamics — building real-time control systems that power cutting-edge research.

Key Responsibilities

• Design, develop, and maintain high-quality, reusable Python code for controlling complex hardware systems, including wind tunnel fan arrays and mechanical components.
• Implement and optimize control algorithms for real-time performance, including PWM control for fan motors and actuators.
• Develop software to generate a variety of airflow conditions — laminar, turbulent, gradient, and time-varying flows.
• Build control interfaces for robotic HATS movers, lift systems, and multi-channel spatial audio (HOA) setups.
• Integrate motion capture systems (e.g., Optitrack) for real-time tracking and system alignment.
• Develop automated calibration procedures for wind speeds, acoustic sensors, and critical measurements.
• Build and maintain data pipelines for capturing, processing, and analyzing experimental sensor data.
• Troubleshoot complex software and system-level issues to ensure high availability of lab equipment.
• Produce clear documentation for software architecture, APIs, and operational procedures.

Required Qualifications

• Bachelor's or Master's degree in Computer Science, Electrical Engineering, Mechanical Engineering, Robotics, or a related field.
• Proven professional experience in Python programming with a focus on hardware control, lab automation, or robotics.
• Solid understanding of control systems theory, digital signal processing, and data acquisition principles.
• Strong knowledge of fluid mechanics, aerodynamic principles, and acoustic measurement techniques.
• Experience debugging complex, multi-component hardware/software systems.
• Excellent communication and collaboration skills within multidisciplinary teams.

Technical Skills

Required:

• Proficiency in modern Python (3.8+) and object-oriented design.
• Experience with scientific computing libraries: NumPy, SciPy, Pandas.
• Experience with hardware control interfaces and protocols (PWM, serial, Ethernet).
• Experience with audio signal processing or multi-channel data acquisition libraries (e.g., sounddevice, librosa).
• Competency with Git and version control workflows.
• Experience with YAML or JSON configuration formats.
• Knowledge of network communication protocols and REST APIs.

Preferred:

• Experience with motion control systems for robotics or automation.
• Familiarity with High-Order Ambisonics (HOA) spatial audio technologies.
• Experience integrating Optitrack or similar motion capture systems.
• Familiarity with Particle Image Velocimetry (PIV) or advanced aerodynamic measurement techniques.
• Experience with GUI development frameworks for internal tooling.
• Cross-platform development experience (Windows, macOS, Linux).

This role is a W-2 employment engagement administered by Cincinnatus, an enterprise staffing company. Cincinnatus is an Equal Opportunity Employer and a Fair Chance employer.