About the RoleWe're looking for a Senior Software Engineer to design and build working prototypes, proofs of concept (PoCs), and pilot-ready solutions that validate technical feasibility and accelerate decision-making. This is not a traditional enterprise software role - we're seeking someone who enjoys working across software, hardware, diagnostics, cloud platforms, and field testing environments.
In this role, you'll collaborate closely with engineering and cross-functional teams to evaluate emerging technologies and develop prototype solutions that may evolve into future production systems. You'll work hands-on with hardware-integrated systems in both lab and real-world environments, contributing throughout the prototype, testing, and evaluation lifecycle.
This hybrid role is based in our Phoenix, AZ office, with in-office collaboration required at least three days per week to support lab work and field testing activities.
Essential ResponsibilitiesPrototype Development & Technical Innovation- Design and develop prototype applications and services using C#, modern .NET, SQL Server, and Microsoft Azure.
- Build APIs, integrations, and telemetry systems that connect software platforms with hardware devices and external systems.
- Develop cloud-native prototypes and evaluate deployment patterns using Azure services, Docker, containers, and Kubernetes.
- Explore and implement AI-assisted capabilities within prototypes, including automation, diagnostics, analytics, and decision-support tooling.
- Create rapid PoCs that validate new technologies, workflows, and operational concepts.
Hardware Integration & Field Testing- Partner with hardware-focused engineers to integrate software with edge devices, sensors, telemetry systems, and connected technologies.
- Support hands-on lab testing and field validation of integrated hardware and software solutions.
- Develop diagnostics, logging, monitoring, and testing tools to support troubleshooting and repeatable evaluations.
- Troubleshoot issues across hardware, networking, firmware, cloud systems, and software applications.
- Participate in field testing activities, deployment preparation, and post-test analysis.
Research, Evaluation & Documentation- Define prototype goals, hypotheses, success metrics, and evaluation criteria.
- Document architecture decisions, findings, trade-offs, and recommendations to support future production systems.
- Evaluate emerging technologies including IoT, edge computing, augmented reality (AR), spatial computing, and advanced visualization tools.
- Present technical findings and recommendations to engineering and leadership stakeholders.
Engineering Leadership & Collaboration- Participate in design reviews, code reviews, architecture discussions, and Agile ceremonies.
- Mentor junior and mid-level engineers through technical guidance and collaborative problem-solving.
- Partner with engineering, product, infrastructure, operations, and leadership teams throughout prototype development and evaluation efforts.
- Advocate for engineering best practices while balancing speed, experimentation, and iterative development in an R&D-focused environment.
- Leverage AI-assisted development tools to improve prototyping speed, testing workflows, and documentation quality.
RequirementsQualifications/Requirements- Bachelor's degree in Computer Science, Software Engineering, or a related field.
- 10+ years of professional software engineering experience building production or pilot-ready systems.
- Strong hands-on experience with C# and modern .NET technologies.
- Experience developing applications and integrations on Microsoft Azure.
- Strong experience with relational databases such as SQL Server.
- Experience building prototypes, proofs of concept, or experimental systems.
- Hands-on experience integrating software with hardware devices, telemetry systems, or external systems.
- Strong troubleshooting and debugging skills across distributed and integrated environments.
- Experience with CI/CD pipelines, DevOps tooling, Git, and automated testing practices.
- Strong communication, collaboration, and technical documentation skills.
Bonus Points For- Experience with IoT, edge computing, connected devices, or telemetry platforms.
- Background in robotics, industrial automation, transportation technology, aerospace, defense, or other hardware-integrated environments.
- Familiarity with device communication protocols, diagnostics, or edge systems.
- Experience with Docker, Kubernetes, and cloud-native deployment patterns.
- Experience developing test plans and supporting lab or field evaluations.
- Familiarity with event-driven architectures, observability, and distributed systems.
Desired Characteristics- Comfortable working in fast-moving, ambiguous, and experimental environments.
- Strong problem-solving mindset with the ability to evaluate trade-offs and technical feasibility.
- Highly collaborative with the ability to partner effectively across engineering and cross-functional teams.
- Demonstrates initiative, ownership, and accountability throughout the development and testing lifecycle.
- Passionate about emerging technologies and applying them to real-world operational challenges.
- Balances engineering quality with rapid prototyping and iterative experimentation.
Ideal BackgroundIdeal candidates may come from environments such as:- IoT or edge computing
- Transportation technology
- Robotics or autonomous systems
- Industrial automation
- Connected vehicle platforms
- Aerospace or defense systems
- Applied R&D or prototype engineering teams
You do not need to be a firmware or electrical engineer, but you should be comfortable working closely with hardware systems and solving problems outside of traditional application development.
What Success Looks Like- Builds prototypes and PoCs that clearly validate or invalidate technical feasibility.
- Creates repeatable testing frameworks and diagnostics tooling that improve lab and field testing efficiency.
- Produces architecture documentation and technical recommendations that help guide future production systems.
- Strengthens engineering quality and team capability within a fast-moving R&D environment.
BenefitsHow We Will Take Care of You- Robust benefit package that includes medical, dental, and vision that start on date of hire.
- Paid Time Off, to include vacation, sick, holidays, and floating holidays.
- Paid parental leave.
- 401(k) plan with employer match.
- Company-funded "lifestyle account" upon date of hire for you to apply toward your physical and mental well-being (i.e., ski passes, retreats, gym memberships).
- Tuition Reimbursement Program.
- Voluntary benefits, to include, but not limited to Legal and Pet Discounts.
- Employee Assistance Program (available at no cost to you).
- Company-sponsored and funded "Culture Team" that focuses on the Physical, Mental, and Professional well-being of employees.
- Community Give-Back initiatives.
- Culture that focuses on employee development initiatives.
- Company-wide bonus and commission plans.
