Principal Software Engineer (C++)

About Boxbot

Boxbot revolutionizes logistics with adaptive automation, creating the facility of the future. As the industry grapples with labor shortages and rising costs, our advanced solutions effectively meet these challenges. We transform traditional conveyor systems into intelligent, three-dimensional package handling networks, dramatically improving dispatch efficiency and operational productivity. Our versatile platform seamlessly integrates cutting-edge software and hardware, offering a comprehensive solution that optimizes multiple facets of the supply chain.

We're a close-knit team that is well funded and are quickly expanding in order to bring our product to market. We are seeking teammates who take pride in their work and who get excited about building new systems with significant responsibility.

We're seeking a Principal Software Engineer to help lead our software development efforts and play a crucial role in shaping the future of our products. This is a hands-on technical leadership role for someone who wants to build production-grade software for large-scale automation systems, not just manage tickets or write isolated application code. You'll be deeply involved in both high-level architecture decisions and day-to-day coding.

Responsibilities

• Own the architecture and development of software for Boxbot's automated material handling systems, from core controls to customer deployment
• Build high-performance, reliable C++ software that interfaces directly with robotics, motion control, sensors, PLCs, and other automation hardware
• Lead technical decisions across system architecture, controls software, deployment tooling, reliability, and performance
• Work hands-on with mechanical, electrical, firmware, controls, and field teams to bring complex hardware/software systems to life
• Debug and solve real-world system issues across software, hardware, networking, timing, and controls boundaries
• Set a high bar for code quality, system reliability, testability, and maintainability through strong engineering practices
• Mentor other software engineers and help raise the technical capability of the team
• Contribute to product roadmap decisions, technical strategy, and long-term platform architecture
• Support deployments at customer sites by partnering with implementation teams to ensure systems are robust, scalable, and supportable

Requirements

• 8+ years of professional software engineering experience, with deep expertise in C++
• Strong experience building software for complex physical systems, such as robotics, industrial automation, controls, embedded systems, or hardware-integrated products
• Proven ability to architect reliable, maintainable software for systems that must work in the real world
• Experience with real-time or near-real-time systems, multi-threaded programming, hardware interfaces, and Linux-based environments
• Strong debugging skills across software, hardware, networking, timing, and system integration issues
• Ability to lead technical direction, make sound architecture decisions, and mentor other engineers
• Comfortable working closely with mechanical, electrical, firmware, controls, manufacturing, and field teams
• Strong ownership mindset, practical judgment, and bias toward building systems that are simple, reliable, and deployable
• Bachelor's or Master's degree in Computer Science, Software Engineering, or a related technical field, or equivalent experience

What We Offer

• Opportunity to work on cutting-edge automation technology with real-world impact
• Collaborative and innovative work environment
• Competitive salary and benefits package
• Career growth opportunities in a rapidly expanding company
• Chance to play a key role in high-stakes projects

$180,000 - $230,000 a year

Boxbot is an equal opportunity employer. We celebrate diversity and are committed to creating an inclusive environment for all employees. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, disability, or veteran status.

We are headquartered in Alameda, CA with an easy commute via Bart, Ferry, Amtrak and free parking. We take the well being of our teammates seriously, with benefits including medical, dental, vision, life and more!

If you love new projects, building awesome products and getting stuff done, then we want to talk to you! Simply submit your information below.

We may use artificial intelligence (AI) tools to support parts of the hiring process, such as reviewing applications, analyzing resumes, or assessing responses and identifying potential inconsistencies or verification signals in application materials based on available information. These tools assist our recruitment team but do not replace human judgment. Final hiring decisions are ultimately made by humans. If you would like more information about how your data is processed, please contact us.