Principal Software Engineer

IPG's Material Processing Systems Group is focused on integrating state-of-the-art IPG lasers into turn-key systems to be used in the semiconductor, medical and other industries. We are seeking a Principal Software Engineer to join the Material Processing Systems Group in the development of advanced laser-based manufacturing systems. This position serves as a principal technical contributor responsible for designing, implementing, and supporting software solutions for IPG's laser processing equipment.

The successful candidate will leverage extensive experience in industrial automation, machine control, and software engineering to develop new machine capabilities, improve existing platforms, and support customer-driven enhancements. While working within established software architectures, this individual will provide technical leadership, mentor less experienced engineers, and help drive engineering excellence across projects.

In addition to software development responsibilities, the Principal Software Engineer will work closely with manufacturing, applications, service, and project teams to support machine builds, system integration, commissioning activities, and project execution on the production floor. This role requires strong system-level problem-solving skills and the ability to coordinate efforts across software, electrical, mechanical, and applications engineering disciplines.

• Analyze machine requirements, customer requests, and engineering specifications to develop software solutions for laser-based material processing systems.
• Design, implement, test, and maintain software features within established machine control architectures.
• Serve as a technical leader and subject matter expert within assigned projects and areas of responsibility, providing technical guidance and collaborating with other principal engineers to align engineering standards and implementation approaches.
• Mentor junior and mid-level engineers through design reviews, code reviews, troubleshooting, and technical guidance.
• Collaborate with electrical, mechanical, controls, and applications engineers to deliver integrated machine solutions.
• Support machine integration, testing, validation, and commissioning activities during machine builds.
• Provide technical leadership for assigned projects and coordination during machine build, integration, commissioning, and acceptance activities, ensuring software deliverables are executed according to project objectives and engineering standards.
• Diagnose and resolve complex system-level issues involving software, motion control, machine vision, communications, and hardware integration.
• Drive software quality through adherence to coding standards, testing practices, and maintainability guidelines.
• Evaluate and implement improvements to existing machine architectures, software frameworks, and development processes.
• Support field service teams and customers in resolving advanced software and machine performance issues.
• Participate in customer visits and occasional domestic or international travel to support installations and project execution.