Position Summary:

Irradiant Technologies is seeking a Software/Hardware Systems Engineer to build and maintain software that interacts with real hardware (e.g., PCIe devices, data acquisition systems, or custom instrumentation used in lithography. This role is for someone who is comfortable working across Python application code, hardware-facing software, and testing infrastructure. You will help develop reliable software that interacts with real hardware, supports experimentation and tool development, and follows strong engineering practices in GitHub. We are looking for someone with practical experience shipping and maintaining software in hardware-connected environments. Experience with FPGA-based systems is helpful but not required.

A primary initial project in this role involves building a high-throughput, synchronized pattern streaming subsystem for a next-generation tool. This role is primarily on-site (or hybrid) due to the hands-on nature of working with hardware systems.

What you'll be doing

• Develop, maintain, and document performance-sensitive software, including high-throughput data pipelines, buffering, and streaming workflows, for hardware-adjacent systems used in lithography.

• Build Python-based tools, services, and test infrastructure for instrument control, data flow, automation, and analysis.

• Design and maintain software that interfaces with hardware systems, including devices, custom electronics, and lab equipment.

• Work with manufacturer-provided hardware control code, libraries, and SDKs, including reading, modifying, and integrating code written in lower-level languages where needed (C and C++).

• Debug issues that occur at the boundary of software and hardware, including intermittent or timing-sensitive failures.

• Use GitHub best practices, including pull requests, code review, branch hygiene, and clear documentation.

• Collaborate with engineers across software, electrical, optical, and mechanical disciplines to define and improve system interfaces.

What skills you'll need

• Strong Python experience in production, lab, or internal tooling environments.

• Solid Linux fundamentals (processes, memory, I/O, debugging) in development or lab environments.

• Experience writing software that interacts with hardware systems or external devices.

• Experience with at least one lower-level language such as C, C++, or Rust: reading and modification is ok, proficiency not required.

• Experience testing hardware-adjacent software, including integration or system-level validation.

• Experience using GitHub in a team environment, including pull requests, code review, and branch-based workflows.

• Strong debugging skills, especially for issues involving hardware interfaces, concurrency, performance, or nondeterministic behavior.

• Good communication skills and comfort working cross-functionally in a hands-on engineering environment.

Preferred Qualifications:

• Experience with performance-sensitive systems, including streaming, buffering, or data movement pipelines.

• Familiarity with FPGA-connected systems or software/firmware interfaces.

• Experience with timing and synchronization concepts such as triggers, clocks, latency, jitter, or deterministic sequencing.

• Experience with lab bring-up, instrumentation, or test environments.

• Background in one or more of the following areas: motion control, cameras or DAQ, optical metrology, nanofabrication, or high-speed instrumentation.

• Comfortable working in a startup environment with evolving priorities and a high degree of ownership.

Company Overview

Irradiant Technologies is pioneering the future of nano-optics and photonics with our proprietary 3D nanofabrication platform. Our technology enables the creation of optical components with geometries and refractive index profiles previously unattainable, opening doors to entirely new classes of photonic devices. By redefining what is possible in optical design and manufacturing, we are accelerating innovations in sensing, communication, imaging, display, and computation. As we transition from R&D to productization, we are expanding our engineering team to support the development of robust, integrated photonic systems.

Compensation and Benefits

The salary range for this role is $130,000 - $150,000+ (depending on experience). We are committed to equitable compensation across our company. We offer 401(k), multiple healthcare schemes and an annual reimbursement, to give our employees greater flexibility with the benefits that meet their needs. We offer a flexible Paid Time Off policy and encourage people to take regular vacation.

Equal Employment Opportunity

Irradiant Technologies is an equal opportunity employer. We are committed to creating a diverse and inclusive team free from discrimination or harassment. We encourage candidates of any race, color, religion, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, veteran or disability status to apply. Applicants with a disability are encouraged to contact us with any requests for accommodation.