Principal Software Engineer

Focused Energy Inc.

. Define and maintain the end-to-end Core Software architecture for a fusion power plant, including device interfaces, calibration, data handling, data storage, and HMI .

Posted 9/21/2026full-timeAustin • Texas • United StatesLeadWebsite

Core Competencies

Role fit

Core Competencies

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Demonstrates expertise in designing and implementing Core Software architecture for complex systems, with strong capabilities in C++, Python, and automated calibration workflows. Proven leadership in guiding technical decisions, mentoring engineers, and ensuring reliability, security, and documentation practices.

Highest-signal resume keywords

C++ ProgrammingPython ProgrammingAutomated Calibration WorkflowsData Handling and StorageSoftware Architecture Design

ATS Keywords

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Applicant Tracking System Keywords

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Hard Skills

Control Software DesignDevice IntegrationSystem-Level TroubleshootingHMI DesignTesting and ObservabilityReliability and Fault ToleranceSecurity PracticesDocumentation StandardsData PipelinesMetadata Management

Soft Skills

Strong Communication SkillsLeadership and MentoringDecision-MakingBuilding AlignmentOwnership Without Authority

Industry Keywords

Fusion Power PlantIndustrial SystemsReal-Time Control SystemsHigh-Throughput Data AcquisitionPlasma SoftwareNuclear PowerHigh-Energy PhysicsScientific Facilities

Tech Stack

Tools & technologies

PythonC++

About the role

Key responsibilities & impact

Define and maintain the end-to-end Core Software architecture for a fusion power plant, including device interfaces, calibration, data handling, data storage, and HMI
Design and implement critical parts of the Core Software system using C++ and Python or similar languages
Define interfaces between software, control hardware, diagnostics, plant equipment, data systems, and operator tools
Design reliable automated calibration facilities and workflows producing traceable and repeatable results
Set standards for architecture, coding, testing, observability, documentation, release, reliability, security, and fault tolerance
Lead technical decisions across teams, mentor engineers, resolve difficult trade-offs, and grow into a lead within the Software Department
Report to the Head of Software

Requirements

What you’ll need

Extensive experience designing and implementing control software for complex physical or industrial systems
Extensive experience with hardware and software interfaces, including device integration and system-level troubleshooting
Experience designing and implementing automated calibration facilities or automated calibration workflows
Strong experience with data handling, data pipelines, metadata, and reliable data storage
Experience designing and implementing HMI for operators or technical users
Strong software design and implementation skills in C++, Python, or similar languages
Ability to define architecture for complex, mission-critical systems under changing requirements and strict physical constraints
Strong communication skills for explaining technical decisions, risks, and trade-offs to software, hardware, science, and operations stakeholders
Strong leadership skills, including guiding decisions, mentoring engineers, building alignment, and taking ownership without formal authority
Experience applying thorough testing, observability, reliability, fault tolerance, security, and documentation practices
Eligibility to work in the United States or Germany, or requirement for applicable sponsorship
Nice-to-have: experience with software for plasma, nuclear power, high-energy physics, or scientific facilities
Nice-to-have: experience with real-time or distributed control systems and high-throughput data acquisition
Nice-to-have: experience defining shared frameworks, API conventions, configuration management, or communication systems for multiple teams
Nice-to-have: experience writing architecture decision records or technical proposals and leading architecture reviews
Nice-to-have: experience growing into a department-level technical lead or coaching senior engineers
Nice-to-have: fluency with AI-assisted software development or enthusiasm for responsibly using approved AI tools

Benefits

Comp & perks

Competitive salary
Company ownership in the form of stock options
Medical, dental, and vision plans active from the 1st day of employment for employees and enrolled dependents
Unlimited PTO
401(k) plan with up to 4% matching on top of the employee contribution
State-of-the-art Windows or Apple laptop
Keyboard, mouse, and headset
Regular company events for team bonding and collaboration
Career development opportunities
Collaborative international work environment