Principal Software Engineer (m/f/d)

About This Opportunity

We are representing a confidential organization at the forefront of advanced energy technology. Our client is scaling rapidly and needs a Principal Software Engineer to define and own the core software architecture that will operate and integrate their complex physical systems. This is a foundational technical role within the Software Department, reporting to the Head of Software.

You will set the direction for how controls, hardware interfaces, calibration systems, data infrastructure, and human-machine interfaces come together into one coherent system. This is a rare opportunity to shape critical software infrastructure and operate as a technical lead, establishing the engineering standards that the entire department will build upon.

Responsibilities

• Define and maintain the end-to-end core software architecture, including device interfaces, calibration, data handling, data storage, and HMI systems
• Design and implement critical parts of the software stack using languages such as C++ and Python
• Define clear interfaces between software, control hardware, diagnostics, equipment, data systems, and operator tools
• Design reliable automated calibration facilities and workflows that produce traceable and repeatable results
• Set practical 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 departmental technical lead

What We're Looking For

Must-Have Qualifications:

• 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—able to explain technical decisions, risks, and trade-offs to software, hardware, science, and operations stakeholders
• Strong leadership skills—able to guide decisions, mentor engineers, build alignment, and take ownership without relying on formal authority
• Experience applying thorough testing, observability, reliability, fault tolerance, security, and documentation practices

Nice-to-Have Qualifications:

• Experience with software for plasma, nuclear power, high-energy physics, or scientific facilities
• Experience with real-time or distributed control systems and high-throughput data acquisition
• Experience defining shared frameworks, API conventions, configuration management, or communication systems for multiple teams
• Experience writing architecture decision records or technical proposals and leading architecture reviews
• Experience growing into a department-level technical lead or coaching senior engineers
• Fluency with AI-assisted software development, or strong enthusiasm for using approved AI tools responsibly to improve quality and delivery

How We Work With You

Candidates apply directly through Get A Job.ai. Our talent team will conduct an initial screening to understand your background and fit for the role. Once we've confirmed alignment, we will submit your profile to our client for consideration. Please do not attempt to contact the client directly, as all communication should flow through our recruiting team to ensure a smooth process.

Pay

Compensation details will be discussed during the screening process and will be determined by factors such as location, level, job-related knowledge, skills, and experience.

Location: Darmstadt, Germany

Get A Job.ai is an equal opportunity employer committed to creating an inclusive environment. We consider all qualified applicants without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, age, marital status, protected veteran status, or disability status.