Principal Software Engineer - Technical Lead

The Principal Software Engineer - Technical Lead at Boston Engineering is responsible for overseeing the software development processes within the Maritime Intelligence Business. This includes leading the design, development, and optimization of embedded software for robotic systems, ensuring real-time performance and reliability, and maintaining high quality and quantity of software output. You'll also be tasked with fostering a creative and collaborative team culture, communicating effectively with stakeholders, and spearheading design reviews and technical discussions.

To qualify for the Principal Software Engineer - Technical Lead role at Boston Engineering, candidates should possess a BS, or preferably an MS, in Computer Science or a related field. An ideal candidate has 7+ years of experience in embedded software development, with at least 3 years in a lead position. Fluency in programming languages such as C, C++, and Python, along with experience in robotics and embedded systems is essential. Familiarity with ISO 9001 and CMMI standards is desired, along with an ability to obtain a security clearance.

Essential skills for success in the Principal Software Engineer - Technical Lead role include proficiency in embedded programming languages (C, C++, ROS2, etc.), knowledge of hardware integration, and experience with CI/CD practices. Communication skills are crucial, as the role requires conveying complex technical concepts across diverse teams. Additionally, experience with machine learning, computer vision, or military systems can significantly benefit candidates, along with a strong grasp of agile methodologies and DevOps practices.

Yes, the Principal Software Engineer - Technical Lead position at Boston Engineering may require occasional travel. This could be necessary for meetings with clients, technical discussions, or workshops that help strengthen the team’s interdisciplinary collaboration and project efficiency. Being adaptable and willing to travel is important for this role.

The work environment for the Principal Software Engineer - Technical Lead at Boston Engineering is dynamic and energetic. The office-based role in Waltham, MA, emphasizes strong client relationships, an entrepreneurial spirit, and an open culture that promotes continuous learning and innovation. This supportive atmosphere encourages team members to share ideas, collaborate creatively, and refine their technical skills in a fast-paced setting.

For this question, provide specific examples of projects you've completed that involved embedded software for robotic systems. Highlight the programming languages you used, the types of robots you worked on, and the challenges you faced. Emphasize your role in overcoming technical barriers and ensuring that the software met performance standards, aligning it with project goals.

When answering this question, outline your approach to fostering a collaborative environment where every team member feels valued. Discuss your techniques for preparing for these reviews, such as creating comprehensive documentation and soliciting feedback ahead of time. Emphasize the importance of empathy, active listening, and ensuring all voices are heard to lead productive discussions.

Share your methods for staying informed, such as attending industry conferences, engaging with professional networks, following key thought leaders in technology, and dedicating time for self-study. You can also mention any specific technologies you've researched recently that could impact maritime systems development, demonstrating your proactive approach.

Describe a specific situation where you faced a technical challenge and the actions you took to resolve it. Discuss your problem-solving methodology, including how you analyze the issue, gather input from the team, and explore various solutions. Emphasize the importance of communication and documentation throughout the process to keep all stakeholders informed.

In your response, outline the CI/CD tools you are familiar with and how you have utilized them in past projects. Explain the benefits of CI/CD in enhancing software quality and reducing time to market. Share your approach to encouraging team members to adopt these practices and ensure everyone is aligned with project goals.

Discuss your familiarity with these standards and how you've applied them in real-world settings. Provide examples of how you have integrated quality management systems into your workflows and how adherence to these standards has positively impacted project outcomes. Highlight your understanding of the importance of quality assurance in the software development lifecycle.

Explain your priority-setting process, including how you assess urgency versus importance. Provide examples of project situations where you effectively prioritized tasks to meet deadlines while maintaining high standards of work quality. Mention any tools or methodologies you use for task management.

Highlight the importance of teamwork and collaboration in your work. Share experiences that illustrate how open communication, joint problem-solving, and shared responsibilities lead to better outcomes in software development projects. Emphasize the multiplier effect of diverse perspectives working together.

Discuss specific projects or experiences where you have integrated machine learning techniques into software applications. Relate this to maritime systems by explaining how machine learning can enhance navigation, data analysis, or automated decision-making within robotics or uncrewed systems.

This is an opportunity to summarize your unique qualifications and experiences. Talk about your leadership style, your passion for technology, your problem-solving abilities, and your drive to innovate. Highlight any specific projects that showcase your talents, and be sure to reflect on how your values align with those at Boston Engineering.