Principal Automation Software Engineer (Robotics)

Location: Onsite in Penrose, Colorado; the posting also lists Pueblo, Colorado. Travel up to 20% within the continental United States.

Base salary: $140,000–$170,000 per year, excluding benefits and bonuses.

Company

hirify.global develops mission-critical technologies for space, defense, and national security applications.

What you will do

• Lead software architecture, development, commissioning, validation, and deployment for multi-phase laboratory automation programs.
• Build automation pipelines integrating sensors, robotic hardware, instrumentation, databases, and real-time visualization systems.
• Define software baselines, version-control strategies, configuration management, deployment packaging, and update distribution processes.
• Lead software and integration reviews, technical interchange meetings, milestone reviews, proposal development, and cost estimation.
• Mentor associate and mid-level engineers while improving documentation, knowledge management, safety, quality, reliability, and throughput.
• Collaborate with Manufacturing, Manufacturing Development, Safety, and Compliance teams across R&D and production programs.

Requirements

• Bachelor’s degree in a relevant STEM discipline with 7 years of relevant experience, a master’s degree with 5 years of experience, or 11 years of hands-on experience in lieu of a degree.
• Experience leading the full software development lifecycle for complex automation or instrumentation systems.
• Proficiency in multiple programming languages, including C#, Python, C/C++, and SQL, with experience architecting scalable systems and real-time data pipelines.
• Experience integrating ABB, EPSON, FANUC, collaborative, or Universal Robotics platforms and analytical instrumentation, including motion control.
• Experience managing deployments across multiple sites or countries, including change management, tiered support, and self-installing packages.
• Must have or be able to obtain and maintain an active DoD Secret Clearance, meet applicable explosives-license and background-investigation requirements, and satisfy ITAR U.S. person eligibility.

Nice to have

• Experience with energetic materials, solid rocket motor manufacturing, explosives, or hazardous manufacturing environments.
• Background in laboratory automation, high-throughput testing, or analytical data pipelines in defense or national security.
• Lean Manufacturing or Six Sigma Green Belt or Black Belt certification.

Culture & Benefits

• Mission-driven environment focused on space, defense, and national security technology.
• Flexible Time Off and company wellness programs.
• Medical, dental, and vision coverage for employees and families.
• 401(k) plan with a 50% company match on contributions up to 8%.
• Gym membership options, voluntary benefits, and employee support resources.