Software Engineer III

Montana Instruments Corporation is seeking an experienced Software Engineer III to help design and deliver software for advanced scientific instrumentation and cryogenic technologies. In this onsite role in Bozeman, MT, you will take ownership of software systems from early concept through release, including architecture, development, integration, and validation.

This position focuses on leading development for complex software subsystems while partnering with engineers across hardware and embedded contexts. The role also includes providing technical guidance to less experienced team members and translating requirements into maintainable, scalable solutions.

Key Responsibilities

• Design, architecture, develop, integrate, and validate software systems used in advanced scientific instrumentation and cryogenic technologies.
• Lead development efforts for complex software subsystems.
• Provide technical guidance to less experienced engineers.
• Drive projects from concept through release.

Requirements

• Bachelor’s degree in Computer Science, Computer Engineering, Software Engineering, or a related technical discipline; equivalent experience may be considered.
• Typically 5+ years of professional software engineering experience.
• Demonstrated experience developing and deploying software products through complete development lifecycles.
• Experience designing software architectures and leading development of complex software subsystems.
• Experience working with embedded systems and hardware-integrated software applications.
• Advanced proficiency in C++ and Python.
• Strong understanding of Linux/UNIX development environments.
• Experience designing scalable and maintainable software architectures.
• Strong knowledge of software engineering principles, object-oriented design, design patterns, and software lifecycle methodologies.
• Proficiency with source control and collaborative development tools, including Git-based workflows.
• Experience developing automated testing and validation strategies.
• Strong analytical, troubleshooting, and debugging skills.
• Ability to decompose complex technical problems and develop practical engineering solutions.
• Effective written and verbal communication skills with both technical and non-technical audiences.
• Ability to mentor junior engineers and provide technical leadership without direct supervisory authority.

Technologies

• C++, Python
• Linux/UNIX
• Git
• Qt
• ArchOS
• Yocto Linux
• USB, Ethernet, CAN, SPI, I²C
• Modbus, RS-485
• CI/CD

Benefits

• Competitive salaries, annual bonuses, and opportunities for growth.
• Comprehensive health & insurance benefits (medical, dental, vision).
• Company HSA Seed.
• Company paid life insurance.
• Short-term and long-term disability.
• 401k matching up to 6%.
• PTO, personal days, sick days, and company paid holidays.
• Company sponsored team events.

Preferred Qualifications

• Experience with Qt application development.
• Experience with ArchOS and/or Yocto Linux.
• Experience with scientific instrumentation, automation systems, or precision electromechanical equipment.
• Familiarity with communication protocols including USB, Ethernet, CAN, SPI, I²C, Modbus, and RS-485.
• Experience with CI/CD pipelines and automated build systems.
• Experience integrating software with embedded firmware, electronics hardware, vacuum systems, cryogenic systems, or laboratory instrumentation.
• Background in physics, chemistry, materials science, cryogenics, quantum technologies, or related scientific fields.