Principal Software Engineer

We are looking for a versatile systems programmer who thrives at the intersection of software and hardware to architect the brains of our autonomous weeding robots. You'll build real-time control systems, optimize embedded software, containerize distributed services, and debug code in actual farm fields. The ideal candidate brings expertise in C/C++/Rust, Linux systems, Docker deployment, and real-time programming—with game development or computer vision experience being a significant plus. This is a rare opportunity to define our entire software stack from the ground up, push code that controls physical robots solving real-world problems, and help revolutionize sustainable farming while owning meaningful equity in our fast-growing startup. Specific Responsibilities 40% Core Systems: Architect and build the software backbone of our robots – from real-time control systems to distributed computing networks that handle everything from sensor processing to weed identification. 25% Embedded Development: Write efficient, reliable code that runs on resource-constrained hardware. Make critical decisions about hardware-software interfaces that define our capabilities. 20% DevOps & Infrastructure: Build and maintain the systems that keep development moving quickly – CI/CD pipelines, containerized deployments, and the tools that let our team iterate rapidly. 15% Field Testing & Debugging: Get out of the office and watch your code navigate real farm conditions. Fix problems on the fly when the robot encounters edge cases no simulation could predict. Must Haves * Systems Programming Wizard: You know your way around C/C++/Rust and can optimize for performance and reliability * Linux Ninja: Comfortable with systemd, networking, and kernel interfaces * Docker Devotee: You containerize everything and know how to deploy and orchestrate distributed services * Bare Metal Brave: You're comfortable programming close to the hardware and understand the constraints of embedded systems * Real-time Systems Expert: You understand the importance of determinism and reliability in systems that physically interact with the world * Seattle-Based/Willing to Move: We build physical stuff - you need to be where the robots are * 5+ Years Building Real Systems: You've shipped code that runs in production and handles real-world edge cases * Scrappy Problem Solver: You debug creative solutions with limited resources * Direct Communicator: You speak up when something's wrong and can explain complex ideas simply Nice to Haves * Game Development Background: You've optimized systems for performance and responsiveness * Machine Learning/Computer Vision Experience: You can help our robots see and understand the world * Distributed Systems Know-how: You understand the challenges of systems that need to communicate reliably in unreliable conditions * Farming/Agriculture Exposure: You understand the environment we're designing for * Startup Experience: You've thrived in fast paced environments before * Python & Bash Fluency: You can rapidly prototype and automate everything

Are you excited to create sustainable solutions to real-world problems? Are you sick of long reporting chains and want to help build a company from the ground up? Then come join our team at Red Barn Robotics! We are a Seattle based start-up building autonomous weeding robots that will revolutionize organic farming and transform our food system. We're here to build real technology that solves real problems for real farmers. Our team moves fast and isn't afraid to get our hands dirty in the field (literally). Come join us and build the technology needed to feed the world!