IPG Defense, a stand-alone business of IPG Photonics, was incorporated in 2026 to provide direct support for defense products. Headquartered in Huntsville, AL, IPG Defense is bringing commercial scale to laser defense systems, leveraging IPG Photonics' 36 years of experience in fiber laser technology. Our mission: develop and deliver the most advanced, next-generation laser defense solutions for military and civilian use - systems that accurately and reliably detect, track, target, and neutralize threats.
IPG Photonics is the world's leading developer and manufacturer of high-performance fiber lasers and amplifiers for diverse applications in numerous markets. Founded in 1990, IPG pioneered the development and commercialization of optical fiber-based lasers - a critical technology in our high-energy laser (HEL) systems, including the CROSSBOW program.
Your skills and experience will play a key role in shaping our growing organization, building our capabilities, and delivering on our mission. Join us and build a career that will shape the future of laser defense.
POSITION SUMMARYThe Software/Firmware Engineer plays a hands-on role in designing and implementing embedded control software for complex laser assemblies and beam-delivery subsystems. This position focuses on ARM-based processing, deterministic control, and low-latency communication to enable real-time power modulation, safety interlocks, and mission reliability in harsh environments. This opening targets a mid-level engineer; junior and senior candidates may also be considered, with level determined by experience and qualifications.
KEY RESPONSIBILITIES- Design, implement, and validate embedded firmware for laser, thermal, and beam-control subsystems.
- Develop deterministic state-machine logic governing interlocks, firing sequences, and subsystem coordination.
- Implement and tune digital control loops, including PID and feed-forward control, and validate loop performance using frequency-response (Bode) analysis.
- Create and maintain real-time communication links between embedded controllers and higher-level command software.
- Support board bring-up, hardware-software integration, and debugging using lab instruments (oscilloscopes, logic analyzers, JTAG debuggers).
- Develop unit and integration tests and contribute to version control and continuous-integration practices for firmware.
- Collaborate closely with optical, electrical, and systems engineers to ensure seamless integration across the full directed-energy platform.
- Conduct firmware verification, configuration control, and field testing per MIL-STD requirements.
- Support documentation, cybersecurity, and sustainment of deployed systems.
MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS- Bachelor's degree in Electrical, Computer, or Software Engineering, or a related discipline.
- 3-7 years of experience developing embedded systems or real-time firmware (junior and senior candidates considered at the appropriate level).
- Proficiency in C/C++ and experience with STM32 or similar ARM Cortex microcontrollers.
- Strong understanding of RTOS concepts, deterministic timing, and hardware-software integration.
- Experience implementing closed-loop control in firmware (PID, feed-forward) and analyzing loop behavior (e.g., Bode/frequency response).
- Experience with embedded communication interfaces (SPI, I2C, UART, CAN, or Ethernet).
- Hands-on embedded debugging and board bring-up experience.
- Strong written and verbal communication skills for cross-disciplinary collaboration.
PREFERRED QUALIFICATIONS- Active DoD security clearance.
- Experience with laser power supply control, photonics instrumentation, or directed-energy systems.
- Knowledge of MIL-STD-1553, CAN, or EtherCAT communication.
- Familiarity with real-time Linux, FreeRTOS, or Zephyr.
- Experience with CI/CD for embedded software and hardware-in-the-loop test automation.
- Familiarity with secure-coding practices and DFARS/NIST SP 800-171 cybersecurity requirements.
WORK ENVIRONMENT & PHYSICAL REQUIREMENTS- Primarily lab and office environment; occasional use of PPE and laser-safety eyewear required.
WHY JOIN IPG DEFENSE- Work at the forefront of directed-energy and photonics innovation on systems that matter to national security.
- Vertically integrated technology: we design and build our own lasers, giving engineers end-to-end ownership from component to fielded system.
- Small, expert, fast-moving team in Huntsville, AL - one of the nation's fastest-growing aerospace and defense hubs.
- Career growth through hands-on work across the full product lifecycle: concept, prototype, integration, field test, and production.
- Competitive salary and a comprehensive benefits package - see Compensation & Benefits below.
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