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Senior Software Engineer

San Jose, CA

Fairchild Imaging, headquartered in San Jose, California is a specialty image sensor design and manufacturing company with deep experience in developing leading edge performance CMOS image sensors. Our portfolio of image sensors can be found in many high-performance imaging applications like space exploration, medical x-ray, sciences, quantum computing, machine vision, low light, and 360 situational awareness.

We are seeking a highly experienced Senior Software Engineer to join our imaging systems team. This role focuses on developing and maintaining performance-critical Windows-based software that interfaces directly with advanced imaging hardware. The ideal candidate has deep expertise in C/C++, Windows internals, and low-level register programming, and is comfortable working close to hardware in a complex, multidisciplinary environment.

You will collaborate closely with firmware, FPGA, hardware, and systems engineers to deliver robust, high-performance camera control and data acquisition solutions used in imaging camera systems in various demanding applications such as medical, industrial, scientific, and defense.

Key Responsibilities

  • Design, develop, debug, and maintain Windows-based software for imaging camera systems.
  • Implement and optimize C/C++ applications using Microsoft Visual Studio.
  • Develop and maintain MFC-based GUIs and supporting application frameworks.
  • Work directly with the Win32 SDK for system-level functionality, threading, memory management, and performance optimization.
  • Perform register-level programming to control and configure imaging hardware.
  • Interface with camera electronics, sensors, and FPGA/firmware through low-level APIs.
  • Diagnose and resolve complex software–hardware interaction issues.
  • Participate in code reviews, architectural discussions, and technical decision-making.
  • Contribute to software documentation, design specifications, and test plans.
  • Support bring-up, validation, and debugging of new camera platforms.

Required Qualifications (Must Have)

  • 10+ years of professional software engineering experience.
  • Strong proficiency in C/C++.
  • Extensive experience using Microsoft Visual Studio as a primary development environment.
  • Solid hands-on experience with Microsoft Foundation Classes (MFC).
  • In-depth knowledge of the Win32 SDK and Windows application internals.
  • Demonstrated experience with register-level programming and low-level hardware control.
  • Strong debugging skills across software, driver, and hardware boundaries.
  • Ability to work independently and take technical ownership of complex systems.

Preferred Qualifications (Nice to Have)

  • Experience with device driver development or driver-level interactions.
  • Exposure to microcode or firmware-related development.
  • Experience with .NET programming (C# or related technologies).
  • Proficiency in scripting languages, such as Python and/or Matlab, for automation, testing, or tooling.
  • Background in imaging systems, cameras, sensors, or data acquisition platforms.
  • Familiarity with FPGA-based systems and hardware bring-up environments.

Soft Skills & Attributes

  • Strong analytical and problem-solving skills.
  • Excellent written and verbal communication skills.
  • Comfortable working in cross-functional teams with hardware, firmware, and systems engineers.
  • Detail-oriented mindset with a focus on software reliability and performance.
  • Ability to mentor junior engineers and influence technical direction.

Why Join Us

  • Work on cutting-edge imaging technology with real-world impact.
  • High level of technical ownership and influence on system architecture.
  • Collaborative, engineering-driven culture.
  • Competitive compensation and benefits package.

Fairchild Imaging provides our employees with a range in benefits offerings that includes:

  • 9/80 Schedule - You get every other Friday off!
  • Medical, Dental and Vision coverage with multiple plan offerings
  • Health Savings Account with an employer contribution annually
  • 401(k) retirement plans with Employer matching
  • Tuition Reimbursement
  • Generous Paid Time Off policy 

 

The compensation salary range for this role is $180,000 to $200,000. Actual compensation packages are based on several factors that are unique to each candidate, including but not limited to skill set, depth of experience, education, certifications, and knowledge.

 

 

Fairchild Imaging is an equal opportunity employer. We foster a culture where everyone has an opportunity to succeed regardless of their race, color, religion, age, ancestry, national origin, social or ethnic origin, sex, sexual orientation, gender, gender identity, gender expression, marital status, pregnancy, parental status, disability, medical condition, genetic information, military or veteran status, union membership, and political affiliation, or any other legally protected group.

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