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Agent guide: [/agents.md](https://www.wearedevelopers.com/agents.md). --- # Principal Engineer - Test Systems Software - **Company:** The Exploration Company - **Location:** München, Germany - **Experience:** Expert - **Salary:** €72,500.0 - €112,500.0 - **Contract:** Permanent contract - **Skills:** Computer-Aided Design, Business Logic, Computing Platforms, Systems Engineering, C Sharp (Programming Language), Code Review, Computer Programming, Data Visualization, Distributed Systems, Ethernet, Hardware Interface Design, Inter-Process Communication, Python (Programming Language), Wireless Sensor Networks, Software Engineering, Software Systems, TypeScript, WebSocket, ReactJS, Backend, Vue.js, Containerization, Kubernetes, Production Code, Real Time Data, Iec61131-3, Api Design, Stream Processing, Data Pipelines, Docker, Twincat - **Published:** July 16, 2026 - **Apply:** https://de.indeed.com/viewjob?jk=644db3261f1b4255 ## About the Role * 5+ years of professional software engineering experience with demonstrated architectural ownership and technical leadership * Strong backend expertise (e.g., Python, C#, or similar) with experience in real-time or near-real-time data processing pipelines * Experience with modern frontend technologies (TypeScript, Vue/React, WebSockets) for operator interfaces and live data dashboards * Experience with containerization and orchestration (Docker, Kubernetes) for deploying and operating distributed service architectures * Deep understanding of distributed systems, API design, and inter-process communication in low-latency environments * Experience designing software systems that integrate with PLCs or similar real-time controllers - understanding the boundaries between deterministic control and higher-level application logic * Familiarity with test bench infrastructure - instrumentation systems, sensor networks, command/response workflows, and procedural automation * Strong grasp of safety-critical software design: deterministic execution, fail-safe defaults, configuration validation, and safe deployment practices in systems where errors carry hardware consequences * Product ownership mindset with strong analytical thinking, technical judgment, and attention to detail * Motivation to thrive in a fast-paced, mission-driven environment with high accountability for system readiness, * Experience in aerospace, defense, or other safety-critical domains - particularly propulsion test operations or environmental test systems * Familiarity with Beckhoff TwinCAT or IEC 61131-3 programming * Knowledge of data acquisition hardware and software ecosystems (e.g., Beckhoff, Siemens, Measurement Computing) * Experience with hardware interface protocols and device communication (e.g., serial, CAN, Ethernet-based industrial protocols) ## Description We're looking for a hands-on Principal Engineer to lead the technical direction of our Test Bench Control System software platform. You will combine deep software engineering expertise with architectural ownership and product-level thinking to ensure our platform reliably supports integrated engine hot-fire testing - with an architecture that can extend to broader test and ground operations as the program matures. You will own the software platform that sits between test engineers and the real-time control layer: enabling operators to author, review, and deploy test sequences and configurable safety parameters onto PLC hardware - while providing the live data visualization, command interfaces, and traceability infrastructure that test campaigns depend on., In your capacity as a Principal Engineer, Test Systems Software you will: * Define and evolve the platform architecture spanning test sequence authoring, PLC configuration deployment, real-time data acquisition, and operator interfaces * Write production-grade code across the full stack while owning the technical roadmap and driving major architectural decisions * Translate test requirements and operational needs into feature specifications, managing scope and delivering incrementally toward operational capability * Build high-throughput data pipelines for real-time ingestion, processing, and visualization of high-rate sensor data * Design the full lifecycle for both operational sequences and configurable safety parameters * Define data acquisition standards including device configuration management and calibration traceability * Architect for high reliability, observability, and operational robustness in environments where software faults carry significant hardware and safety consequences * Collaborate with Test Bench Engineers, Propulsion, and Systems Engineering to align software capabilities with campaign requirements * Lead a multidisciplinary team of five - setting engineering standards, guiding code reviews and design reviews, and balancing development velocity with the rigorous quality bar required for safety-critical infrastructure ## Related Videos - [Docker Compose: Rediscovered](https://www.wearedevelopers.com/videos/1978-docker-compose-rediscovered) - [Lessons learned from building a thriving Vue.js SaaS application](https://www.wearedevelopers.com/videos/1666-lessons-learned-from-building-a-thriving-vue-js-saas-application) - [More efficient software for more efficient microchips](https://www.wearedevelopers.com/videos/1164-more-efficient-software-for-more-efficient-microchips) - [Docker build without Docker](https://www.wearedevelopers.com/videos/100114-docker-build-without-docker) - [Agile work at CARIAD – Creating a customer web application for controlling the vehicle ](https://www.wearedevelopers.com/videos/200-agile-work-at-cariad-creating-a-customer-web-application-for-controlling-the-vehicle) - [Common Mistakes in Vue.js and How to Avoid Them](https://www.wearedevelopers.com/videos/958-common-mistakes-in-vue-js-and-how-to-avoid-them) ## Related Articles - [The 12 Best Jobs for Software Engineers](https://www.wearedevelopers.com/magazine/401-the-12-best-jobs-for-software-engineers) - [Where To Find Software Engineering Jobs](https://www.wearedevelopers.com/magazine/396-where-to-find-software-engineering-jobs) - [The Ultimate Software Engineer Career Path Guide for 2023](https://www.wearedevelopers.com/magazine/146-the-ultimate-software-engineer-career-path-guide-for-2023) - [The Most Popular IT Jobs on the Market](https://www.wearedevelopers.com/magazine/376-the-most-popular-it-jobs-on-the-market) - [Frontend Developer Salary in Germany [2023]](https://www.wearedevelopers.com/magazine/195-frontend-developer-salary-in-germany-2023) - [Where to Find Entry-Level Software Engineering Jobs](https://www.wearedevelopers.com/magazine/397-where-to-find-entry-level-software-engineering-jobs)