System Software Engineer

Background and Summary of the role:

We are seeking a Software System Engineer to develop, calibrate, and validate system-level software functions that enable optimal control of a thermal print mechanism.

This role sits at the intersection of software system engineering and controls. SwSys_Eng will create and calibrate the software system functions that allow higher-level software and hardware to drive the print mechanism with high performance, high speed, and high reliability.

The position also carries technical leadership responsibilities, including mentoring, requirement reviews, quality control through design reviews, defect management, and FMEA.

Key Responsibilities

System Function Development & Calibration

• Define, design, and implement system-level software functions that control and calibrate the thermal print mechanism as per system architecture design.
• Develop software control strategies like

Torque monitoring & developing control strategies for platen Stepper

– Defining Strobing strategies for print heads,

– Defining control strategies for Stepper/Bipolar control of Auto cutters

– Thermal management and heat dissipation of the print head

– Maintaining constant NIP force on the thermal print head at high speeds and make corrections according in closed loop control path

– High-speed media transport control to prevent paper scrambling

– Torque and speed profiling of motors for start-up, normal, Bold, and Image printing modes

• Perform software function calibration to achieve accurate and fast setpoint tracking within short print cycle times.
• Use MATLAB/Simulink extensively for modeling, simulation, control design, and calibration support.

Control Algorithm Development

• Design, tune, and optimize PID and related control algorithms ( hysteresis , Curve,Map ..etc) in software.
• Influence gains and error dynamics to meet performance targets under varying load and speed conditions.
• Translate physical behavior of the supplier mechanism into robust, real-time software control functions.

Integration & Validation

• Integrate system software functions with firmware, hardware drivers, and the purchased print mechanism.
• Develop and execute system-level validation plans covering thermal performance, NIP force consistency, media transport stability, and mode-specific print quality.
• Perform data-driven calibration and correlation between simulation models and actual hardware behavior.
• Support Software-in-the-Loop (SIL) and related verification approaches.

Technical Leadership & Quality

• Provide technical leadership by training and assisting team members on system function development, control strategies, and calibration methods.
• Review system and software requirements for completeness, correctness, and testability.
• Actively participate in design reviews, architecture reviews, and other quality gates to control quality and prevent defects.
• Lead or contribute to FMEA (Failure Mode and Effects Analysis) activities related to system functions and control strategies.
• Drive defect analysis, root-cause investigation, and corrective actions at the system function level.
• Ensure traceability from requirements through design, calibration, and validation.

Cross-functional Collaboration

• Work closely with software, firmware, hardware, and mechanical teams.
• Interface with the Print mechanism supplier to understand mechanism characteristics and translate them into software system requirements and calibration strategies.
• Document system functions, interfaces, calibration procedures, models, and validation results clearly and thoroughly.

Required Skills & Qualifications

Core Competencies

• Strong background in Software System Engineering for electromechanical or mechatronic products.
• Proven experience developing and calibrating system-level software control functions.
• Excellent practical knowledge of PID control and the ability to tune gains for fast, accurate performance.
• Proficiency in MATLAB/Simulink for modeling, simulation, control design, and calibration.
• Solid understanding of real-time software constraints and embedded control concepts.

Domain Knowledge (Supporting)

• Good understanding of thermal print mechanisms (or similar precision electromechanical systems), including:

– Thermal behavior and heat management

– Force/pressure control (NIP force)

– High-speed media transport dynamics

– Motor torque-speed characteristics under varying loads

• Ability to work effectively with a purchased mechanism and supplier technical data (design of the mechanism itself is not required).

Technical Leadership

• Experience reviewing requirements and participating in formal design/architecture reviews.
• Ability to train and mentor engineers on system functions, control strategies, and calibration.
• Hands-on experience with FMEA and structured quality/defect prevention methods.
• Strong analytical and problem-solving skills focused on system-level behavior.

Additional Skills

• Scripting ability (Python, MATLAB, or similar) for calibration tools and data analysis.
• Comfortable working with sensor feedback (temperature, force, position, speed) inside software control loops.
• Clear technical documentation and communication skills.
• Bachelor’s or Master’s degree in Software Engineering, Systems Engineering, Control Engineering, Electrical Engineering, Mechatronics, or a related field.
• Relevant industry experience in product development involving precision electromechanical systems (printers, similar high-speed mechatronic devices, or comparable domains).

Preferred Qualifications

• Prior experience with thermal printers or high-speed media handling systems.
• Experience with Software-in-the-Loop (SIL) or Hardware-in-the-Loop (HIL) environments.
• Familiarity with functional safety or structured development processes (e.g., ASPICE, ISO 26262 concepts, or equivalent).
• Exposure to working with international suppliers (especially Japanese suppliers).