SICK is one of the world’s leading solutions providers for sensor-based applications in the industrial sector. Founded in 1946 by Dr.-Ing. e. h. Erwin Sick, the company with headquarters in Waldkirch im Breisgau near Freiburg ranks among the technological market leaders. With 63 subsidiaries and equity investments as well as numerous agencies, SICK maintains a presence around the globe. SICK has more than 10,000 employees worldwide and generated a group revenue of EUR 2.1 billion in the 2024 fiscal year.

Job Description
Software Engineer I

Mission of the Role

This role will be working in-office at our Canton, MA location.

This role focuses on designing, developing, testing, and supporting software solutions across SICK products lifecycle. The Software Engineer I contributes to innovative development projects, collaborates with cross-functional global teams, and helps build high-quality applications aligned with SICK’s technology strategy.

Key Responsibilities

Software Development

  • Execute project‑assigned software development tasks while following SICK’s product development processes and ensuring compliance with all design control, quality, and regulatory requirements.
  • Support enhancements, maintenance, updates, and major and minor releases across the entire software product lifecycle.
  • Use prototypes, proofs of concept, and MVPs to test, refine, verify, and validate new ideas.
  • Collaborate with internal and external resources to ensure all project technical, cost, and schedule requirements are met.

Testing & Quality Assurance

  • Plan, develop, and execute tests to verify functionality, performance, and reliability of software.
  • Participate in code reviews, contributing constructive technical feedback.
  • Ensure secure coding practices and adherence to quality standards.

Cross-Functional Collaboration

  • Collaborate with Product Management, Engineering, and Quality teams to support business and technical requirements.
  • Assist in refining and interpreting technical requirements and user stories.
  • Communicate progress, risks, and technical decisions effectively.

Documentation & Reporting

  • Create and maintain technical documentation including specifications, test plans, correspondence, and reports.
  • Support release documentation and software change management.

Continuous Improvement & Learning

  • Develop working knowledge of SICK products, platforms, and development tools.
  • Stay current with emerging technologies and software engineering practices.
  • Contribute suggestions for product and process improvements.

Machine Vision, Algorithms & Emerging Technologies

  • Design, specify, and implement algorithms, machine learning approaches, and machine vision solutions for object detection, inspection, automation, classification, tracking, and prediction using SICK 2D and 3D cameras, scanners, and programmable devices.
  • Employ emerging technologies - including deep learning - to enhance system performance and capability.
  • Consult with internal partners to evaluate applications and identify high‑value use cases for machine vision integration.
  • Maintain current knowledge of hardware technologies, programming languages, and industry‑leading techniques.
  • Leverage existing hardware and software components to design scalable new products and solutions.
  • Perform full software engineering responsibilities including design, requirement analysis, estimation, and scheduling for machine‑vision‑related tasks.

Perform other duties as may be assigned or required by management.

Key Qualifications

  • Experience: 0+ years of software development experience.
  • Education: Bachelor’s degree in Computer Science, Electrical Engineering, Software Engineering, or equivalent experience is required.
  • Position-specific Qualifications:
    • Strong problem‑solving, analytical thinking, and debugging skills.
    • Solid understanding of algorithms, data structures, and design patterns.
    • Experience with programming languages such as C++, Python, or Lua.
    • Familiarity with Git version control, code review workflows, and issue‑tracking systems.
    • Familiarity with multithreading, multiprocessing, inter‑process communication, networking (IP protocols), and real‑time or distributed systems.
    • Basic understanding of web development fundamentals such as HTML, CSS, JavaScript, REST/JSON, HTTP. Familiarity with front‑end frameworks.
    • Ability to generate simple user interface applications, prototypes, or internal tools using lightweight frameworks or UI libraries.
    • Ability to assess, integrate, and evaluate third‑party and open‑source software.
    • Ability to monitor, troubleshoot, and improve system efficiency and stability.
    • Experience developing machine vision or computer vision systems.
    • Familiarity with image processing concepts and modern CV algorithms, both classical and ML‑based.
    • Exposure to developing, training, or operationalizing deep learning or AI models.
    • Comfort using AI‑assisted development tools such as GitHub Copilot, Claude Code to accelerate coding, testing, documentation, and learning.
    • Experience troubleshooting and improving system stability and efficiency.
    • Strong ability to articulate technical details, non-technical information, and project updates to cross‑functional partners.
  • Language: Professional written and spoken fluency in English required.
  • Schedule: Generally Monday to Friday, full time; flexible (hybrid) work arrangements available.
  • General Working Conditions: Be able to usually work in an office environment; flexible (hybrid) work arrangements available.
  • Travel: Be able to travel up to 5% of the time, including internationally; must have a valid passport.
  • Work Status: Legally permitted to work in the country you are applying and willing to undergo an employment background check. 
    • Legally permitted to work in the United States. (*This position is not eligible for sponsorship now or in the future.)

Compensation

The base salary is one part of our Total Rewards package and is determined within a range.  The starting base salary range for this position is listed below; the actual starting salary will be based on a variety of factors including experience, skill set, education, performance, licenses/certifications, business needs and other job-related factors, as permitted by law.

  • Starting Base Annual Salary Range:  $70,150 - $106,106
  • Bonus Eligibility: This role is not eligible for an annual bonus.
Information at a Glance
Requisition-ID:  37767
Posting Job Location:  Canton
Full-time/Part-time:  Full-time
Contract Type:  Permanent

 

SICK is an equal opportunity employer that considers all qualified applicants without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, national origin, disability, or protected veteran status.