Dalus, a YC W25 startup building high-speed, high-precision industrial robots, is seeking a Founding Software Engineer. This engineer will develop software for designing and simulating the robots' complex hardware systems. Responsibilities include creating tools for mechanism design, motion planning, and system analysis, as well as building internal software infrastructure. Ideal candidates have a strong background in robotics, mechanics, and software development, experience with C++ and Python, and a desire to work on challenging technical problems in a fast-paced startup environment.
Dalus, a promising startup currently participating in the prestigious Y Combinator Winter 2025 cohort, is actively seeking a highly motivated and skilled Founding Software Engineer to join their burgeoning team. This individual will play a pivotal role in the development of cutting-edge software specifically designed for the intricate control and management of sophisticated hardware systems. The ideal candidate will possess a strong foundation in software engineering principles, demonstrating proficiency in designing, implementing, and maintaining robust and efficient codebases.
This role presents a unique opportunity to contribute significantly to the evolution of Dalus's core technology, which centers around constructing advanced manufacturing equipment utilizing novel freeform optics. This groundbreaking approach promises to revolutionize manufacturing processes, and the successful candidate will be directly involved in shaping the future of this transformative technology. The responsibilities encompass a wide range of tasks, including architecting and developing software interfaces for intricate hardware components, crafting algorithms for precise control and automation, and meticulously testing and refining the software to ensure optimal performance and reliability. A deep understanding of hardware-software interaction is crucial, as this engineer will be bridging the gap between the physical machinery and its digital control systems.
Dalus is particularly interested in candidates with a demonstrable aptitude for systems thinking, as the successful applicant will be tasked with considering the interconnectedness of various hardware components and designing software that seamlessly integrates with the entire system. Experience with robotics, real-time systems, or embedded systems would be highly advantageous, reflecting an understanding of the complexities and nuances of hardware control. While a specific programming language preference is not explicitly stated, the nature of the work suggests familiarity with languages commonly used in hardware control and systems programming, such as C++, Python, or similar.
This position offers the chance to be a foundational member of a rapidly growing startup operating within a dynamic and innovative industry. The successful candidate will have the opportunity to work alongside a team of exceptionally talented individuals and contribute directly to the development of a potentially disruptive technology. The role promises substantial responsibility and the potential for significant professional growth within a company poised for significant impact in the advanced manufacturing sector.
Summary of Comments ( 0 )
https://news.ycombinator.com/item?id=44004362
The Hacker News comments discuss the Dalus job posting, focusing on the unusual combination of FPGA, hardware design, and web technologies. Several commenters express skepticism and confusion about the specific requirements, questioning the need for TypeScript and React experience for a role heavily focused on low-level FPGA and hardware interaction. Some speculate about the potential applications, suggesting possibilities like robotics or control systems, while others wonder if the web technologies are intended for a control/monitoring interface rather than core functionality. There's a general sense of intrigue about the project but also concern that the required skillset is too broad, potentially leading to a diluted focus and difficulty finding suitable candidates. The high salary is also noted, with speculation that it reflects the demanding nature of the role and the niche expertise required.
The Hacker News post discussing the Dalus (YC W25) job opening for a Founding Software Engineer specializing in hardware system design software has a moderate number of comments, focusing primarily on the nature of the role and the challenges involved.
Several commenters question the specifics of the "hardware system design software" aspect. One commenter wonders what exactly this entails, pondering whether it involves FPGA design, embedded software, or something else entirely. They suggest that the job description lacks clarity on the specific technologies and tools involved, making it difficult for potential applicants to assess their suitability. This sentiment is echoed by others who wish for more detail regarding the day-to-day responsibilities and the type of software development involved.
Another thread of discussion centers around the difficulty of finding engineers with expertise in both hardware and software. Commenters acknowledge the demanding nature of such a role, requiring a deep understanding of both domains. One user points out the scarcity of individuals proficient in both areas, suggesting it might be a challenging position to fill. Another commenter speculates that the ideal candidate might come from an embedded systems background, possessing a solid understanding of low-level programming and hardware interactions.
Some commenters also express interest in the use of Rust within the context of hardware system design software. They inquire about the company's intentions regarding Rust adoption and its potential role in their technology stack. This suggests a growing interest in Rust within the hardware-adjacent software development community.
Finally, a few commenters express skepticism about the feasibility of Dalus's mission, which involves advanced manufacturing using directed energy deposition. They question the maturity of the technology and express doubts about its scalability and cost-effectiveness. However, these comments are less focused on the specific job posting and more on the overall business proposition.
Overall, the comments reflect a mix of curiosity, skepticism, and pragmatic concerns about the advertised role. The lack of detail in the original job description appears to be a primary driver of the discussion, prompting commenters to seek clarification and express concerns about the demanding and specialized nature of the position.