Founding Systems Software Engineer

About Adapnex

Adapnex is building the software foundation for the next industrial revolution. As Europe races toward energy independence and industrial sovereignty, the physical retooling of our factories, robotics, and energy infrastructure is held back by archaic operational technology (OT). We are breaking this deadlock by providing a modern SDK and cloud platform that abstracts complex hardware across the entire product lifecycle: from a Raspberry Pi prototype to Programmable Logic Controllers (PLCs) and custom embedded Linux boards. The industrial sector is at an inflection point, with customers calling for a transition away from legacy PLC environments in favor of flexible, software-centric architectures.

We are an early-stage startup with a working MVP and our first paying customers. As our first engineering hire, you will take direct responsibility for our technical trajectory, from core SDK architecture to device connectivity and cloud services. This role is a fit if you combine high technical rigor with a pragmatic, problem-solving mindset and are someone who is comfortable facing shifting requirements and thrives on turning complex real-world feedback into elegant abstractions. You will operate with high autonomy, collaborate directly with early customers, and help build both the platform and the engineering culture from the ground up.

The Role

• Foundational Architecture: Own and architect the core abstractions underpinning our C++ SDK and cloud platform: From low-level Linux runtime interfaces and hardware bindings to deterministic execution models and device-to-cloud communication.

• Core Systems & Connectivity: Design low-latency runtime systems and build secure, resilient remote connectivity protocols connecting edge devices to our cloud infrastructure.

• Developer Tools & DX: Build ergonomic CLI tools and editor extensions that turn complex, safety-critical hardware deployments into a seamless, one-click build, test, and deploy workflow.

• Cloud Infrastructure: Design pragmatic, secure serverless cloud services that handle device telemetry, identity, authorization and big data services.

What We're Looking For

• Mission-Driven Builder Mindset: You care deeply about rebuilding European industrial strength, thrive in high-ambiguity environments and want true ownership.

• Systems Programming: Deep expertise in modern C++, including build systems (CMake) and testing frameworks (gtest). You possess a real-time, low-latency mindset with a strong grasp of determinism, scheduling and memory-management constraints.

• Go & Cloud Experience: Comfortable building cloud services and serverless infrastructure with Go and TypeScript/JavaScript.

• Real-Time Linux: A solid grasp of Linux fundamentals, especially embedded Linux with PREEMPT_RT. You are comfortable managing networking, permissions and debugging in constrained environments.

• Secure Networking: Deep understanding of network protocols and applied cryptography.

• Pragmatic Problem Solving: You are comfortable dealing with high uncertainty, shifting product requirements and direct customer interactions.

• Tasteful Engineering: We build software intentionally, investing in thoughtful architecture and carefully designed APIs. You should thrive on discussions about system design, performance tradeoffs and emerging tools.

• Nice to Have: Previous exposure to PLCs, control systems, or industrial automation is a bonus. Familiarity with Rust is also a plus.

Logistics & Package

• Location: This role is based in Zurich, Switzerland. We believe in in-person work when it creates value, while maintaining the flexibility to work remotely as appropriate.

• Compensation: We are offering a highly competitive and generous equity package to reflect your impact as a founding team member.