Job Description

Title: Senior Software Engineer - Spectroscopy

Location: Santa Clara, CA

Job Term: Full-Time, On-site

The Opportunity:

Picarro is pioneering a unique confluence of hardware, software and cloud-based computing unlike anything being done today. By manufacturing the precision instruments at the core of this technology as well as developing the algorithms that enable cogent information to be derived from the data, we are transforming how world-class scientific, industrial and regulatory compliance measurements are made, and more importantly, who makes them.

We are seeking a Senior Software Engineer to play a key role in the architecture, development, and deployment of the software platforms that power Picarro’s next-generation analytical instruments. This individual will work closely with systems, electrical, firmware, optical, manufacturing, and product teams to develop robust, scalable software solutions spanning embedded Linux systems, instrument control, data acquisition, automation, and cloud-connected applications.

The ideal candidate combines strong software engineering expertise with a demonstrated ability to work on complex scientific instrumentation. Candidates with prior experience in spectroscopy, laser-based measurement systems, analytical instrumentation, or scientific software development are strongly preferred.

Key Responsibilities

• Lead software architecture, design, implementation, and maintenance for instrument control and data acquisition systems.
• Develop high-reliability software running on Linux-based embedded platforms.
• Design and implement software interfaces between instrument hardware, FPGA/firmware subsystems, and higher-level applications.
• Develop APIs, drivers, services, and libraries supporting next-generation spectrometer and analyzer platforms.
• Collaborate with systems, optical, electrical, and manufacturing engineers to define software requirements and system architectures.
• Drive software quality through code reviews, automated testing, continuous integration, and software validation activities.
• Investigate and resolve complex system integration issues involving software, firmware, hardware, and networking.
• Lead architectural decisions that improve scalability, maintainability, and manufacturability across product families.
• Develop tools and automation supporting manufacturing, calibration, testing, and field diagnostics.
• Participate in product planning, risk assessment, design reviews, and technical decision-making.
• Mentor junior engineers and establish software development best practices.
• Contribute to the development of cloud connectivity, remote monitoring, and data management capabilities where applicable.

Required Qualifications

• BS, MS or PhD degree in Computer Engineering, Computer Science, or related field, or equivalent experience.
• 8+ years of professional software development experience.
• Strong proficiency in Python, C and modern C++.
• Familiarity with computer architecture fundamentals including caches, buses, memory controllers, DMA, interrupts, and low-level hardware interactions.
• Experience developing software on Linux platforms.
• Experience with multi-threaded and distributed systems.
• Experience interfacing software with hardware, embedded systems, or scientific instrumentation.
• Strong understanding of software architecture, object-oriented design, and design patterns.
• Experience with source control systems such as Git and modern development workflows.
• Exceptional debugging, problem-solving, and analytical skills.
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills.

Preferred Qualifications

• Experience developing software for analytical instruments, laboratory automation, semiconductor equipment, or industrial systems.
• Prior experience developing software for spectroscopy-based instruments, analytical instrumentation, optical systems, or scientific measurement platforms.
• Understanding of spectroscopic techniques such as Cavity Ring-Down Spectroscopy (CRDS), Tunable Diode Laser Absorption Spectroscopy (TDLAS), Raman spectroscopy, FTIR, UV-Vis, or related measurement technologies.
• Experience working with scientific data processing, signal analysis, calibration algorithms, or spectral analysis.
• Familiarity with Linux kernel drivers and low-level device communication.
• Experience with FPGA-based systems and hardware/software integration.
• Experience with PCIe, Ethernet, USB, SPI, I²C, CAN, or other hardware communication protocols.
• Experience with Buildroot, and Linux distributions.
• Experience with cloud services, remote diagnostics, and IoT architectures.
• Familiarity with Docker, CI/CD pipelines, and software deployment automation.
• Experience with data analysis, signal processing, or scientific computing.
• Knowledge of regulatory and quality-system environments.

The base salary range for this full-time position is $140K to $180K. Our total compensation packages includes base salary, bonus eligibility, and equity.Your base salary range and title will be determined based on the location, experience, qualifications, skills, knowledge, level, and pay of employees in similar positions.

We offer a comprehensive benefit package including:

• Medical, Dental, and Vision insurance
• Flexible Spending Account (FSA) and Health Savings Account (HSA) plans
• Life, Short-Term Disability, and Long-Term Disability Insurance
• Paid Time Off and Paid Holidays
• Employee Referral Program
• 401K
• Social events (summer picnic, holiday party, team lunches, etc.)
• On-site Health & Wellness programs (fitness challenges, outdoor bootcamp, flu-shots, etc.)

About Picarro:

We are the world's leader in timely, trusted, and actionable data using enhanced optical spectroscopy. Our solutions are used in a wide variety of applications, including natural gas leak detection, ethylene oxide emissions monitoring, semiconductor fabrication, pharmaceutical, petrochemical, atmospheric science, air quality, greenhouse gas measurements, food safety, hydrology, ecology, and more. Our software and hardware are designed and manufactured in Santa Clara, California and are used in over 90 countries worldwide based on over 65 patents related to cavity ring-down spectroscopy (CRDS) technology and are unparalleled in their precision, ease of use, and reliability.

At Picarro, we are committed to fostering a diverse and inclusive workplace. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, sex, color, religion, national origin, protected veteran status, gender identity, social orientation, or disability. Posted positions are not open to third-party recruiters/agencies, and unsolicited resume submissions will be considered free referrals.

At Picarro, we strive to ensure that all individuals, regardless of their abilities, have equal opportunities. If you are an individual with a disability and require reasonable accommodation to complete any part of the application process or are limited in the ability or unable to access or use this online application process and need an alternative method for applying, please contact Picarro, Inc. at  disabilityassistance@picarro.com for assistance.