Software Systems Architect – Scientific Instruments

Picarro • Santa Clara, CA

2d • $190,000 - $210,000 • Onsite

About The Position

We’re hiring an Software Systems Architect to define and evolve the top-tier software layer for next-generation CRDS systems. This layer sits above the embedded systems and below the UI/UX, orchestrating instrument control, data handling, and workflow logic. You’ll modernize a large legacy codebase while instituting clean code practices, robust documentation, scalability, deployability, and high testing rigor — ensuring our software is as precise and reliable as our hardware.

Requirements

• BS/MS in Computer Science, Software Engineering, or related field
• 10+ years developing application-level software for complex hardware systems, preferably in scientific or industrial instrumentation
• Proven success modernizing large legacy codebases
• Proficiency in C++ and/or Python, with experience in IPC/messaging and data serialization (e.g., gRPC/REST, protobuf/JSON)
• Experience with CI/CD systems, automated testing frameworks, and code quality enforcement
• Strong collaboration skills across software and hardware engineering domains

Responsibilities

• Define and evolve the application layer architecture with clear module boundaries, well-defined interfaces, and strong separation of concerns
• Modernize a large, legacy codebase through refactoring, repository standardization, dependency management, and incremental migration strategies
• Establish and enforce coding standards, code review processes, and documentation practices
• Build rigorous testing strategies — unit, integration, and system-level — integrated into CI pipelines
• Design and maintain stable interfaces with embedded/FPGA services and UI/UX layers
• Optimize application performance, reliability, and observability through profiling, logging, and resource management
• Oversee production readiness including packaging, deployment strategies, and configuration management

Benefits

• 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.)

What This Job Offers

• Job Type: Full-time
• Career Level: Mid Level
• Number of Employees: 101-250 employees