Entry Level Software Development Jobs in California

Brain Corp is a San Diego, California, USA-based AI company creating transformative core technology for the robotics industry. Our purpose is to create autonomous technology that helps the real world work better. Brain's robotic and AI solutions help retailers ensure that the right product is on the right shelf at the right price, in a clean environment. Through the BrainOS Robotics Platform, which powers the largest global fleet of the Autonomous Mobile Robots (AMRs) in operation in commercial public spaces, Brain Corp delivers insightful and efficient automated solutions in both commercial floor cleaning and inventory management, empowering organizations and their employees to achieve more. Brain Corp currently powers more than 30,000 AMRs, representing the largest fleet of its kind in the world. Brain Corp is funded by the SoftBank Vision Fund, Clearbridge, and Qualcomm Ventures.

Position Overview:

As a member of the Software Engineering Team, the Software Engineer I will contribute to the development of core software systems powering Brain Corp's autonomous mobile robots (AMRs). This role spans work across the Hardware Abstraction Layer (HAL), telemetry systems, and robotics applications. The Software Engineer I will work closely with experienced engineers to build, test, and maintain software that interfaces with sensors, supports data collection and observability, and enables reliable robot operation. This is a hands-on, entry-level role ideal for engineers looking to grow their skills in robotics, embedded systems, and high-performance software.

Essential Job Functions:

• Contribute to the development and maintenance of software components across HAL, telemetry, and robotics applications under guidance from senior engineers.
• Assist in integrating and validating hardware components such as LiDARs, cameras, and IMUs.
• Support development of telemetry, logging, and data collection systems to improve system observability and debugging. 
• Help implement and maintain middleware components enabling communication between sensors, compute, and higher-level systems.
• Write clean, maintainable, and efficient code in C++ and/or Python following team best practices. 
• Assist in debugging and troubleshooting issues across hardware-software boundaries in robotics systems.
• Contribute to unit tests, integration tests, and validation efforts to ensure software quality and reliability.
• Support performance analysis and optimization efforts (e.g., CPU, memory, latency) under guidance.
• Collaborate with cross-functional teams including hardware, autonomy, QA, and cloud to support system integration and testing.
• Document code, tools, and processes to support team knowledge sharing and maintainability.

Education and/or Work Experience Requirements:

• Bachelor's Degree in Computer Science, Software Engineering, Robotics or a related field
• 0-2 years of demonstrated experience in software development for complex function-based software

Required Knowledge, Skills, Abilities, and Other Characteristics: 

• Proficiency in Python and C++ (C++11 or later)
• Familiarity with Linux-based development environments (e.g., Ubuntu)
• Foundational understanding of data structures, algorithms, and software engineering principles
• Familiarity in robotics, embedded systems, or hardware-software integration
• Familiarity with version control systems such as Git
• Strong problem-solving and debugging skills
• Ability to work collaboratively in a team environment and take direction from more senior engineers
• Good written and verbal communication skills

Things That Make a Difference:

• Master's Degree in Computer Science, Software Engineering, or a related field
• Internship or academic experience in robotics, embedded systems, or low-level software
• Exposure to hardware abstraction layers, middleware, or telemetry/logging systems
• Experience working with sensors such as cameras, IMUs, or LiDARs (academic or project-based) Familiarity with build systems (e.g., CMake) and unit testing frameworks
• Exposure to performance optimization, multithreading, or systems programming concepts
• Experience working on team-based software projects using Agile methodologies
• Passion for robotics, automation, and real-world system development

Physical Demands:

The physical demands described here are representative of those that must be met by an employee to successfully perform the essential functions of this job. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions. Essential functions may require maintaining the physical condition necessary for sitting, walking or standing for periods of time; operating a computer and keyboard; use of hands to finger and grasp; talk and hear at normal room levels; visual acuity to determine the accuracy, neatness, and thoroughness of the work assigned or to make general observations of facilities or structures; push or pull up to 20 pounds.

Work Environment:

The work environment characteristics described here are representative of those an employee encounters while performing the essential functions of this job. The noise level in the work environment is usually quiet to moderate. Employees are exposed to the typical office environment with computers, printers and telephones.

The anticipated salary range for candidates who will work in San Diego, California is $123,000. The final salary offered to a successful candidate will be dependent on several factors that may include but are not limited to the type and length of experience within the job, type and length of experience within the industry, education, etc. Brain Corp is a multi-state employer and this salary range may not reflect positions that work in other states.

In addition to base pay, our competitive total rewards package consists of:

• A discretionary annual target bonus
• Stock options
• 401(k) plan with match (no waiting period and immediate vesting)
• Comprehensive suite of insurance benefits for employees (and their families) to include a variety of medical plan options (including an HSA with employer contribution), dental, vision, life and disability insurance, Employee Assistance Program (EAP), Legal/Identity support plans, pet insurance.
• Access to Flexible Spending Accounts (Medical and Dependent Care)
• Generous paid time off including flexible vacation, Paid Sick Leave, time off for volunteering in the community, 10 paid company holidays, and a winter company shutdown

Additional Perks include:

• Daily on-site lunch available in the San Diego office
• On-campus gym including pool and tennis courts in the San Diego office
• Opportunities to connect with colleagues including monthly game nights, hikes, wellness challenges, and community events 
• Internal continuous learning events 
• Opportunities to share your own interests and hobbies with the Company