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Instrumentation Software Engineer Jobs in California

Picarro

Systems Software Engineer

Santa Clara, CA · On-site

$203K - $240K/yr

They are seeking a Systems Software Engineer to design, develop, and maintain robust software systems that support scientific instrumentation and data-driven applications. Responsibilities : • ...

Picarro

Systems Software Engineer

Santa Clara, CA · On-site

$203K - $240K/yr

Picarro is a leading company in optical spectroscopy solutions, seeking a Systems Software Engineer to design, develop, and maintain software systems for scientific instrumentation. The role involves ...

Picarro, Inc

Systems Software Engineer

Santa Clara, CA

$120K - $130K/yr

Bachelor's Degree Required Position Overview Picarro is seeking a Systems Software Engineer to design, develop, and maintain robust software systems that support scientific instrumentation and data ...

Picarro, Inc

Systems Software Engineer

Santa Clara, CA · On-site

$120K - $130K/yr

Bachelor's Degree Required Position Overview Picarro is seeking a Systems Software Engineer to design, develop, and maintain robust software systems that support scientific instrumentation and data ...

Applied Materials

Software Engineer

Santa Clara, CA · On-site

$179K - $246K/yr

About the Role We are seeking a highly capable and driven Software Engineer with a strong instrumentation background to serve as the Technical Lead for the Software Platform of our wafer processing ...

Amat

Software Engineer

Santa Clara, CA · On-site

$179K - $246K/yr

About the Role We are seeking a highly capable and driven Software Engineer with a strong instrumentation background to serve as the Technical Lead for the Software Platform of our wafer processing ...

Protingent

Software Engineer

Emeryville, CA · On-site

$120K - $150K/yr

Software Engineer Position Description: Protingent Staffing has an exciting direct hire Software ... and instrumentation architecture * Maintain clear technical documentation for all systems ...

SpaceX

Software Engineer (Components)

Hawthorne, CA · On-site

... instrumentation, and production documentation systems • Develop custom automation solutions to ... of software programming experience using Python, C, or similar. Time spent in school and on ...

Checkpoint Technologies, LLC

Be Seen First

Software Engineer

San Jose, CA · On-site

$125K - $150K/yr

Bachelor's degree in software engineering, Electrical Engineering, Physics, or a related discipline. * 2 - 5 years of experience developing software preferably for scientific instrumentation or test ...

SpaceX

Software Engineer (Components)

Hawthorne, CA · On-site

$145K - $175K/yr

Write automation software to interact with flight hardware, test equipment, instrumentation, and production documentation systems * Develop custom automation solutions to engineering and ...

SpaceX

Software Engineer (Components)

Hawthorne, CA · On-site

$145K - $175K/yr

Write automation software to interact with flight hardware, test equipment, instrumentation, and production documentation systems * Develop custom automation solutions to engineering and ...

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Showing results 1-20

All JobsInstrumentation Software Engineer JobsInstrumentation Software Engineer Jobs in California

Instrumentation Software Engineer information

See California salary details

$60.2K

$111.9K

$167.5K

How much do instrumentation software engineer jobs pay per year?

As of Jul 6, 2026, the average yearly pay for instrumentation software engineer in California is $111,898.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $87,700.00 and $132,300.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What are Instrumentation Software Engineers?

Instrumentation Software Engineers are professionals who design, develop, and maintain software systems that interface with measurement and control instruments. They write code to collect, process, and analyze data from sensors and equipment, often in fields like manufacturing, scientific research, or industrial automation. Their work ensures that complex instruments operate accurately and reliably, often integrating hardware and software components. They also troubleshoot software issues and optimize systems for performance and reliability.

How does an Instrumentation Software Engineer typically collaborate with hardware and test engineering teams during a project?

Instrumentation Software Engineers work closely with hardware and test engineering teams throughout the project lifecycle. They often participate in cross-functional meetings to understand hardware specifications, define software requirements, and ensure seamless integration between software and physical instruments. Regular communication is essential to troubleshoot issues, validate data acquisition, and optimize system performance. This collaborative approach helps deliver robust, reliable solutions that meet both technical and project goals.

What is the difference between Instrumentation Software Engineer vs Control Systems Engineer?

AspectInstrumentation Software EngineerControl Systems Engineer
Required CredentialsBachelor's in Software, Electrical, or Mechanical Engineering; knowledge of programming languagesBachelor's in Electrical, Mechanical, or Control Engineering; knowledge of control theory and programming
Work EnvironmentDevelops software for instrumentation devices in manufacturing, testing, or automationDesigns and implements control systems in industrial processes or automation
Industry UsageUsed in manufacturing, automation, and testing industriesCommon in industrial automation, process control, and manufacturing sectors

Both roles involve working with automation and control systems, but Instrumentation Software Engineers focus on developing software for instrumentation devices, while Control Systems Engineers design and optimize entire control processes. The roles often overlap but differ in scope and focus.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as an Instrumentation Software Engineer, and why are they important?

To thrive as an Instrumentation Software Engineer, you need a strong background in computer science, electronics, and instrumentation engineering, usually with a relevant degree. Familiarity with programming languages (such as Python, C++, or LabVIEW), data acquisition systems, and industry-specific protocols is vital, and certifications in software development or instrumentation can be advantageous. Strong problem-solving abilities, attention to detail, and effective communication skills help you excel in multidisciplinary teams and troubleshoot complex systems. These competencies are crucial for developing reliable software solutions that interface with hardware, ensuring precise measurement and control in technical environments.
What are popular job titles related to Instrumentation Software Engineer jobs in California? For Instrumentation Software Engineer jobs in California, the most frequently searched job titles are:
What job categories do people searching Instrumentation Software Engineer jobs in California look for? The top searched job categories for Instrumentation Software Engineer jobs in California are:
Instrumentation Software Engineer jobs near you
Infographic showing various Instrumentation Software Engineer job openings in California as of July 2026, with employment types broken down into 92% Full Time, 4% Part Time, 1% Temporary, and 3% Contract. Highlights an 87% Physical, 4% Hybrid, and 9% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $111,898 per year, or $53.8 per hour.
Systems Software Engineer

Systems Software Engineer

Picarro

Santa Clara, CA • On-site

$203K - $240K/yr

Full-time

Posted 15 days ago

Job description

Job Summary:
Picarro is the world's leader in timely, trusted, and actionable data using enhanced optical spectroscopy. They are seeking a Systems Software Engineer to design, develop, and maintain robust software systems that support scientific instrumentation and data-driven applications.
Responsibilities:
• Design, develop, and maintain systems-level software in Python
• Build reliable, testable, and maintainable code using modern software engineering practices
• Develop and maintain unit tests and automated test frameworks
• Work in collaborative Agile development environments using Git-based workflows
• Develop and optimize system components running on Linux-based platforms
• Build and support data pipelines, tools, and internal software frameworks
• Collaborate with cross-functional engineering teams (hardware, systems, data, and science teams)
• Support debugging, performance tuning, and system reliability improvements
• Contribute to architecture decisions and software design reviews
Qualifications:
Required:
• Bachelor’s degree in Computer Science, Engineering, Physics, Mathematics, or related field
• Strong proficiency in Python with experience building production-quality software
• Solid understanding of Linux operating systems and command-line tools
• Experience with collaborative software development (Git, code reviews, Agile workflows)
• Strong understanding of software engineering best practices (modularity, testing, documentation)
• Experience writing unit tests and building testable software systems
• Advanced Python programming
• Strong experience with software development workflows (Git, branching, CI/CD concepts)
• Unit testing frameworks (pytest or equivalent)
• Linux system usage and scripting
• Ability to design clean, maintainable, and reusable software components
Preferred:
• Experience building or supporting scientific or instrumentation software systems
• Exposure to data analysis, data modeling, or visualization workflows
• Experience working in hardware-software integrated environments
• Familiarity with performance optimization and debugging complex systems
• Strong understanding of asynchronous programming concepts in Python
• Experience contributing to shared software frameworks or platforms
Company:
Picarro produces gas analyzers for a variety of markets, including atmospheric science, greenhouse gas measurement, air quality, and others. Founded in 1998, the company is headquartered in Santa Clara, USA, with a team of 201-500 employees. The company is currently Growth Stage.

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