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Instrumentation Software Engineer Jobs in California

General Matter

Embedded Software Engineer

Los Angeles, CA · On-site

$141K - $186K/yr

About This Role We are seeking an Embedded Software Engineer to develop the low-level control ... Write drivers and interfaces for scientific instrumentation, sensors, and data acquisition hardware ...

Protingent

Embedded Software Engineer

Pasadena, CA · On-site

$120K - $150K/yr

Position Title: Embedded Software Engineer Position Description: Protingent Staffing has an ... Experience with instrumentation communication protocols such as SCPI and VISA * Experience ...

Applied Materials

Software Engineer

Santa Clara, CA · On-site

$152K - $208K/yr

Our Software Engineers are responsible for designing, prototyping, developing, and debugging ... Semiconductor, instrumentation, or scientific data systems * Experience with semiconductor ...

Amat

Software Engineer

Santa Clara, CA · On-site +1

$152K - $208K/yr

Our Software Engineers are responsible for designing, prototyping, developing, and debugging ... Semiconductor, instrumentation, or scientific data systems * Experience with semiconductor ...

Applied Materials

Software Engineer

Santa Clara, CA · On-site +1

$152K - $208K/yr

Our Software Engineers are responsible for designing, prototyping, developing, and debugging ... Semiconductor, instrumentation, or scientific data systems Experience with semiconductor ...

AnySignal

Ground Software Engineer

Los Angeles, CA · On-site

They are seeking a versatile Ground Segment Software Engineer to build robust ground segment ... to the instrumentation and optimization of satellite communication flowgraphs. • Ensure ...

Valar Atomics

Principal Software Engineer

Torrance, CA · On-site

$141K - $189K/yr

The Team As part of the Engineering organization, Software Engineering builds the internal ... instrumentation-high-rate time-series at scale, with source timestamps, units, quality, and ...

Valar Atomics

Principal Software Engineer

Torrance, CA · On-site

$141K - $189K/yr

The Team As part of the Engineering organization, Software Engineering builds the internal ... instrumentation-high-rate time-series at scale, with source timestamps, units, quality, and ...

Worley

Senior Instrumentation Engineer

Monrovia, CA · On-site

$130K - $191K/yr

Purpose: The Senior Instrumentation Engineer provides instrumentation and controls engineering ... Working knowledge of computer aided design (CAD) software. * Experience with SmartPlant ...

Remedy Robotics, Inc

Software Engineer

San Francisco, CA · On-site

$200K - $300K/yr

We are looking to hire a Software Engineer. What You'll Do: * Develop and improve core robot ... scientific instrumentation, or autonomous systems * Bachelor's or Master's in Computer Science ...

Optical Zonu Corp

Firmware/Software Engineer

Van Nuys, CA · On-site

$100K - $160K/yr

Firmware / Software Engineer Optical Zonu Corp. is a leader in the RF-Over-Fiber telecommunication ... Experience with instrumentation, data acquisition, or laboratory automation * Familiarity with ...

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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 Sep 10, 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 is an instrumentation software engineer?

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.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as an instrumentation software engineer?

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.

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.

Are instrumentation software engineers in demand?

Instrumentation software engineers are in demand due to their role in developing control systems, data acquisition, and automation solutions across industries such as manufacturing, aerospace, and energy. The need for expertise in programming languages like C++, Python, and experience with real-time operating systems contributes to strong job prospects in this field.

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 September 2026, with employment types broken down into 1% Internship, 1% As Needed, 70% Full Time, 26% Part Time, and 2% Contract. Highlights an 84% Physical, 3% Hybrid, and 13% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $111,898 per year, or $53.8 per hour.

Embedded Software Engineer

Los Angeles, CA • On-site

General Matter
See more jobs at General Matterexternal

$141K - $186K/yr

Full-time

Medical, Dental, Vision, Retirement

Re-posted 10 days ago

Job description

About the Company
General Matter enriches uranium.
We are designing, building, and operating the world's lowest-cost enrichment services, here in the US.
In the process, we are restoring America's ability to produce nuclear fuel to power AI, advanced manufacturing and critical industries our country relies on to remain competitive.
Fuel drives the cost of advanced reactor electricity production, and enrichment drives the cost of the fuel that advanced reactors consume. Reliable, low-cost enrichment is the catalyst for the nuclear Renaissance now under way.
Our mission is to make nuclear not only the cleanest and safest source of baseload power, but also the most affordable. We believe abundant nuclear energy will lead to a post-scarcity society.
We were incubated inside Founders Fund, like Anduril and Palantir before us, and are backed by over a dozen of the world's top venture capital firms.
Our lean, world-class team of engineers and operators is applying a first-principles approach to solving the problem of nuclear fuel production.
We are a mission-driven company with a culture of urgency, accountability, and transparency.
Help us build a high-energy society by making the cleanest, safest form of baseload energy the most affordable.
About This Role
We are seeking an Embedded Software Engineer to develop the low-level control software, real-time runtimes, and device drivers that directly command test stands and production systems. This role sits at the intersection of real-time embedded engineering and distributed control systems, and is responsible for building performant, deterministic, and fault-tolerant software that drives fieldbus networks, commands actuators, and acquires high-speed signals from scientific instrumentation where safety and accuracy are exceedingly important. The successful candidate will play a central role in defining the real-time architecture, driver standards, and hardware interfaces of mission-critical embedded systems across R&D, manufacturing/test, and plant operations.
Responsibilities
  • Architect and develop deterministic, safety-critical control software on Linux-based real-time operating systems (e.g., PREEMPT_RT), including scheduling, timing, and fault-tolerant control logic.
  • Build and maintain industrial fieldbus masters and stacks (e.g., EtherCAT, CAN/CANopen, EtherNet/IP) for hard real-time, high-rate closed-loop control of distributed actuators, drives, and I/O.
  • Write drivers and interfaces for scientific instrumentation, sensors, and data acquisition hardware for high-speed, kHz-class acquisition across low-level protocols and buses (e.g., SPI, I2C, serial, USB, PCIe, Ethernet).
  • Own software from development through deployment by building automated build, test, and validation infrastructure.
  • Perform safety analyses and validate control logic to ensure deterministic behavior and functional safety under both normal and fault conditions.
  • Work closely with hardware, electrical, and controls engineering teams to bring up new systems and integrate firmware with hardware.
  • Lead debugging, root cause analysis, and reliability improvements across the full software-to-hardware stack, using oscilloscopes, logic analyzers, protocol analyzers, and other laboratory instrumentation.
  • Contribute to integrated system testing, commissioning, and continuous improvement of embedded software running on production equipment

Basic Qualifications
  • Bachelor's degree or higher in Computer Science, Computer Engineering, Electrical Engineering, or a related STEM field.
  • 5+ years of experience developing embedded, real-time, or low-level systems software.
  • Strong, production-level experience in C, C++, or Rust.
  • Hands-on experience with real-time systems and hardware/software integration, with a strong understanding of deterministic timing, concurrency, and device driver development.
  • Ability to perform trade studies and make clear recommendations from first principles even with partial information.

Preferred Skills and Experience
  • Experience implementing or integrating industrial fieldbus protocols and masters (e.g., EtherCAT, CANopen, EtherNet/IP, Modbus).
  • Experience with real-time Linux (PREEMPT_RT, Xenomai) or other RTOS for motion and process control.
  • Driver and kernel development experience, including bring-up of new sensors, instrumentation, and data acquisition hardware.
  • Low-level communication protocol debugging and electrical hardware troubleshooting, including assistance in PCBA bring-up.
  • Experience designing fault-tolerant, observable, and testable distributed control systems.
  • Experience with automated testing, simulation, or hardware-in-the-loop (HIL) test frameworks.
  • Background in safety-critical, high-reliability, or regulated industrial environments (e.g., chemical, energy, aerospace, robotics, semiconductor).
  • Demonstrated technical leadership in setting engineering standards and building and mentoring high-performance engineering teams.
  • Experience in a fast-paced, startup-like engineering environment requiring a resourceful, entrepreneurial approach to complete tasks within tight timeframes or budget constraints.

Additional Requirements
  • Ability to work extended hours and weekends as necessary.

Equal Opportunity Employer
General Matter is an Equal Opportunity Employer; employment with General Matter is governed on the basis of merit, competence and qualifications and will not be influenced in any manner by race, color, religion, gender, national origin/ethnicity, veteran status, disability status, age, sexual orientation, gender identity, marital status, mental or physical disability or any other legally protected status.
Compensation and Benefits
The base salary range for this role is $125,000-$250,000 annually.
Compensation bands are determined by role, level, location, and alignment with market data. Individual level and base pay is determined on a case-by-case basis and may vary based on job-related skills, education, experience, technical capabilities and internal equity. Please note that the stated salary range is an estimate and may be adjusted based on market conditions, business needs, or other factors. In addition to base salary, for full-time hires, you may also be eligible for long-term incentives, in the form of stock options, and access to medical, vision & dental coverage as well as access to a 401(k) retirement plan.

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