1

Medical Device Software Jobs in California (NOW HIRING)

Experience with documentation for medical device and non-medical device software is required * Proficiency in software development for medical devices and IEC 62304 is required * Demonstrated success ...

Background in laboratory equipment, clinical diagnostics, or medical device development. Familiarity with the regulatory environment and standards for medical device software (e.g. IEC 62304, ISO ...

Principal, Software Engineer

Lake Forest, CA · On-site

$142K - $190K/yr

The Principal Software Engineer, Medical Device Systems is responsible for maintaining, enhancing, and supporting software for Alcon's on-market ophthalmic medical devices and imaging platforms. This ...

Principal, Software Engineer

Lake Forest, CA · On-site

$143K - $192K/yr

The Principal Software Engineer, Medical Device Systems is responsible for maintaining, enhancing, and supporting software for Alcon's on-market ophthalmic medical devices and imaging platforms. This ...

Senior Quality Engineer

Redwood City, CA · On-site

$108K - $146K/yr

S. or higher preferred in Computer Science, Software Engineering, Informatics, Biomedical, or relevant engineering disciplines. • 5+ years experience in FDA regulated domain (e.g. medical device ...

Senior Software Engineer

San Diego, CA · On-site

$100K - $200K/yr

We are seeking a Senior Software Engineer to play a key role in maintaining, evolving, and ... As medical device development is iterative and subject to regulatory, technical, and business ...

San Diego, CA Length: Long Term. 100% Onsite position Ensure the quality of the medical device software and hardware meets the design requirements Ensure design requirements are testable Develop ...

Be involved in the medical device software design controls activities, in accordance with the FDA Quality System Regulation, ISO 13485, GAMP5, Computer System Validation (CSV) standards and FDA ...

Senior Software Test Engineer

Alameda, CA · On-site

$128K - $166K/yr

They are seeking a Software Test Engineer to lead verification and validation efforts across cloud and mobile platforms within a regulated medical device environment, ensuring product quality and ...

Senior Test Engineer

San Francisco, CA · On-site

$140 - $180/hr

Direct experience testing Software as a Medical Device (SaMD) or other regulated medical device software. * Required: Working knowledge of medical device QMS practices and applicable standards (e.g ...

New

Showing results 21-40

Medical Device Software information

See California salary details

$21

$49

$95

How much do medical device software jobs pay per hour?

As of Aug 16, 2026, the average hourly pay for medical device software in California is $49.18, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $34.62 and $58.85 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What is medical device software?

Medical device software is specialized software designed to be used for medical purposes, such as diagnosing, preventing, monitoring, or treating health conditions. It can be embedded within a medical device (like a pacemaker) or function as standalone software (such as mobile health apps). This software must comply with strict regulatory standards to ensure safety and effectiveness, as it directly impacts patient health and safety. Developers of medical device software must follow guidelines from authorities like the FDA or EU MDR, depending on the market. Regular updates, risk management, and comprehensive testing are also essential parts of its development process.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as a medical device software engineer?

To thrive as a Medical Device Software Engineer, you need strong programming abilities (often in C/C++ or Python), a solid understanding of software development life cycles, and familiarity with medical device regulations, typically backed by a degree in computer science, engineering, or a related field. Experience with development tools, embedded systems, and compliance standards like IEC 62304 or FDA requirements is highly valued. Attention to detail, problem-solving, and effective teamwork are essential soft skills in this role. These competencies ensure the creation of reliable, safe, and regulatory-compliant software critical for patient health and device performance.

What are some common challenges faced by professionals working in medical device software development?

Professionals in Medical Device Software development often navigate complex regulatory requirements, such as FDA or ISO standards, which can impact project timelines and processes. Collaborating closely with cross-functional teams—including hardware engineers, clinicians, and quality assurance specialists—is essential to ensure safety and compliance. Additionally, balancing innovation with rigorous documentation and validation can be challenging, as even minor software changes may require extensive testing and approval. Staying updated with evolving cybersecurity standards is also a key part of the role.

What is the difference between Medical Device Software vs Medical Device Quality Assurance Specialist?

AspectMedical Device SoftwareMedical Device Quality Assurance Specialist
Required CredentialsSoftware development certifications, engineering degrees, FDA regulations knowledgeQuality assurance certifications (e.g., CQE), regulatory compliance training
Work EnvironmentSoftware development teams, R&D labs, regulatory agenciesManufacturing facilities, quality assurance labs, regulatory bodies
Employer & Industry UsageMedical device manufacturers, software firms in healthcareMedical device manufacturers, healthcare companies, regulatory agencies
Common Search & ComparisonFocuses on software development and complianceFocuses on quality processes and regulatory adherence

Medical Device Software professionals develop and maintain software used in medical devices, ensuring functionality and compliance. Medical Device Quality Assurance Specialists focus on testing, validation, and ensuring products meet quality standards. Both roles are essential in the medical device industry but differ in their core responsibilities and skill sets.

Is medical device software a good career?

Medical device software is a growing field that involves developing and maintaining software for medical equipment, requiring knowledge of regulatory standards like FDA and ISO. It offers opportunities in healthcare technology, often requiring skills in programming, testing, and compliance, with a stable job outlook due to increasing healthcare needs. Professionals in this area can work in multidisciplinary teams and may need certifications such as ISO 13485 or IEC 62304.

What cities in California are hiring for Medical Device Software jobs?

Cities in California with the most Medical Device Software job openings:

Infographic showing various Medical Device Software job openings in California as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 1% As Needed, 77% Full Time, 15% Part Time, 2% Temporary, and 5% Contract. Highlights an 96% Physical, 1% Hybrid, and 3% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $102,304 per year, or $49.2 per hour.

Principal Software Engineer (Medical Device Software/C#, .NET, Windows)

Alcon

Lake Forest, CA • On-site

$142K - $190K/yr

Other

Medical, Life, Retirement

Posted 15 days ago


Alcon rating

7.5

Company rating: 7.5 out of 10

Based on 69 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

262nd of 540 rated manufacturers


Job description

At Alcon, we are driven by the meaningful work we do to help people see brilliantly. We innovate boldly, champion progress, and act with speed as the global leader in eye care. Here, you'll be recognized for your commitment and contributions and see your career like never before. Together, we go above and beyond to make an impact on the lives of our patients and customers.
We foster an inclusive culture and are looking for diverse, talented people to join our team. As a Principal Software Engineer, you will serve as a technical leader responsible for architecting, designing, and developing complex Windows-based software applications that support Alcon's next-generation ophthalmic diagnostic and surgical medical devices. You will play a key role throughout the software development lifecycle, partnering with cross-functional teams to deliver innovative, high-quality solutions that improve patient outcomes and help people see brilliantly.
In this highly visible role, you will provide strategic technical leadership, drive software architecture decisions, and influence engineering best practices across multiple product development programs. You will work closely with systems engineering, hardware, quality, regulatory, and product management teams to ensure that software solutions meet performance, reliability, cybersecurity, and regulatory requirements for medical devices onsite in Lake Forest, CA.
In this role, a typical day will include:
  • Lead the architecture, design, and development of Windows-based software for ophthalmic medical devices.
  • Drive technical strategy and architectural decisions across multiple product development initiatives.
  • Collaborate with cross-functional teams, including Systems Engineering, Quality, Regulatory, Hardware, and Product Management.
  • Mentor engineers and champion software development best practices, quality, and innovation.
  • Guide all phases of the software development lifecycle, from requirements through verification and release.
  • Evaluate and implement technologies and processes that improve product performance, reliability, and scalability.
  • Serve as a technical leader, influencing engineering direction and supporting key business objectives.

WHAT YOU'LL BRING TO ALCON:
  • Bachelor's Degree or Equivalent years of directly related experience (or high school +13 yrs; Assoc.+9 yrs; M.S.+2 yrs; PhD+0 yrs)
  • The ability to fluently read, write, understand and communicate in English
  • 5 Years of Relevant Experience
  • Sponsorship/Relocation: No

PREFERRED EXPERIENCE:
  • Preferred educational background in Computer Science, Software Engineering, Computer Engineering, or a related technical discipline.
  • Experience developing Windows-based software applications using C#, .NET, WPF/XAML, MVVM, C++, and Microsoft technology stacks.
  • Strong understanding of software architecture, object-oriented design principles, design patterns, and scalable software development practices.
  • Experience working in FDA-regulated medical device environments or other highly regulated industries.
  • Knowledge of multi-threading, interprocess communication, TCP/IP networking, hardware-software integration, source control (Git), and automated testing methodologies.
  • Familiarity with healthcare interoperability technologies and standards such as HL7, FHIR, DICOM, and Protocol Buffers.
  • Experience with ophthalmic technologies, medical imaging, image processing, signal processing, algorithm development, or other advanced healthcare technologies is preferred.
  • Demonstrated ability to solve complex technical challenges, drive innovation, and effectively collaborate across cross-functional engineering, quality, regulatory, and product teams.
  • Excellent written and verbal communication skills.

HOW YOU CAN THRIVE:
  • Collaborate with teammates to share standard processes and findings as work evolves
  • See your career like never before with focused growth and development opportunities
  • Join Alcon's mission to provide outstanding, innovative products and solutions to improve sight, improve lives, and grow your career!
  • Alcon provides a robust benefits package including health, life, retirement, flexible time off and much more.

Alcon Careers
See your impact at alcon.com/careers
ATTENTION: Current Alcon Employee/Contingent Worker
If you are currently an active employee/contingent worker at Alcon, please click the appropriate link below to apply on the Internal Career site.
Find Jobs for Employees
Find Jobs for Contingent Worker
Compensation and Benefits
Alcon's Total Rewards programs are designed to align incentives with business objectives, support our values, and deliver long-term value. Our compensation approach includes a combination of fixed and variable pay, with short-term and long-term incentive opportunities for eligible roles. Our benefits offerings are designed to support associates and their families across key life events, including programs that promote health and well-being, provide financial security, and support retirement planning.
The salary range posted represents the anticipated hiring range for this role. Actual compensation may vary based on factors such as experience, skills, location, and internal equity, and may fall outside the posted range.
Pay Range
128,350.00 - 166,100.00
Pay Frequency
Annual
Alcon is an Equal Opportunity Employer and participates in E-Verify. Alcon takes pride in maintaining a diverse environment and our policies are not to discriminate in recruitment, hiring, training, promotion or other employment practices for reasons of race, color, religion, gender, national origin, age, sexual orientation, gender identity, marital or veteran status, disability, or any other legally protected status. Alcon is also committed to working with and providing reasonable accommodation to individuals with disabilities. If, because of a medical condition or disability, you need a reasonable accommodation for any part of the application process, or in order to perform the essential functions of a position, please send an email to and let us know the nature of your request and your contact information.

What Alcon employees say

Pay

Benefits

Hours and flexibility

Workplace

Get the full story on Breakroom