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Pharmaceutical Software Developer Jobs in California

Systems Software Engineer

Santa Clara, CA · On-site

$120K - $130K/yr

Systems Software Engineer Company: Picarro Location: Santa Clara, CA Education: Bachelor's Degree ... fabrication, pharmaceutical, petrochemical, atmospheric science, air quality, greenhouse gas ...

Systems Software Engineer

Santa Clara, CA · On-site

$120K - $130K/yr

Systems Software Engineer Company: Picarro Location: Santa Clara, CA Education: Bachelor's Degree ... fabrication, pharmaceutical, petrochemical, atmospheric science, air quality, greenhouse gas ...

... pharmaceutical research. We are looking for individuals who thrive on making an impact and want the ... Software Engineers work as part of the larger test equipment delivery function for the above ...

Software Engineer

Goleta, CA · On-site

$90K - $121K/yr

... pharmaceutical research. We are looking for individuals who thrive on making an impact and want the ... Software Engineers work as part of the larger test equipment delivery function for the above ...

Title : Engineer, Software-Quality Location : Pleasanton, CA (100% On-Site) Duration : 12 Month ... Experience working in a regulated industry (medical device, diagnostics, pharmaceutical). * Self ...

Bachelor's degree in Engineering, Computer Science, Software Engineering, or similar disciplines ... pharmaceutical environment * Working knowledge of * GAMP 5 * 21 CFR Part 11 * EU Annex 11 * ISO ...

... pharmaceutical research. We are looking for individuals who thrive on making an impact and want the ... Note: the chosen candidate will manage embedded software engineers and/or calibration software ...

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Showing results 1-20

Pharmaceutical Software Developer information

See California salary details

$47.4K

$110.4K

$163.8K

How much do pharmaceutical software developer jobs pay per year?

As of Jun 15, 2026, the average yearly pay for pharmaceutical software developer in California is $110,380.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $88,800.00 and $128,300.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as a Pharmaceutical Software Developer, and why are they important?

To thrive as a Pharmaceutical Software Developer, you need strong programming skills, knowledge of pharmaceutical regulations, and a relevant degree in computer science, software engineering, or a related field. Familiarity with industry-specific tools such as LIMS (Laboratory Information Management Systems), GxP compliance software, and experience with scripting languages like Python or Java are typically required. Attention to detail, problem-solving abilities, and effective communication are crucial soft skills for collaborating with cross-functional teams and ensuring software accuracy. These skills and qualities are vital for developing compliant, reliable software that supports critical pharmaceutical processes and meets regulatory standards.

What is the difference between Pharmaceutical Software Developer vs Medical Software Engineer?

AspectPharmaceutical Software DeveloperMedical Software Engineer
Required CredentialsBachelor's in Computer Science, Life Sciences, or related field; knowledge of pharmaceutical regulationsBachelor's in Computer Science, Biomedical Engineering, or related; familiarity with healthcare standards
Work EnvironmentPharmaceutical companies, biotech firms, regulated labsHospitals, healthcare tech companies, medical device firms
Employer & Industry UsagePharmaceutical industry, biotech, drug developmentHealthcare industry, medical device, clinical software
Common Search & ComparisonYesYes

Pharmaceutical Software Developers focus on creating software for drug development, clinical trials, and pharmaceutical processes, often working within regulated environments. Medical Software Engineers develop applications for patient care, medical devices, and healthcare management. While both roles require programming skills and knowledge of healthcare standards, their primary industries and applications differ.

What does a Pharmaceutical Software Developer do?

A Pharmaceutical Software Developer designs, develops, and maintains software applications that support the pharmaceutical industry. This can include systems for drug discovery, clinical trials management, regulatory compliance, and pharmaceutical manufacturing. These professionals work closely with scientists, pharmacists, and regulatory teams to ensure the software meets industry standards and helps streamline workflows. Their work is critical in ensuring the accuracy, security, and compliance of data within pharmaceutical companies.

How does a Pharmaceutical Software Developer typically collaborate with cross-functional teams in the drug development process?

Pharmaceutical Software Developers work closely with scientists, regulatory experts, and quality assurance teams to build and maintain software that supports research, clinical trials, and compliance. Collaboration often involves regular meetings to gather requirements, troubleshoot data integration issues, and ensure that software aligns with strict industry regulations such as FDA guidelines. Developers play a key role in translating scientific needs into robust digital solutions, making strong communication and teamwork skills essential. This collaborative environment also provides opportunities to learn from diverse disciplines and contribute directly to the success of new drug development.
What cities in California are hiring for Pharmaceutical Software Developer jobs? Cities in California with the most Pharmaceutical Software Developer job openings:
Advisor - Lab Automation Software Engineer

Advisor - Lab Automation Software Engineer

Lilly

San Diego, CA • On-site

Full-time

Medical, Dental, Vision, Life, Retirement, PTO

Posted 26 days ago


Eli Lilly and Company rating

8.8

Company rating: 8.8 out of 10

Based on 62 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

11th of 71 rated pharmaceutical


Job description

At Lilly, we unite caring with discovery to make life better for people around the world. We are a global healthcare leader headquartered in Indianapolis, Indiana. Our employees around the world work to discover and bring life-changing medicines to those who need them, improve the understanding and management of disease, and give back to our communities through philanthropy and volunteerism. We give our best effort to our work, and we put people first. We're looking for people who are determined to make life better for people around the world.

We are seeking a Lab Automation Software Engineering Advisor to join our biotherapeutics discovery automation team at the Lilly Biotechnology Center in San Diego, where you'll architect and implement revolutionary software solutions that transform how we discover life-saving biotherapeutics.

As a Lab Automation Software Engineering Advisor, you'll be at the forefront of designing and building AI-integrated, closed-loop autonomous discovery ecosystem whereby intelligent systems propose hypotheses, execute experiments through advanced robotics, analyze results instantly, and iteratively refine and design the next set of experiments - all with minimal human intervention. In your role, you'll harness the latest breakthroughs in AI, machine learning, and laboratory digitalization to build software that makes our biotherapeutics discovery automation lab smarter, faster, and more innovative than ever before.

If you're excited about harnessing AI and automation to solve real-world problems in drug discovery and want to be part of building the lab of the future, we want to hear from you.

You will have the opportunity to:

  • Design and develop software applications that orchestrate complex automated laboratory workflows and closed-loop learning systems.

  • Build data pipelines and visualization tools that provide real-time insights into lab operations and experimental outcomes.

  • Implement machine learning models for visual inspection systems, predictive maintenance, and process optimization that enhance operational efficiency.

  • Create digital lab infrastructure including IoT integrations, digital lab twin models, and telemetry monitoring systems.

  • Develop and maintain integrations across multiple automation schedulers, LIMS, and data platforms.

  • Ensure robust software deployment through best DevOps practices and cloud-based solutions.

Basic Qualifications:

  • Ph.D. in Computer Science, Software Engineering, Bioengineering/Engineering with at least three years of industry experience.

  • M.S. in Computer Science, Software Engineering, Bioengineering/Engineering with at least 10 years of experience.

  • B.S. in Computer Science, Software Engineering, Bioengineering/Engineering with at least 13 years of experience.

  • Experience should include relevant industry experience, preferably in a pharmaceutical company or an automation provider.

Additional Skills/Preferences:

  • Strong proficiency in Python, SQL, and JavaScript, with working knowledge of programing/scripting in C#, VBA, R, C++, MATLAB, and Bash.

  • Experience with statistical analysis tools (JMP, SAS, R) and business intelligence platforms (Tableau, Power BI, Spotfire).

  • Expertise in best DevOps practices, including database management systems (DBMS), data warehousing, software development, cloud computing platforms (AWS, Azure), and version control tools (GitHub, GitLab).

  • Experience with lab digitalization technologies (IoT device integration, digital lab twins, automated usage and error reporting telemetry metrics) as well as autonomous lab systems and closed-loop learning frameworks is strongly preferred.

  • Familiarity with lab data platforms including Benchling, LabGuru, PostgreSQL, Genedata, or similar LIMS/ELN systems.

  • Strong problem-solving skills and ability to work cross-functionally with scientific and engineering teams.

  • Background in life sciences, pharmaceutical research, or high-throughput screening environments.

Lilly is dedicated to helping individuals with disabilities to actively engage in the workforce, ensuring equal opportunities when vying for positions. If you require accommodation to submit a resume for a position at Lilly, please complete the accommodation request form (https://careers.lilly.com/us/en/workplace-accommodation) for further assistance. Please note this is for individuals to request an accommodation as part of the application process and any other correspondence will not receive a response.

Lilly is proud to be an EEO Employer and does not discriminate on the basis of age, race, color, religion, gender identity, sex, gender expression, sexual orientation, genetic information, ancestry, national origin, protected veteran status, disability, or any other legally protected status.


Our employee resource groups (ERGs) offer strong support networks for their members and are open to all employees. Our current groups include: Africa, Middle East, Central Asia Network, Black Employees at Lilly, Chinese Culture Network, Japanese International Leadership Network (JILN), Lilly India Network, Organization of Latinx at Lilly (OLA), PRIDE (LGBTQ+ Allies), Veterans Leadership Network (VLN), Women's Initiative for Leading at Lilly (WILL), enAble (for people with disabilities). Learn more about all of our groups.

Actual compensation will depend on a candidate's education, experience, skills, and geographic location. The anticipated wage for this position is

$141,000 - $228,800

Full-time equivalent employees also will be eligible for a company bonus (depending, in part, on company and individual performance). In addition, Lilly offers a comprehensive benefit program to eligible employees, including eligibility to participate in a company-sponsored 401(k); pension; vacation benefits; eligibility for medical, dental, vision and prescription drug benefits; flexible benefits (e.g., healthcare and/or dependent day care flexible spending accounts); life insurance and death benefits; certain time off and leave of absence benefits; and well-being benefits (e.g., employee assistance program, fitness benefits, and employee clubs and activities).Lilly reserves the right to amend, modify, or terminate its compensation and benefit programs in its sole discretion and Lilly's compensation practices and guidelines will apply regarding the details of any promotion or transfer of Lilly employees.

#WeAreLilly


What Eli Lilly and Company employees say

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Eli Lilly logo

About Eli Lilly

Sourced by ZipRecruiter

Eli Lilly, based in Indianapolis, IN, US, is one of the pioneers in the pharmaceutical industry with a rich history dating back to 1876. This global pharmaceutical company focuses on discovering, developing, manufacturing and selling pharmaceutical products in approximately 120 countries. The company's product categories include endocrinology, oncology, cardiovascular, neuroscience, and immunology. Having invested over $9 billion in research and development in the past decade, Eli Lilly is also committed to creating high-quality medicines that meet real needs. As a recipient of several awards and recognitions, Eli Lilly is known for its focus on life-saving research and drug development. Their mission is to make medicines that help people live longer, healthier, and more active lives.

Industry

Pharmaceutical product wholesalers

Company size

10,000+ Employees

Headquarters location

Indianapolis, IN, US

Year founded

1876