1

Pharmaceutical Software Developer Jobs in California

Full Stack Software Engineer I

San Diego, CA · On-site

$42.50 - $53.52/hr

  • Medical

  • Dental

  • Vision

  • Life

  • Retirement

  • PTO

... pharmaceutical and technology related solutions that dramatically improve the value of health care ... Full Stack Software Engineer Business Unit: 1200 Information Technology Prepared Date: 5/20/2025 ...

Full Stack Software Engineer I

San Diego, CA · On-site

$42.50 - $53.52/hr

  • Medical

  • Dental

  • Vision

  • Life

  • Retirement

  • PTO

... pharmaceutical and technology related solutions that dramatically improve the value of health care ... Full Stack Software Engineer Business Unit: 1200 Information Technology Prepared Date: 5/20/2025 ...

... 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 ...

Showing results 21-40

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 Aug 12, 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:
Infographic showing various Pharmaceutical Software Developer job openings in California as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 1% Internship, 85% Full Time, 9% Part Time, 2% Temporary, and 3% Contract. Highlights an 87% Physical, 4% Hybrid, and 9% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $110,380 per year, or $53.1 per hour.

Space Embedded Software Engineer, C++

Varda Space Industries

El Segundo, CA • On-site

$131K - $184K/yr

Other

Medical, Dental, Vision, Retirement, PTO

This job post has expired today. Applications are no longer accepted.


Job description

About Varda
Low Earth orbit is open for business. Varda is accelerating the development of commercial space infrastructure, from in-orbit pharmaceutical processing to reliable and economical reentry capsules. Varda's W-Series vehicles are built, designed, and operated by Varda in-house, including the pharmaceutical processing payloads, the capsules, the C-PICA heat shields, and the satellite buses.
From life-saving pharmaceuticals to more powerful fiber optics, there is a world of products used on Earth today that can only be manufactured in space. Varda is accelerating innovation in the orbital economy by creating both the products and infrastructure needed so space can directly benefit life on Earth. Our mission is to expand the economic bounds of humankind.
Our team is uniquely suited to accomplishing this goal, with leadership and staff comprised of veterans from SpaceX, Blue Origin, major pharmaceutical companies and Silicon Valley. Varda was founded in January 2021 by Will Bruey and Delian Asparouhov with significant backing from world class investors including Khosla Ventures, Lux Capital, Founders Fund, Caffeinated Capital, General Catalyst, and Also Capital.
Varda is headquartered in El Segundo, California, where we have offices and a production facility where our vehicles, equipment, and materials are built, integrated, and tested. Varda also has offices in Washington, DC and Huntsville, AL.
Join Varda, and work to create a bustling in-space ecosystem.
What you will do (Job Responsibilities)
The Embedded Software Engineer on the Flight Software team is responsible for determining how our spacecraft behaves and operates in orbit and building reliable software to ensure it happens. The team is responsible for all phases of development, starting from requirements capture through test, and flight operational support.
  • Develop reliable firmware to control how the spacecraft, satellite bus, and reentry capsule operate through the entire mission.
  • Own all aspects of software development, from design, testing, and integration.
  • Scope projects including requirements capture and initial design trades given open-ended problems.
  • Write quality structured bare metal, RTOS, or Linux based software for embedded processors in C++.
  • Build highly reliable and available software systems.
  • Ensure system quality and performance through software test, verification, and validation (V&V) techniques.
What you will bring (Basic Qualifications)
  • Bachelor's degree in computer science, math, physics, engineering or equivalent technical experience in safety critical software.
  • 3+ years of experience in the development of spacecraft or similar safety critical software.
  • Experience developing and testing real-time embedded hardware / software systems.
  • Experience with development in C++, along with a strong understanding of language concepts.
What would be a plus (Preferred Qualifications)
  • Experience with safety-critical software, especially for aerospace applications.
  • Experience with additional programming languages such as Python or Rust.
  • Strong understanding of computer architecture, operating systems, data structures, and computer networking.
How Varda compensates
  • Salary range: $131,000 - $184,000 annually.
  • This role is on-site in El Segundo, CA.
  • Leveling and base salary is determined by job-related skills, education level, experience level, and job performance.
  • Offer compensation also includes the ability to receive stock options under the Company's Equity Incentive Plan.

#LI-VSI
Benefits
Varda offers a comprehensive benefits package designed to support health, financial well-being, and a high-quality workplace experience. Below is an overview of what full-time employees receive (at this time, interns receive a subset of benefits):
Health & Wellness
  • Flexible PTO policy + 12 paid holidays
  • 100% company-paid Medical, Dental, and Vision insurance plans for employees and dependents with FSA and employer-matched HSA options
  • Voluntary accident, hospital, critical illness, and pet insurance
  • $120/month wellness reimbursement for gym and fitness expenses
  • 12 weeks of parental leave (with supplemental disability leave for CA mothers)
  • Family building, pregnancy, parenting and menopause benefits via Maven Clinic
  • Sponsored One Medical memberships for employees and their dependents

Financial & Retirement
  • Substantial incentive equity in a fully funded space start-up
  • 401(k) retirement plan with 6% employer match (immediately vested)
  • $20/pay period cell phone reimbursement
  • Relocation support for new hires, if needed

Workplace Experience & Perks
  • Fully stocked kitchen with lunch provided daily and dinner provided twice weekly
  • Company and team-bonding events, happy hours and mission-success celebrations
  • Complimentary EV charging

ITAR Requirements
Varda, like all employers, must ensure that its employees working in the United States are lawfully authorized to work in the U.S. Additionally, our employees are exposed to and have access to certain export-controlled items. Because our employees are provided access to export-controlled items, our policy is to only hire "U.S. persons" who are permitted to have access to our technology without an export license.
"US person" means: U.S. citizen, U.S. lawful permanent resident, or protected individual as defined by 8 U.S.C. 1324b(a)(3) (i.e., individual admitted to the U.S. as a refugee or granted asylum).
E-Verify Statement
Varda Space Industries, Inc. participates in the U.S. Department of Homeland Security E-Verify program. The E-Verify program is an Internet-based employment eligibility verification system operated by the U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services. Learn more about the E-Verify program.
E-Verify Notice Right To Work Notice
Read more Read more
Varda Space Industries is an Equal Opportunity Employer. We celebrate diversity and are committed to creating an inclusive environment for all employees. Candidates and employees are always evaluated based on merit, qualifications, and performance. We will never discriminate on the basis of race, color, gender, national origin, ethnicity, veteran status, disability status, age, sexual orientation, gender identity, martial status, mental or physical disability, or any other legally protected status.