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Research Software Developer Jobs in Seattle, WA (NOW HIRING)

Cobot

AI Research Engineer

Seattle, WA · On-site

This role is ideal for researchers and builders who thrive at the intersection of machine learning research and software engineering-those who can turn innovative ideas into working prototypes that ...

Microsoft

Software Engineer

Redmond, WA · On-site

$111K - $183K/yr

PRISMA Research Fabric changes that by delivering the shared, Engine-level platform foundations ... Experience contributing to team-based software projects. #EiP #SWEIC2 Software Engineering IC2 ...

Veeam Software

R&D Developer

Kirkland, WA

$149K - $231K/yr

Employer: Veeam VaaS Corporation Position: R&D Developer Duties: Own (design, build, and test ... Own (design, build, and test) software components with very high code-coverage. Debug using ...

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All JobsResearch Software Developer JobsResearch Software Developer Jobs in Seattle, WA

Research Software Developer information

See Seattle, WA salary details

$54.6K

$127.3K

$188.9K

How much do research software developer jobs pay per year?

As of Aug 17, 2026, the average yearly pay for research software developer in Seattle, WA is $127,283.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $102,400.00 and $147,900.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What is a research software developer?

Research Software Developers are professionals who create, maintain, and optimize software tools and applications that support scientific research. They work closely with researchers to understand their computational needs, develop custom code, and ensure software is reliable and reproducible. These developers often bridge the gap between domain scientists and traditional software engineers, enabling innovative scientific discoveries through robust software solutions.

How do research software developers typically balance research goals with software engineering best practices?

Research Software Developers often work closely with scientists and researchers to create tools that advance specific research objectives. Balancing experimental flexibility with software reliability can be challenging, as projects may evolve rapidly and require iterative prototyping. Developers must prioritize clear documentation, modular code, and version control to ensure that software remains usable and reproducible as research progresses. Collaboration with multidisciplinary teams is common, and effective communication helps align technical solutions with scientific needs.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as a research software developer, and why are they important?

To thrive as a Research Software Developer, you need strong programming skills (typically in Python, C++, or Java), a solid understanding of algorithms, and often an advanced degree in computer science or a related field. Familiarity with version control systems like Git, high-performance computing environments, and tools for data analysis and visualization is commonly required. Excellent problem-solving ability, collaboration, and clear scientific communication are vital soft skills in this role. These capabilities are crucial for developing robust research software, enabling effective teamwork, and ensuring reproducibility and reliability in scientific investigations.

What is the difference between Research Software Developer vs Data Scientist?

AspectResearch Software DeveloperData Scientist
CredentialsTypically requires a degree in computer science, software engineering, or related fieldsUsually holds degrees in statistics, data science, or related disciplines
Work EnvironmentResearch labs, academic institutions, or R&D departmentsBusiness, tech companies, or research organizations
Industry UsageUsed in scientific research, academia, and research-focused organizationsApplied in analytics, business intelligence, and data-driven decision making

Research Software Developers focus on creating software tools and algorithms for research purposes, often working closely with scientists. Data Scientists analyze and interpret complex data to inform decisions. While both roles require programming skills, their primary goals and work environments differ, making each role unique in the research and data analysis landscape.

What are popular job titles related to Research Software Developer jobs in Seattle, WA?

For Research Software Developer jobs in Seattle, WA, the most frequently searched job titles are:

What job categories do people searching Research Software Developer jobs in Seattle, WA look for?

The top searched job categories for Research Software Developer jobs in Seattle, WA are:

Research Software Developer jobs near you
Infographic showing various Research Software Developer job openings in Seattle, WA as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 1% Internship, 86% Full Time, 9% Part Time, and 4% Contract. Highlights an 88% Physical, 4% Hybrid, and 8% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $127,283 per year, or $61.2 per hour.

AI Research Engineer

Cobot

Seattle, WA • On-site

Full-time

Re-posted 27 days ago

Job description

Are you passionate about advancing the state of artificial intelligence and machine learning? Our rapidly growing startup is seeking an AI Research Engineer to join our Foundational Models AI team. This role is ideal for researchers and builders who thrive at the intersection of machine learning research and software engineering-those who can turn innovative ideas into working prototypes that push the boundaries of what's possible in intelligent systems.
In this role, you'll work closely with a small, dynamic team of AI researchers and engineers exploring reinforcement learning, transformer-based architectures, and diffusion models. You'll be expected to design, implement, and iterate on ML experiments rapidly, contributing to foundational model development that will shape the future of autonomous systems and intelligent robotics.
Join us to reimagine the future of human-robot interaction.
Collaborative Robotics is a team of innovators and builders redefining the future of human-robot interaction. We are working to realize a world where robots are a trusted extension of your surroundings. They work, adapt, and react around you. Not the other way around.
This role is located onsite at our Seattle, WA office.
Cobot will offer a relocation stipend if you are relocating to join our Seattle office and currently live more than 50 miles outside of the office location.
Key Responsibilities:
  • Design, build, and iterate on experimental ML pipelines supporting foundational model development.
  • Implement and train large-scale models, including transformers and diffusion-based architectures, for generative and control tasks.
  • Develop and evaluate reinforcement learning algorithms and frameworks for autonomous behaviors.
  • Rapidly prototype and deploy research ideas into working code to accelerate AI experimentation cycles.
  • Collaborate with cross-functional teams to integrate ML components into real-world systems.
  • Stay at the forefront of the latest AI research and share insights internally and externally.
Minimum Qualifications:
  • Master's degree in Machine Learning, AI, Computer Science, or a related technical field.
  • Minimum 3 years of experience in applied ML research and software engineering.
  • Hands-on experience training (not just using) large-scale ML models such as transformers or diffusion models.
  • Strong understanding of reinforcement learning fundamentals and applications.
  • Proficiency in Python and ML frameworks such as PyTorch, JAX, or TensorFlow.
  • Proven ability to write clean, efficient, and scalable code that supports fast iteration.
  • Excellent collaboration and communication skills.
  • Willing to occasionally travel.
  • Must have and maintain US work authorization.
Preferred Qualifications:
  • PhD in Machine Learning, AI, Computer Science, or related field.
  • 4+ years of experience in applied ML research and software engineering.
  • Experience designing ML experimentation frameworks and model training pipelines.
  • Practical knowledge of simulation environments or robotics systems.
  • While direct robotics manipulation experience is not required, familiarity with robotic systems or simulation environments is a plus.
  • Familiarity with multimodal architectures and imitation learning.
  • Understanding of edge compute or distributed ML training infrastructure.

Cobot is an Equal Opportunity Employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to legally protected characteristics. We are committed to providing reasonable accommodations for candidates with disabilities in our recruiting process. If you need any assistance or accommodations due to a disability, please let your recruiter know.
To all recruitment agencies: Collaborative Robotics does not accept agency resumes. Please do not forward resumes to our employees. Collaborative Robotics is not responsible for any fees related to unsolicited resumes.

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