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Scientific Software Engineer Jobs in California (NOW HIRING)

Caltech

Scientific Software Developer

Pasadena, CA · On-site

$69K - $92K/yr

Job Summary The Winfree Lab is seeking a scientific software developer to continue the development of innovative software tools and applications that advance the lab's research in programmable ...

BigHat

Senior Software Engineer

San Mateo, CA · On-site

$198 - $215/hr

You will work closely with engineers, product partners, and laboratory scientists to build and evolve the internal software systems at the center of our science. This role is leveled as Senior ...

BigHat Biosciences

Senior Software Engineer

San Mateo, CA · On-site

$19K - $215K/mo

You will work closely with engineers, product partners, and laboratory scientists to build and evolve the internal software systems at the center of our science. This role is leveled as Senior ...

Intelliswift Software

Software Engineer

Santa Clara, CA · On-site

$226K - $227K/yr

Education and Experience • Position requires a Master's degree or foreign equivalent degree in Computer Science, Software Engineering or a related field plus two (2) years of experience in a ...

Intelliswift Software

Software Engineer

Newark, CA · On-site

$181K - $190K/yr

Position requires a Master's degree or foreign equivalent degree in Computer Science, Software Engineering or a related field plus two (2) years of experience in a related occupation. Position also ...

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Scientific Software Engineer information

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How much do scientific software engineer jobs pay per hour?

As of Aug 26, 2026, the average hourly pay for scientific software engineer in California is $38.84, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $16.59 and $56.68 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What is a scientific software engineer?

Scientific Software Engineers are professionals who design, develop, and maintain software applications tailored for scientific research and data analysis. They collaborate with scientists and researchers to create computational tools, simulations, or data processing pipelines that enable complex experiments and facilitate discovery. Their role often requires expertise in both domain-specific science and advanced programming, ensuring that software solutions are robust, efficient, and reproducible. Scientific Software Engineers typically work in academic institutions, research labs, or industries such as biotechnology, pharmaceuticals, and climate science.

How does a scientific software engineer typically collaborate with researchers and domain experts on projects?

Scientific Software Engineers frequently work closely with researchers, scientists, and domain experts to translate complex scientific requirements into robust and efficient software solutions. Collaboration often involves participating in project meetings, understanding specific scientific models or data workflows, and iteratively refining software based on user feedback. This role requires strong communication skills and the ability to bridge the gap between technical software development and domain-specific needs, ensuring that the resulting tools are both scientifically accurate and user-friendly.

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

To thrive as a Scientific Software Engineer, you need a strong background in computer science, mathematics, and scientific domains, often with an advanced degree in a STEM field. Familiarity with programming languages like Python, C++, and MATLAB, as well as experience with scientific computing libraries and version control systems, is typically required. Excellent problem-solving skills, attention to detail, and effective collaboration are essential soft skills for this role. These competencies enable the development of robust and efficient scientific software, facilitating research and innovation in scientific projects.

What is the difference between Scientific Software Engineer vs Data Scientist?

AspectScientific Software EngineerData Scientist
Required CredentialsBachelor's or Master's in Computer Science, Engineering, or related fields; programming skillsBachelor's or Master's in Data Science, Statistics, or related fields; programming and analytical skills
Work EnvironmentResearch labs, scientific organizations, tech companies focusing on simulation and modelingBusiness, tech companies, research institutions analyzing large datasets
Industry UsageScientific research, engineering, simulation developmentData analysis, predictive modeling, machine learning applications

While both roles require programming skills and a strong technical background, Scientific Software Engineers focus on developing software for scientific research and simulations, whereas Data Scientists analyze data to extract insights and build models. The roles often overlap in skills but differ in their primary objectives and work environments.

How to become a scientific software engineer?

To become a scientific software engineer, typically a bachelor's degree in computer science, software engineering, or a related field is required, often complemented by experience in scientific computing, programming languages like Python or C++, and familiarity with scientific tools and data analysis. Gaining practical experience through internships, research projects, or contributing to open-source scientific software can also be beneficial. Advanced roles may require a master's or Ph.D. in a scientific discipline or computer science.

What are popular job titles related to Scientific Software Engineer jobs in California?

For Scientific Software Engineer jobs in California, the most frequently searched job titles are:

What job categories do people searching Scientific Software Engineer jobs in California look for?

The top searched job categories for Scientific Software Engineer jobs in California are:

What cities in California are hiring for Scientific Software Engineer jobs?

Cities in California with the most Scientific Software Engineer job openings:

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For Scientific Software Engineer jobs in CA, the most frequently searched job titles are:

Scientific Software Engineer jobs near you
Infographic showing various Scientific Software Engineer job openings in California as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 1% As Needed, 90% Full Time, 6% Part Time, and 3% Contract. Highlights an 87% Physical, 4% Hybrid, and 9% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $80,788 per year, or $38.8 per hour.

Scientific Software Developer

Pasadena, CA • On-site

Caltech
See more jobs at Caltechexternal

$69K - $92K/yr

Full-time

Medical, Dental, Vision, Retirement, PTO

This job post has expired 4 days ago. Applications are no longer accepted.

Job description

Caltech is a world-renowned science and engineering institute that marshals some of the world's brightest minds and most innovative tools to address fundamental scientific questions. We thrive on finding and cultivating talented people who are passionate about what they do. Join us and be a part of the diverse Caltech community.
Job Summary
The Winfree Lab is seeking a scientific software developer to continue the development of innovative software tools and applications that advance the lab's research in programmable molecular systems. The role involves designing and implementing new features in a differentiable programming model for indexed chemical reaction networks and interfacing with users.
Essential Job Duties
  • Conduct software development research for molecular programming, focusing on stochastic and deterministic simulation of indexed chemical reaction networks.
  • Review relevant literature and existing computational tools to inform software design.
  • Develop clear documentation, tutorials, and example workflows to support use of the software by researchers with diverse backgrounds.
  • Collaborate with research team members to apply and refine software tools based on scientific needs and user feedback.
  • Evaluate software performance, usability, and reliability through benchmarking, testing, and comparison with experimental results.
  • Communicate research findings and software developments through presentations, publications, and conferences.
Basic Qualifications
  • Bachelor's degree in computer science, applied and computational mathematics, or equivalent.
  • Programming experience with Python and JAX.
  • At least two years of relevant software development experience.
Preferred Qualifications
  • Familiarity with computational biology models such as chemical reaction networks, differential equations, and reaction-diffusion systems.
  • Strong analytical, quantitative, and problem-solving skills.
  • Excellent written communication skills.
  • Ability to work productively without close supervision.
Required Documents
  • Resume.

Hiring Range
$69,100 to $92,100 per year
The salary of the finalist(s) selected for this role will be set based on a variety of factors, including but not limited to, internal equity, experience, education, specialty and training.
As one of the largest employers in Pasadena, CA, Caltech is committed to providing comprehensive benefits to eligible employees and their eligible dependents. Our benefits package includes competitive compensation, health, dental, and vision insurance, retirement savings plans, generous paid time off (vacation, holidays, sick time, parental leave, bereavement, etc.), tuition reimbursement, and more. Non-benefit eligible employees will have access to some benefits such as onsite counseling and sick time. Learn more about our benefits and staff perks.
EEO Statement
We are an equal opportunity employer and all qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to age, race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, or national origin, disability status, protected veteran status, or any other characteristic protected by law.
Caltech is a VEVRAA Federal Contractor.
To read more Equal Employment Opportunity (EEO) go to eeoc_self_print_poster.pdf.
Disability Accommodations
Caltech complies with the Fair Employment and Housing Act (FEHA) and the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA). We consider reasonable accommodation measures that may be necessary for eligible applicants and employees to perform the essential functions of a position.
If you would like to request an accommodation to complete this application, interview, or otherwise participate in the employee selection process, please contact Caltech Recruiting at employment@caltech.edu.
Additionally, if you do not meet the basic qualifications of a role but believe you can perform the essential functions of the job with reasonable accommodation, please reach out to Caltech Recruiting at employment@caltech.edu.

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