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Scientific Software Jobs in California (NOW HIRING)

Caltech

Scientific Software Developer

Pasadena, CA · On-site

$69K - $92K/yr

  • Medical

  • Dental

  • Vision

  • Retirement

  • PTO

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 ...

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Scientific Software information

See California salary details

$82.4K

$101.2K

$133.7K

How much do scientific software jobs pay per year?

As of Aug 18, 2026, the average yearly pay for scientific software in California is $101,157.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $88,800.00 and $113,500.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What is a scientific software developer?

A scientific software developer is a professional who designs, creates, and maintains software tools and applications used for scientific research and data analysis. These developers work closely with scientists and researchers to translate complex scientific problems into computational solutions. Their work often involves programming, algorithm development, and optimizing code for high-performance computing environments. Scientific software developers play a critical role in fields like physics, biology, chemistry, and engineering by enabling researchers to process and visualize large datasets, simulate experiments, and gain insights from data.

How does a scientific software professional typically collaborate with domain scientists and research teams?

Scientific Software professionals often work closely with domain scientists, researchers, and data analysts to develop and maintain tools that enable scientific discovery. Collaboration usually involves requirements gathering, iterative feedback on prototypes, and integrating scientific algorithms into user-friendly applications. Effective communication skills are crucial, as you’ll be translating complex scientific needs into robust, efficient code and ensuring the software meets both research objectives and usability standards. Team environments tend to be interdisciplinary, offering the opportunity to learn from experts in various scientific fields while contributing your technical expertise.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive in scientific software roles, and why are they important?

To excel in Scientific Software roles, you need a strong background in computer science, mathematics, or a scientific discipline, along with demonstrated programming proficiency (often in Python, C++, or MATLAB). Familiarity with version control systems (like Git), scientific computing libraries, and sometimes specialized tools (e.g., HPC clusters or cloud platforms) is typically expected. Strong analytical thinking, problem-solving, and effective communication skills help bridge the gap between scientific users and technical implementation. These skills ensure the creation of robust, efficient, and user-friendly software that accelerates scientific research and discovery.

What is the difference between Scientific Software vs Data Analyst?

AspectScientific SoftwareData Analyst
Required CredentialsTypically requires degrees in science, engineering, or computer science; coding skillsUsually requires degrees in statistics, mathematics, or related fields; strong analytical skills
Work EnvironmentResearch labs, scientific institutions, academia, industry R&DBusiness, finance, healthcare, marketing sectors
Employer & Industry UsageUsed by scientists and engineers for simulations, modeling, data analysisUsed by companies for data interpretation, reporting, decision-making

Scientific Software professionals focus on developing and utilizing specialized tools for scientific research and simulations, often working in research environments. Data Analysts interpret data to inform business decisions across various industries. While both roles require analytical skills and familiarity with data, Scientific Software roles emphasize scientific computing and programming, whereas Data Analysts focus on data interpretation and visualization.

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

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

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

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

Scientific Software jobs near you
Infographic showing various Scientific Software 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 $101,157 per year, or $48.6 per hour.

Scientific Software Developer

Caltech

Pasadena, CA • On-site

$69K - $92K/yr

Full-time

Medical, Dental, Vision, Retirement, PTO

Posted 5 days ago

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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