Senior Software Engineer Jobs in California (NOW HIRING)

Job Title: Senior Software Engineer

Job Description

This Senior Software Engineer role focuses on designing, developing, and supporting advanced software applications for complex automated and industrial systems. You will primarily develop Windows desktop applications in C++ and C#, integrating software with hardware such as motors, sensors, vision systems, robotics, and other electromechanical components. The position requires strong technical leadership, hands-on involvement throughout the full product lifecycle, and experience with industrial communication protocols and motion control or automation equipment.

Responsibilities

• Design, develop, and maintain Windows desktop applications using C++ as the primary programming language and C# where appropriate.
• Develop software for machine control and automation equipment, ensuring reliable and precise control of complex industrial systems.
• Integrate software with hardware components, including motors, sensors, vision systems, robotics, and other electromechanical devices.
• Work with industrial communication protocols such as CANopen or EtherCAT to enable robust communication between software and industrial equipment.
• Support highly automated equipment used in semiconductor, medical device, aerospace, or advanced manufacturing environments.
• Lead technical projects by providing architectural guidance, making design decisions, and ensuring implementation aligns with system requirements.
• Mentor and support other engineers by reviewing code, sharing best practices, and fostering strong engineering standards.
• Participate in the full product lifecycle, including new product development, system integration, deployment, and sustaining engineering for existing products.
• Develop and maintain large-scale PC-based software applications that interface with complex physical machinery and equipment.
• Validate and test software directly on physical machinery or automated equipment to ensure performance, reliability, and safety.
• Troubleshoot and resolve software issues on complex physical machinery and equipment, including diagnosing integration and performance problems.
• Apply object-oriented programming principles and modern software design methodologies to create maintainable, scalable, and robust solutions.
• Use source control and project management tools such as Git, Jira, Microsoft Project, or similar platforms to manage code, tasks, and project timelines.
• Collaborate with cross-functional teams, including hardware, systems, and test engineers, to ensure seamless system integration and successful deployment.
• Contribute to continuous improvement of development processes, testing practices, and overall software quality.

Essential Skills

• Bachelor's degree in Engineering, Computer Science, Software Engineering, or a related technical discipline.
• 7–10+ years of professional software engineering experience.
• Strong proficiency in C++ development, with C++ serving as the primary programming language.
• Experience developing applications in both C++ and C# environments.
• Experience developing Windows desktop applications.
• Experience developing and maintaining large-scale PC-based software applications.
• Experience with machine control and automation equipment.
• Hands-on experience integrating software with hardware systems and equipment, including motors, sensors, vision systems, robotics, and other electromechanical components.
• Experience validating and testing software directly on physical machinery or automated equipment.
• Experience working with automated equipment, robotics, motion control systems, industrial automation, semiconductor equipment, medical device manufacturing equipment, or aerospace systems.
• Experience working with industrial communication protocols such as CANopen or EtherCAT.
• Strong understanding of object-oriented programming principles and software design methodologies.
• Strong understanding of the software development lifecycle, including system integration, testing, and deployment processes.
• Proven ability to troubleshoot and resolve software issues on complex physical machinery and equipment.
• Experience using source control and project management tools such as Git, Jira, Microsoft Project, or similar platforms.
• Demonstrated technical leadership experience, including mentoring engineers, leading projects, or serving as a team lead.

Additional Skills & Qualifications

• Background in motion control, robotics, machine automation, or other complex industrial control systems.
• Experience developing software for highly automated equipment within semiconductor, medical device, aerospace, or advanced manufacturing environments.
• Familiarity with integrating software with motors, sensors, vision systems, robotics, and other electromechanical components.
• Experience supporting products throughout the full lifecycle, including new product development, system integration, deployment, and sustaining engineering.
• Experience with Windows application development and hardware integration in industrial or automation contexts.
• Ability to work effectively in cross-functional engineering teams and communicate complex technical concepts clearly.

Work Environment

The role centers on developing and supporting Windows-based desktop applications that interface directly with complex automated and industrial equipment. You will work closely with physical machinery, including motion control systems, robotics, sensors, vision systems, and other electromechanical components, and will frequently validate and test software on actual equipment. The environment emphasizes highly automated systems used in industries such as semiconductor, medical device, aerospace, and advanced manufacturing. Modern software development tools, including source control and project management platforms such as Git, Jira, and Microsoft Project or similar tools, support day-to-day work. The position typically follows standard professional working hours, with additional hands-on time in lab or production areas as needed for integration, testing, and troubleshooting. Dress expectations align with a professional engineering setting and may include additional safety or lab attire when working around machinery or in controlled manufacturing areas.

This is a Permanent position based out of Poway, CA.

The pay range for this position is $113000.00 - $170000.00/yr.

Individual compensation offered for this position within this range will depend on many factors, including qualifications, skills, relevant experience, job knowledge, geographic location, internal equity, and other pertinent job-related factors.

401(k) with company match5% annual profit sharing

This is a fully onsite position in Poway,CA.

This position is anticipated to close on Sep 7, 2026.

About Actalent

Actalent is a global leader in engineering and sciences services and talent solutions. We help visionary companies advance their engineering and science initiatives through access to specialized experts who drive scale, innovation and speed to market. With a network of almost 20,000 consultants and 5,000 clients across the U.S., Canada, Asia and Europe, Actalent serves many of the Fortune 500. We are proud to be an Engineering News-Record (ENR) Top 500 Design Firm for our engineering design services and a ClearlyRated Best of Staffing® winner for both client and talent service.

The company is an equal opportunity employer and will consider all applications withoutregard to race, sex, age, color, religion, national origin, veteran status, disability,sexual orientation, gender identity, genetic information or any characteristic protectedby law.

If you would like to request a reasonable accommodation, such as the modification oradjustment of the job application process or interviewing process due to a disability,please email actalentaccommodation@actalentservices.com for other accommodation options.

San Francisco Fair Chance Ordinance:Pursuant to the San Francisco Fair Chance Ordinance, for all positions located in thecity and county of San Francisco, we will consider for employment qualified applicantswith arrest and conviction records.

Massachusetts Lie Detector:It is unlawful in Massachusetts to require or administer a lie detector test as acondition of employment or continued employment. An employer who violates this lawshall be subject to criminal penalties and civil liability.

Use of Artificial Intelligence (AI):We may use Artificial Intelligence (AI) to support parts of our hiring process,including sourcing, screening, and evaluating candidates. AI helps assess applicationsand qualifications, but final decisions are made by our hiring team. By applying, youacknowledge and agree that your application may be reviewed using AI tools.