Principal Software Development Engineer

F. Hoffmann-La Roche AG; California (MO); On-site; USD 165,800 - 307,900; Full time

Job summary

F. Hoffmann-La Roche AG is looking for a Principal Software Developer in Test to design and develop test automation solutions for medical devices. You'll work in a dynamic lab environment, engaging with software and hardware teams to ensure quality engineering standards.

The ideal candidate has extensive experience in software development, particularly in C++ and Java, and has a deep understanding of quality engineering in regulated industries.

Qualifications

• 10+ years of related experience in software development.
• 4+ years in quality engineering or similar field.
• Excellent analytical and problem-solving skills.

Responsibilities

• Develop solutions for Hardware-in-the-Loop testing.
• Author and confirm requirements-driven tests.
• Automate and execute front-end and back-end tests.

Skills

C++

Java

Python

Behavior-Driven Development

Agile methodologies

Automation frameworks

Education

Bachelor’s or advanced degree in Computer Science, Mathematics, Physics, Electrical Engineering

Tools

Docker

Jenkins

Selenium

Jira

GitHub

Job description

Role Overview

As a Principal Software Developer in Test, you will be responsible for test design, development, automation, deployment, execution, and reporting. Specifically, you will develop an integrated hardware‑software framework for end‑to‑end test automation that leverages a third‑party Hardware‑in‑the‑Loop solution. In this role, you will represent quality engineering and verification on behalf of your team in all events and activities related to this effort, working closely with software and hardware engineers across multiple global locations.

Responsibilities

• Develop solutions for Hardware‑in‑the‑Loop testing for end‑to‑end testing of embedded instrument software
• Author and confirm correctness of requirements‑driven tests, covering aspects including testing approaches (exploratory, white‑box, black‑box, etc.), testing level (end‑to‑end, system, integration, unit, etc.) and testing types (functional, performance, scalability, etc.)
• Automate and execute front‑end and back‑end tests, covering instrument software and web applications
• Automate deployment and testing pipelines across branches and stages
• Report quality metrics and enhance quality dashboards
• Perform root cause analysis of defects and discoveries
• Develop automation frameworks and validate automation toolchains
• Ensure regulatory compliance of quality engineering deliverables
• Partner with Test Architects, Test Leads, and Verification & Validation Leads on best practices
• Collaborate with designers, architects, developers, system engineers and testers on product development
• Participate in all development events and guide junior testing team members as needed

Technology Skills

Potentially utilized technologies include C++, Java, Cucumber (Behavior‑Driven Development), Gherkin, Playwright, Windows, Cypress/JDI/Selenium/WebDriver/TestNG, Typescript/Javascript, Angular, Docker, Jenkins, Groovy, Bash, Jira, Github, Confluence, Google Suite, macOS/Linux, MS SQL, Vector HIL Solutions.

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s or advanced degree in Computer Science, Mathematics, Physics, Electrical Engineering or related; equivalent combination of education and experience may be considered, with three years of experience for each missing year of education
• 10+ years of related experience or equivalent in Java, Javascript, C++/Object‑oriented programming, software architecture, networking, distributed systems, and/or UNIX/NT development
• Minimum 5 years of software development experience with exposure to instrument control programming
• 4+ years of experience in quality engineering or similar field
• Expert knowledge of core software engineering concepts, object‑oriented programming, and the software development life cycle
• Experience in regulated industries, specifically Medical Devices/Digital Health/Lifesciences (preferred)
• Strong experience or exposure to programming proficiency in C++, Java, and Python; multi‑threaded programming, real‑time control algorithms, concurrent systems; message passing design patterns; automation of front‑end and back‑end applications; automation frameworks and corresponding languages; deployment on Unix derivatives; Behavior‑Driven Development and Gherkin specifications; Agile methodologies including Scrum and Scaled Agile Framework; databases including writing queries
• Excellent analytical and problem‑solving skills, proven ability to debug complex issues at the software/hardware interface
• Excellent communication skills, both written and oral

Work Environment and Role Expectations

This role combines software testing responsibilities with hands‑on interaction in a lab environment where medical device systems are built, integrated, and verified. While many tasks—such as test planning, automation development, and documentation—are completed in an office setting, a significant portion involves executing and troubleshooting software tests directly on physical hardware. Candidates should be comfortable working around electromechanical systems and automated instruments.

Location

This position is based in Santa Clara, CA. Relocation benefits are not available.

Compensation

The expected salary range for this position based on the primary location of Santa Clara is $165,800 to $307,900. Actual pay will be determined based on experience, qualifications, geographic location, and other job‑related factors permitted by law. A discretionary annual bonus may be available based on individual and Company performance.

Benefits

This position also qualifies for the benefits detailed at the link provided below.

Equal Opportunity Employer

Roche is an equal opportunity employer. It is our policy and practice to employ, promote, and otherwise treat any and all employees and applicants on the basis of merit, qualifications, and competence. The company’s policy prohibits unlawful discrimination, including but not limited to discrimination on the basis of Protected Veteran status, individuals with disabilities status, and consistent with all federal, state, or local laws. If you have a disability and need an accommodation in relation to the online application process, please contact us by completing this form Accommodations for Applicants.