Senior Embedded Software Engineer - Contract

Cytovale; South San Francisco (CA); On-site; USD 140,000 - 190,000; Full time

Job summary

Cytovale in South San Francisco seeks a Senior Embedded Software Engineer on a contract basis to contribute across the IntelliSep software platform. You’ll design and maintain embedded code in C++ on Linux, advance platform modernization, and help shape software architecture.

Responsibilities include developing Python tools, CI/CD pipelines, V&V, and documentation. You’ll collaborate with hardware teams on imaging, motion control, and sensors while ensuring regulatory quality systems compliance.

Qualifications

• BS or MS in Computer Engineering, Electrical Engineering, Computer Science, or equivalent.
• 8+ years of embedded software experience for complex electromechanical systems.
• Expert-level C++ on Linux with multi-threading and performance optimization.
• Experience integrating and debugging instrumentation (motion control, imaging, sensors, networking) using oscilloscopes and logic analyzers.
• Strong Python programming skills.
• Experience building CI/CD infrastructure, cross-compilation environments, and automated verification workflows.
• Experience authoring software requirements, architecture documents, and design specifications.
• Proven ability to independently troubleshoot cross-disciplinary issues with strong communication.

Responsibilities

• Design, implement, and maintain embedded software in modern C++ across IntelliSep platforms on Linux.
• Support platform modernization, OS upgrades, toolchain updates, and software infrastructure improvements.
• Develop Python-based tools, build systems, and CI/CD pipelines for V&V, manufacturing, service, and data workflows.
• Troubleshoot complex issues spanning software, firmware, OS, networking, and instrument hardware.
• Design and maintain interfaces between instrument subsystems (imaging, motion control, sensing, software services).
• Write and maintain software requirements, architecture/design specs, and quality lifecycle artifacts.
• Contribute to software V&V, cybersecurity maintenance, vulnerability remediation, risk management, and secure development.
• Share knowledge through documentation, architecture reviews, and mentorship.

Skills

C++ programming

Python programming

Linux

CI/CD

Multithreading

Debugging hardware

Software architecture

Education

Bachelor's / Master in CE / EE / CS

Tools

Oscilloscopes

Logic analyzers

Docker

Containerization

CI tooling

Job description

Senior Embedded Software Engineer - Contract

Cytovale | Software & Data Systems

Department: Software & Data Systems

Reports To: Senior Engineering Manager, Software & Data

About Cytovale

Cytovale is a medical diagnostics company whose FDA‑cleared IntelliSep® test enables rapid sepsis risk assessment in the emergency department. Our instrument combines microfluidic sample preparation, high‑speed imaging, real‑time image analysis, and advanced software to deliver clinically actionable results in minutes. We develop and maintain this technology under a regulated quality system compliant with FDA design controls, IEC 62304, ISO 13485, and modern cybersecurity expectations.

The Role

We are seeking a hands‑on Senior Embedded Software Engineer to work on a contractual basis, contributing across the IntelliSep software platform, including the Sample Preparation Module (SPM), Cell Imaging Module (CIM), and Image Analysis Module (IAM). You will go beyond traditional embedded development by supporting Linux‑based embedded platforms, software architecture, OS upgrades, and development infrastructure.

What You’ll Do

• Design, implement, and maintain embedded software in modern C++ across IntelliSep instrument platforms and Linux‑based systems.
• Support platform modernization efforts, including embedded OS upgrades, toolchain updates, and software infrastructure improvements.
• Develop Python‑based tools, build systems, and CI/CD pipelines to support verification and validation (V&V), manufacturing, service, and data workflows.
• Troubleshoot complex issues spanning software, firmware, operating systems, networking, and instrument hardware.
• Design and maintain interfaces between instrument subsystems, including imaging, motion control, sensing, and software services.
• Author and maintain software requirements, architecture/design specifications, and quality system lifecycle artifacts.
• Contribute to software V&V, cybersecurity maintenance, vulnerability remediation, risk management, and secure product development activities.
• Distribute engineering knowledge through documentation, architecture reviews, and mentorship.

Required Qualifications

• BS or MS in Computer Engineering, Electrical Engineering, Computer Science, or equivalent industry experience.
• 8+ years of experience developing embedded software for complex electromechanical systems.
• Expert‑level C++ programming on Linux‑based systems, with strong multi‑threading and performance‑optimization experience.
• Experience integrating and debugging complex instrumentation (motion control, imaging, sensors, networking) using equipment like oscilloscopes and logic analyzers.
• Strong Python programming skills.
• Experience developing and maintaining CI/CD infrastructure, cross‑compilation environments, and automated verification workflows.
• Experience authoring software requirements, architecture documents, and design specifications.
• Demonstrated ability to independently troubleshoot cross‑disciplinary issues with excellent written and verbal communication skills.

Preferred Qualifications

• Experience developing medical device software under FDA design controls, IEC 62304, ISO 13485, and risk management frameworks.
• Hands‑on embedded Linux experience, including OS interfaces, deployment, debugging, and lifecycle maintenance.
• Experience with Docker, containerized build environments, and infrastructure automation.
• Experience with distributed embedded systems architecture, configuration management, and regulated development processes.
• Experience supporting cybersecurity deliverables (SBOM generation, vulnerability management, penetration testing remediation).
• Experience with image acquisition, computer vision, image processing, or scientific instrumentation.