Senior Software Engineer, Scientific Instrumentation

Oxford Instruments Plc; Santa Barbara (CA); Hybrid; USD 150,000 - 180,000; Full time

Job summary

Oxford Instruments Asylum Research in Santa Barbara, CA is seeking a Senior Software Engineer to help develop the next generation of software for AFM systems. This role focuses on scientific instrumentation, hardware integration, automation, and instrument control.

This role requires strong C# development skills and experience building software for complex hardware-based systems such as scientific instruments, semiconductor equipment, robotics, industrial automation, medical devices, or test and

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in Computer Engineering, Electrical Engineering, Physics, or related field.
• 8+ years of professional software development experience.
• Strong C# development experience for hardware-based systems.
• Modern C++ and C++/CLI experience.
• Experience with Protocol Buffers and gRPC.
• Excellent analytical, troubleshooting, and collaboration skills.
• Strong communication skills.

Responsibilities

• Design, develop, test, and maintain software for AFM systems.
• Contribute to the Ergo software platform.
• Develop software for instrument control, automation, and data acquisition.
• Design and implement system integration and remote operation.
• Collaborate with scientists and engineers on capabilities and workflows.
• Troubleshoot complex software, hardware, and system issues.
• Participate in software design and code reviews.
• Mentor junior engineers and promote best practices.

Skills

C# development

Modern C++

C++/CLI

gRPC

Protocol Buffers

Analytical skills

Communication skills

Troubleshooting

Education

Bachelor's degree in Computer Engineering, Electrical Engineering, Physics, or related field

Job description

Job Description

Senior Software Engineer, Scientific Instrumentation

Location: Santa Barbara, CA (Hybrid)

About the Role

Oxford Instruments Asylum Research is seeking a Senior Software Engineer to help develop the next generation of software for our Atomic Force Microscopy (AFM) systems.

This role focuses on scientific instrumentation, hardware integration, automation, and instrument control. You will work closely with scientists, product managers, and engineering teams to develop software that enables advanced nanoscale measurement, automation, and data acquisition capabilities.

The ideal candidate has strong C# development expertise and experience building software for complex hardware-based systems such as scientific instruments, semiconductor equipment, robotics, industrial automation, medical devices, or test and measurement platforms.

Responsibilities

• Design, develop, test, and maintain software for AFM systems (Atomic Force Microscopy Systems.)
• Contribute to the ongoing development of our Ergo software platform.
• Develop software for instrument control, automation, and data acquisition.
• Design and implement system integration and remote operation.
• Collaborate with scientists and engineers to develop new instrument capabilities and measurement workflows.
• Troubleshoot complex software, hardware, and system-level issues.
• Participate in software design and code reviews
• Mentor junior engineers and promote engineering best practices.

Required Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in Computer Engineering, Electrical Engineering, Physics, or a related technical field
• 8+ years of professional software development experience.
• Modern c++ and C++/CLI experience
• Experience with Protocol Buffers / gRPC
• Strong analytical, troubleshooting, and problem-solving skills.
• Excellent communication and collaboration skills.

Preferred Qualifications

• Experience with scientific instrumentation, microscopy, or imaging systems.
• Experience with motion control, sensors, hardware integration, or data acquisition systems.
• Experience with designing and interface specifications.

Compensation

$150,000 - $180,000 annually, depending on qualifications, skills, and experience.