Software Engineer – Lab Automation Instrument (On-Device Systems) / Temp-to-Hire

Job Summary:

Zymo Research is looking for a dynamic individual to join our Software Engineering team! In this role, you will play a vital part in developing software that runs directly on lab benchtop devices used for laboratory automation workflows, utilizing your skills and expertise in full-stack software development, user interface design, workflow logic, and hardware control. Your contributions will ensure the delivery of reliable, integrated on-device software solutions to internal teams and key stakeholders, while bridging software and hardware to support real-world biotech applications.

Join us in making a meaningful impact!

Essential Duties and Responsibilities

On-Device Application Development (Primary Focus)

Design and implement software that runs locally on the instrument, including:
Workflow execution for lab protocols (e.g., magnetic bead handling, liquid handling)
State management and control logic for device operations
Data handling, logging, and error reporting
Develop application logic using Python & Java Script (preferred) and/or C/C++ (as applicable to system architecture)
Modular, maintainable software design for long-running processes

User Interface (Touchscreen UI/UX)

Build and maintain an intuitive touchscreen interface for lab users
Design UI flows for:
Protocol setup and execution
Status monitoring and alerts
Error handling and recovery
Work with frameworks such as Qt, PyQt, or similar embedded UI technologies (web frameworks optional but not primary)
Implement local data persistence for protocol files and support seamless protocol retrieval and rerun on the instrument

Hardware & Motion Control Integration

Interface directly with hardware components, including:
Develop software that integrates:
UI layer
Application/workflow logic
Hardware control interfaces
Ensure reliable operation of the full system in a lab environment
Optimize performance for responsiveness and stability on embedded/edge hardware

Software Quality & Development Practices

Write unit and integration tests where applicable
Use Git/GitHub for version control, code reviews, and release management
Support software update mechanisms (e.g., versioned releases via GitHub)
Maintain clean, readable, and well-documented code

Education and Experience:

Bachelor’s degree in Computer Science, Software Engineering, Computer Engineering, or related field
2–3 years of professional software development experience
Strong Experience with Python (or similar language); Building applications (not limited to web; desktop or embedded preferred)
Experience working with: Hardware interfaces, serial communication, or device I/O (GPIO, UART, I2C, etc.) and debugging complex systems involving both software and hardware.
Familiarity with Git/GitHub
Strong problem-solving skills and ability to work in a multidisciplinary team

Preferred Qualifications

Experience with: Embedded Linux systems or single-board computers (e.g., Raspberry Pi), Motion control systems (motors, drivers, sequencing), Touchscreen UI frameworks (Qt, PyQt, or similar).
Exposure to: Lab automation, biotech instruments, or fluidics systems; Real-time or near-real-time system behavior: Designing software for physical systems rather than purely digital product.
Familiarity with IoT devices and basic networking concepts is preferred
Experience with RESTful APIs is a plus
Basic frontend/web experience (useful for UI concepts, but not a primary focus)
Experience with data visualization or simple dashboards on-device
Familiarity with software update/versioning systems for deployed devices

About Us:

Since its inception in 1994, Zymo Research has been proudly serving the scientific community by providing innovative, reliable, and high-quality research tools and products. Whether it's DNA, RNA, epigenetics, microbiomics, protein, or yeast-based research, our philosophy remains the same: To provide the highest quality products in the industry while ensuring they are both simple to use and reliable in their performance.

Recognized as a Top Workplace by the Orange County Register in 2021, 2022, and named a Top Workplace USA in 2023, Zymo Research continues to be a vibrant community where employees thrive, feel connected, and are inspired by their work. If you are passionate about contributing to scientific advancement and want to be part of an exceptional team in a dynamic, growing company, we'd love to hear from you!

Compensation, Benefits, and Perks:

The estimated base compensation range for this position is $90,000-115,000 at the time of posting. Actual compensation details will be provided in writing at the time of offer, if applicable, and is based on several factors we believe fairly and accurately impact compensation, including geographic location, experience, knowledge, skills, abilities, and other job permitted factors.

Zymo Research also offers competitive benefits and perks including:

Medical, Dental, Vision, and Life Insurance Coverages
EAP Sessions
Vacation Time plus Company Holidays
Paid Sick Leave
Generous 401(K) with matching
Employee Referral Bonus
Complimentary fruit, snacks, and beverages
Complimentary catered lunches on Thursdays
Complimentary EV Charging

Equal Employment Opportunity Employer:

Zymo Research welcomes candidates of all backgrounds. These include sex, age, color, race, religion, marital status, national origin, ancestry, sexual orientation, gender, gender identity, gender expression, physical & mental disability, medical condition, genetic information, military and veteran status, or any other protected status as defined by federal, state, or local law.

Location:

OnSite – Zymo Research Operations - 17062 Murphy Ave., Irvine, CA 92614

Disclaimer: At Zymo, we take the integrity of our hiring process seriously. Please be aware of fraudulent recruitment activities that may use our name to deceive job seekers. We will never ask for payment, sensitive personal information, or financial details during the recruitment process.

All legitimate communications will come from an official Zymo or TriNet Hiring email address. If you are contacted by anyone claiming to represent us using a free email service (e.g., Gmail, Yahoo, Hotmail) or asking for payment, please treat this as fraudulent and report it immediately to jobs@zymoresearch.com

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