Applied Spectra, Inc. (ASI) is internationally recognized for its expertise in laser-based chemical analysis and the development of advanced analytical instrumentation. ASI's laser-based technologies enable rapid elemental and chemical analysis for research, industrial, and government applications. Our instruments integrate lasers, optics, electronics, motion and control systems, data acquisition, and sophisticated software to deliver powerful analytical capabilities to customers worldwide.  

ASI is seeking a Senior Software Engineer – Scientific Instrumentation to take technical ownership of the software that operates, controls, calibrates, and supports our analytical instruments. This is a hands-on technical position. The successful candidate will develop software, primarily using C#/.NET, while understanding the complete relationship between software, instrument hardware, data acquisition, calibration, data processing, databases, and user applications.  The engineer will also provide technical oversight of software developed by external partners. This includes defining requirements, reviewing architecture and source code, evaluating deliverables, testing software on ASI instruments, and ensuring that external development meets ASI's technical requirements, schedule, and budget.

Key Responsibilities

• Own and advance the software architecture for ASI's scientific instrumentation.
• Design, develop, test, debug, and maintain software using C#/.NET.
• Develop and maintain software for instrument control, data acquisition, calibration, diagnostics, data processing, databases, and user interfaces.
• Integrate software with lasers, detectors, spectrometers, motion systems, electronics, sensors, and other instrument components.
• Develop and maintain hardware interfaces and device drivers; understand and work with C/C++ software where required.
• Establish and maintain software testing, version control, documentation, installation, and release processes.
• Serve as ASI's technical interface with external software developers, including requirements definition, architecture and code review, testing, deliverable evaluation, and technical risk management.
• Work closely with ASI's research, electrical, mechanical, controls, applications, test, manufacturing, and service teams.
• Provide ongoing software support for ASI's instruments and assist with development of next-generation products.

 Required Qualifications

• Bachelor's or Master's degree in Computer Science, Software Engineering, Electrical Engineering, Computer Engineering, or related field; equivalent relevant experience may be considered.
• 5+ years of professional software development experience.
• Strong proficiency in C# and Microsoft .NET/.NET Framework.
• Experience with software architecture and system-level integration.
• Experience developing software that interfaces with hardware or external devices.
• Experience with databases and scientific or technical data.
• Experience with software testing, debugging, and source-control systems such as Git.
• Experience developing Windows applications and installation packages.
• Ability to understand and work with C/C++ code and hardware/software interfaces.
• Strong analytical, troubleshooting, and communication skills.
• Ability to work effectively with multidisciplinary engineering and scientific teams.

Preferred Qualifications

• Experience developing software for scientific, analytical, laboratory, or industrial instrumentation.
• Experience with instrument control, data acquisition, calibration, or device drivers.
• Experience with lasers, spectroscopy, spectrometers, detectors, or other analytical instrumentation.
• Experience with C/C++, microcontrollers, RTOS, communication protocols, or embedded systems.
• Experience with spectral data processing, chemometrics, or machine learning.
• Experience technically managing or overseeing external software developers.
• Experience with Agile/Scrum or other structured software-development methodologies.

Why Join ASI:  This position provides an opportunity to play a central role in the development of sophisticated scientific instrumentation and to establish the software architecture and development capabilities that will support ASI's next generation of products.  The position is based in West Sacramento, California, and works closely with ASI's research, engineering, manufacturing, applications, service, sales, and management teams.