Software Engineer - Lab Automation Instrument; -Device Systems​/Temp

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

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!

• 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

• 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

• 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

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

• 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/Git Hub
• Strong problem-solving skills and ability to work in a multidisciplinary team

• 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

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…