Principal Software Development Engineer

Role Overview

As a Principal Software Developer in Test, you will be responsible for test design, development, automation, deployment, execution, and reporting. Specifically, you will develop an integrated hardware‑software framework for end‑to‑end test automation that leverages a third‑party Hardware‑in‑the‑Loop solution. In this role, you will represent quality engineering and verification on behalf of your team in all events and activities related to this effort, working closely with software and hardware engineers across multiple global locations.

• Develop solutions for Hardware‑in‑the‑Loop testing for end‑to‑end testing of embedded instrument software
• Author and confirm correctness of requirements‑driven tests, covering aspects including testing approaches (exploratory, white‑box, black‑box, etc.), testing level (end‑to‑end, system, integration, unit, etc.) and testing types (functional, performance, scalability, etc.)
• Automate and execute front‑end and back‑end tests, covering instrument software and web applications
• Automate deployment and testing pipelines across branches and stages
• Report quality metrics and enhance quality dashboards
• Perform root cause analysis of defects and discoveries
• Develop automation frameworks and validate automation tool chains
• Ensure regulatory compliance of quality engineering deliverables
• Partner with Test Architects, Test Leads, and Verification & Validation Leads on best practices
• Collaborate with designers, architects, developers, system engineers and testers on product development
• Participate in all development events and guide junior testing team members as needed

Potentially utilized technologies include C++, Java, Cucumber (Behavior‑Driven Development), Gherkin, Playwright, Windows, Cypress/JDI/Selenium/Web Driver/TestNG, Typescript/Java script, Angular, Docker, Jenkins, Groovy, Bash, Jira, Github, Confluence, Google Suite, macOS/Linux, MS SQL, Vector HIL Solutions.

• Bachelor’s or advanced degree in Computer Science, Mathematics, Physics, Electrical Engineering or related; equivalent combination of education and experience may be considered, with three years of experience for each missing year of education
• 10+ years of related experience or equivalent in Java, Java script, C++/Object‑oriented programming, software architecture, networking, distributed systems, and/or UNIX/NT development
• Minimum 5 years of software development experience with exposure to instrument control programming
• 4+ years of experience in quality engineering or similar field
• Expert knowledge of core software engineering concepts, object‑oriented programming, and the software development life cycle
• Experience in regulated industries, specifically Medical Devices/Digital Health/Lifesciences (preferred)
• Strong experience or exposure to programming proficiency in C++, Java, and Python; multi‑threaded programming, real‑time control algorithms, concurrent systems; message passing design patterns; automation of front‑end and back‑end applications; automation frameworks and corresponding languages; deployment on Unix derivatives;
  Behavior‑Driven Development and Gherkin specifications;
  Agile methodologies including Scrum and Scaled Agile Framework; databases including writing queries
• Excellent analytical and problem‑solving skills, proven ability to debug complex issues at the software/hardware interface
• Excellent communication skills, both written and oral

This role combines software testing responsibilities with hands‑on interaction in a lab environment where medical device systems are built, integrated, and verified. While many tasks—such as test planning, automation development, and documentation—are completed in an office setting, a significant portion involves executing and troubleshooting software tests directly on physical hardware. Candidates should be comfortable working around electromechanical systems and automated instruments.

This position is based in Santa Clara, CA. Relocation benefits are not available.

The expected salary range for this position based on the primary location of Santa Clara…