What you'll do:

• Design, build, test, and maintain software solutions, tools and scripts to run physical automation systems
• Implement feedback control loops, data smoothing algorithms, and graceful failure modes
• Develop process-aware automation workflows tailored for bioreactor and upstream cell culture systems
• Quickly prototype proof-of-concept systems and evaluate technical feasibility
• Balance technical performance, complexity, and reliability
• Work cross-functionally to develop and maintain automation systems, including user testing and feedback, training, and documentation
• Collaborate with end-users, other software engineers, and mechanical engineers to understand design requirements and implement feedback
• Partner with scientists and process engineers to translate bio-process requirements (e.g., pH, DO, temperature, agitation, feeding strategies) into software and control logic
• Participate in design reviews across the whole software team
• Work on multiple projects simultaneously
• Mentor more junior engineers and provide guidance on best practices

Basic Qualifications:

• Bachelor’s or Master’s degree in Computer Science, Engineering, or a related field
• 8+ years overall experience in software engineering, with exposure to automation, cloud systems, or connected hardware
• 5+ years of experience building enterprise or cloud software
• Strong programming skills in Python and familiarity with tools like Docker and Infrastructure as Code
• Understanding of sensors, actuators, pumps, and data acquisition systems relevant to process automation
• Ability to bridge complex workflows with hardware/software implementation to enable scalable automation (background in life sciences or bioprocessing is a plus, but not required)
• Strong communicator, comfortable working in a small, collaborative, multidisciplinary team

Preferred Qualifications:

• Experience developing software that interfaces with hardware systems, such as working with embedded code, PLCs, or integrating sensors and instruments
• Familiarity with laboratory or pilot-scale equipment (e.g., bioreactors, fermenters, or other process systems) — or strong interest in learning about these domains
• Exposure to process data (e.g., pH, DO, temperature, feed strategies) and ability to apply domain knowledge—or willingness to grow in this area—to automation software
• Comfortable with development best practices such as continuous integration and automated testing
• Familiarity with AWS or other cloud platforms and connected edge devices
• Proven ability to take a thoughtful, pragmatic, and efficient approach to problem solving
• Passionate about up-leveling yourself and those around you through curiosity, mentorship, and fostering a collaborative and inclusive team environment
• Awareness of regulated or quality-driven environments (e.g., GLP/GMP, ISO), or interest in learning about compliance considerations in automation systems

In return, we will support you by:

• Placing a high degree of trust in your ideas and execution.
• Making ourselves available for collaboration.
• Caring about you as a whole person.
• Supporting your personal and professional growth.

Why Join Us?

• Hands-on experience in testing a cloud-based biotech platform.
• Work closely with a small, passionate team of experienced developers.
• Gain exposure to modern software testing practices and cloud technologies.
• Contribute to software that has a direct impact on biotech and research innovation.

Location & Schedule:

• This is a hybrid position. We’re looking for someone based in the San Francisco Bay Area who is able to work in person at our office in South San Francisco at least 3 days per week.

Base Salary Range:

• Culture Biosciences's compensation package includes market competitive salary, equity for all full time roles, and great benefits. Our expected salary range for this role is $180,000 - $210,000. We are hiring for multiple levels and backgrounds so final offers may vary within the range provided based on experience, expertise, and other factors.