Senior Staff Software EngineerPicarro is seeking a Senior Staff Software Engineer to take a leading role in architecting and developing the low-level software that powers our advanced Cavity Ring-Down Spectroscopy (CRDS) instrumentation.In this role, you'll serve as a hands-on technical leader—defining system architecture, driving implementation of software on multi-compute platforms, and ensuring seamless integration between FPGA and microcontroller firmware and higher-level software. Your focus will be on PCIe driver development to enable communication between the Linux operating systems and Picarro's proprietary mixed analog and digital hardware devices, utilizing Linux kernel-level tools to manage hardware registers, DMA, and interrupts, to enable highly performant continuous spectrometer operation. You'll influence design decisions across teams, mentor engineers, and help shape the future of Picarro's firmware and software stack.This position is ideal for an experienced engineer who thrives at the intersection of hardware, firmware, and software—someone who brings both strategic vision and strong technical execution.Key ResponsibilitiesTechnical Leadership & ArchitectureLead the architecture, design, and implementation of Linux-based systems, including device drivers, services, and communication interfacesDefine and maintain system-level interfaces between firmware, FPGA modules, and high-level applicationsDrive platform-level decisions related to performance, reliability, scalability, and maintainabilityChampion best practices for software design, code quality, and modular architectureHands-On Software DevelopmentDevelop robust, high-performance C/C++ code for Linux.Experience with real-time operating systems is desirable.Contribute to board bring-up, hardware abstraction layers, and low-level device integrationTroubleshoot complex system-level issues spanning hardware, firmware, and software boundariesImplement comprehensive unit and system-level testing to ensure high product reliabilityCross-Functional CollaborationWork closely with hardware, firmware, and application teams to deliver cohesive system solutionsPartner with product and systems engineering teams to evaluate trade-offs and optimize designsEngage with external vendors or consultants for specialized firmware and driver componentsMentorship & Technical InfluenceMentor engineers in advanced embedded development techniques and system design principlesServe as a subject matter expert and thought leader within the embedded systems domainInfluence technical direction and elevate engineering standards across the organizationEngineering Process & QualityDrive adoption of modern embedded development practices, including CI/CD, automated testing, and version controlParticipate in and lead technical reviews—ensuring architectural integrity and alignment with long-term goalsEnsure compliance with internal quality metrics and external regulatory standardsQualificationsEducation & ExperienceBS/MS in Computer Engineering, Electrical Engineering, Computer Science, or a related field12+ years of experience in embedded systems software design and development, with proven success delivering complex, production-grade systemsDemonstrated experience leading major technical initiatives or system architectures within embedded platforms or instrumentationTechnical ExpertiseExpert in C/C++ programming for embedded Linux and/or real-time systemsDeep understanding of Linux kernel, device drivers, and hardware bring-upExperience with communication with embedded HW and FW, including microcontrollers and FPGAsExperience with Python, including bindings to C / C++, middleware development, and scripting for automation and testingExtensive experience with PCIe device driver development, including FW integration, register mapping, DMA, and interrupts.Experience with system-level performance tuning, debugging, and optimizationProficient with modern tools: Git, Jira, CI/CD pipelines, and embedded debugging environmentsSoft Skills & LeadershipStrong ability to lead by influence—aligning teams around technical direction without formal management authorityExcellent communication and documentation skills across technical and non-technical stakeholdersStrategic thinker with a hands-on approach to problem-solvingPreferred QualificationsExperience developing software for laser-based systems, analytical instrumentation, or similar complex hardware platformsKnowledge of software compliance and regulatory requirementsPrior experience improving system-level design processes and mentoring teams on scalable low-level and mixed firmware/software architecturesThe base salary range for this full-time position is $200K to $220K.
Our total compensation packages include base salary, bonus eligibility, and equity. Your base salary range and title will be determined based on the location, experience, qualifications, skills, knowledge, level, and pay of employees in similar positions.We offer a comprehensive benefit package including:Medical, Dental, and Vision insuranceFlexible Spending Account (FSA) and Health Savings Account (HSA) plansLife, Short-Term Disability, and Long-Term Disability InsurancePaid Time Off and Paid HolidaysEmployee Referral Program401KSocial events (summer picnic, holiday party, team lunches, etc.)On-site Health & Wellness programs (fitness challenges, outdoor bootcamp, flu-shots, etc.)About PicarroWe are the world's leader in timely, trusted, and actionable data using enhanced optical spectroscopy. Our solutions are used in a wide variety of applications, including natural gas leak detection, ethylene oxide emissions monitoring, semiconductor fabrication, pharmaceutical, petrochemical, atmospheric science, air quality, greenhouse gas measurements, food safety, hydrology, ecology, and more.
Our software and hardware are designed and manufactured in Santa Clara, California and are used in over 90 countries worldwide based on over 65 patents related to cavity ring-down spectroscopy (CRDS) technology and are unparalleled in their precision, ease of use, and reliability.At Picarro, we are committed to fostering a diverse and inclusive workplace. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, sex, color, religion, national origin, protected veteran status, gender identity, social orientation, or disability. Posted positions are not open to third-party recruiters/agencies, and unsolicited resume submissions will be considered free referrals.At Picarro, we strive to ensure that all individuals, regardless of their abilities, have equal opportunities.
If you are an individual with a disability and require reasonable accommodation to complete any part of the application process or are limited in the ability or unable to access or use this online application process and need an alternative method for applying, please contact Picarro, Inc. at for assistance.