Software Engineer Iii

Software Engineer III – Allen Institute for Brain Science

The mission of the Allen Institute is to unlock the complexities of bioscience and advance our knowledge to improve human health. Using an open science, multi-scale, team-oriented approach, the Allen Institute focuses on accelerating foundational research, developing standards and models, and cultivating new ideas to make a broad, transformational impact on science.

The mission of the Allen Institute for Brain Science is to accelerate the understanding of how the human brain works in health and disease. Using a big science approach, we generate useful public resources, drive technological and analytical advances, and discover fundamental brain properties through integration of experiments, modeling and theory.

We are seeking a Software Engineer to join the engineering team where our remit is to design, build/implement and maintain reliable high-performance instruments, tools and processes for pipeline data generation projects. We are required to coordinate the operation of multiple pieces of scientific instrumentation, encapsulate the complex experimental procedures into easy-to-use software applications and ultimately ensure repeatable acquisition of (petabyte scale) data. Projects are numerous and as a result the software application portfolio is large; the team seeks efficiency using common processes, design paradigms and robust infrastructure. In keeping with our mission, we facilitate the work of others and participate in open-source software initiatives.

As a Software Engineer at the Allen Institute, you will play a pivotal role in bridging the gap between software and hardware, working alongside a team of scientists and engineers to create cutting-edge platforms for scientific research. You will be responsible for designing, developing, and maintaining software that integrates seamlessly with hardware systems in a scientific context. Your work will enable our researchers and scientists to collect, process, and analyze data efficiently, furthering our understanding of complex neuroscience phenomena.

The Allen Institute believes that team science significantly benefits from the participation of diverse voices, experiences, and backgrounds. High-quality science can only be produced when it includes different perspectives. We are committed to increasing diversity across every team and encourage people from all backgrounds to apply for this role.

*** Please provide a cover letter to be considered for this opportunity ***

Essential Functions

• Design, implement, and maintain Python-based software applications to interface with various hardware devices and instruments
• Develop and maintain efficient and reliable data acquisition, control, and analysis tools for scientific experiments and measurements
• Collaborate with cross-functional teams of scientists, engineers, and researchers to understand their hardware integration and application needs and develop software solutions that suit their requirements
• Create documentation and testing suites for software and hardware integration
• Stay up to date with the latest industry trends, best practices, and emerging technologies to ensure the software and hardware integration processes are state-of-the-art

Note: Reasonable accommodation may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions. This description reflects management’s assignment of essential functions; it does not proscribe or restrict the tasks that may be assigned.

Required Education and Experience

• Bachelor's Degree in computer science, or related science/engineering degree; or equivalent combination of degree and experience
• Minimum of 3 years of professional experience as a software developer
• Python expertise and use of related development tools such as pytest, python environments, Conda, devpi, etc.
• Familiarity with and application of standard design principles (OOP, design patterns, etc.)
• Familiarity with and use of version control systems, especially Git

Preferred Experience

• 3 to 5 years of professional experience as a software developer, with a strong focus on hardware integration, particularly in a scientific or interdisciplinary research environment
• Use of Python libraries/frameworks such as Qt for Python, NumPy, SciPy, pandas, and Matplotlib
• Capable of developing in multiple languages (e.g. C++, C#, JavaScript, in addition to Python)
• Development of code in multiple contexts (GUIs, backend server, hardware integration, etc.)
• Collaborative development environment utilizing Git and understanding of various workflow and branching strategies – particularly in Gitlab with Gitlab-ci or similar tools
• Experience in both Windows and Linux environments
• Collaboration with non-engineering teams in the development, deployment, and test of software products
• Experience working in a scientific environment
• Strong problem-solving skills and the ability to work independently and as part of a team
• Excellent communication and documentation skills

Physical Demands

• Occasional lifting to 30 pounds
• Fine motor movements in fingers/hands to operate computers and other office equipment
• Push/pull up to 50 lbs.
• Stooping, bending, crouching

Position Type/Expected Hours of Work

• This role is currently able to work both remotely and onsite in a hybrid work environment – with the majority of the work occurring onsite. We are a Washington State employer, and the primary work location for all Allen Institute employees is 615 Westlake Ave N.; any remote work must be performed in Washington State.

Additional Comments

• **Please note, this opportunity does not sponsor work visas or provide relocation assistance**
• Please provide cover letter with your application

Annualized Salary Range

• $132,750 - $185,850 *

• Final salary depends on the required education for the role, experience, level of skills relevant to the role, and work location, where applicable.

Benefits

• Employees (and their families) are eligible to enroll in benefits per eligibility rules outlined in the Allen Institute’s Benefits Guide. These benefits include medical, dental, vision, and basic life insurance. Employees are also eligible to enroll in the Allen Institute’s 401k plan. Paid time off is also available as outlined in the Allen Institutes Benefits Guide. Details on the Allen Institute’s benefits offering are located at the following link to the Benefits Guide: https://alleninstitute.org/careers/benefits.

It is the policy of the Allen Institute to provide equal employment opportunity (EEO) to all persons regardless of age, color, national origin, citizenship status, physical or mental disability, race, religion, creed, gender, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity and/or expression, genetic information, marital status, status with regard to public assistance, veteran status, or any other characteristic protected by federal, state or local law. In addition, the Allen Institute will provide reasonable accommodation for qualified individuals with disabilities.