

Senior Software Engineer POST NUMBER: 443335
This role directly supports the mission to advance cancer treatment using next-generation technologies. The core hardware involves a sophisticated microscale encapsulation system that combines microfluidics, extracellular matrices, robotics, and precision protocols to study complex tissue models. As a Senior Software Engineer, you’ll play a vital role in enhancing this powerful platform, helping guide therapies to the right patients while accelerating drug development.
Main Objectives
-
Design, develop, and maintain software for the device platform supporting advanced 3D tissue modeling
-
Extend device capabilities through sensor integration and optimized data collection systems
-
Build applications and features supporting tissue model generation and functional assay execution
-
Collaborate closely with hardware engineering and data science teams to drive innovation and continuous improvement
Key Responsibilities
-
Integrate hardware components and sensors using manufacturer SDKs and libraries
-
Design intelligent software logic for error handling and system response
-
Develop data pipelines to transfer device data to a centralized AWS-based data system
-
Build responsive and intuitive user interfaces for on-device interaction
-
Implement comprehensive logging and monitoring tools for device performance
-
Work with data scientists to deploy embedded algorithms for improved device accuracy and throughput
-
Diagnose and troubleshoot software/hardware issues, including PCB and onboard computer interactions
-
Write and maintain standard operating procedures for lab device usage
Requirements
-
7 years of experience in software engineering focused on embedded systems and hardware integration
-
Strong grasp of real-time systems, physical device communication (sensors, actuators, buses), and embedded processing
-
Proficiency in Python for hardware control and data communications
-
Experience with API development and integration on AWS
-
Familiarity with Git, CI/CD workflows, and agile methodologies
-
Strong background in Linux environments
-
Bachelor’s degree in Electrical Engineering, Computer Engineering, or a related technical field
Preferred Qualifications
-
Experience in life sciences or biotech environments
-
Knowledge of compliance standards for lab instrumentation
-
Hands-on electrical engineering experience (e.g., signal processing, debugging circuits, hardware bring-up)
-
Exposure to microfluidic systems or lab automation
-
Proficiency in C/C for performance-sensitive applications
-
Understanding of UI/UX design for scientific instrumentation
Vaco by Highspring values a diverse workplace and strongly encourages women, people of color, LGBTQ+ individuals, people with disabilities, members of ethnic minorities, foreign-born residents, and veterans to apply.
EEO Notice
Vaco by Highspring is an Equal Opportunity Employer and does not discriminate against any employee or applicant for employment because of race (including but not limited to traits historically associated with race such as hair texture and hair style), color, sex (includes pregnancy or related conditions), religion or creed, national origin, citizenship, age, disability, status as a veteran, union membership, ethnicity, gender, gender identity, gender expression, sexual orientation, marital status, political affiliation, or any other protected characteristics as required by federal, state or local law.
Vaco by Highspring and its parents, affiliates, and subsidiaries are committed to the full inclusion of all qualified individuals. As part of this commitment, Vaco by Highspring and its parents, affiliates, and subsidiaries will ensure that persons with disabilities are provided reasonable accommodations. If reasonable accommodation is needed to participate in the job application or interview process, to perform essential job functions, and/or to receive other benefits and privileges of employment, please contact HR@vaco.com .
Vaco by Highspring also wants all applicants to know their rights that workplace discrimination is illegal.
By submitting to this position, you agree that you will be giving Vaco by Highspring the exclusive right to present your as a candidate for the foregoing employment opportunity. You further agree that you have represented information about yourself accurately and have not affirmatively misrepresented your qualifications. You also agree to maintain as confidential, to the fullest extent permitted by law, any information you learn from Vaco by Highspring about the position and you will limit disclosure of information about the position only to the extent necessary to perform any obligations in furtherance of your application. In exchange, Vaco by Highspring agrees to exercise reasonable efforts to represent you through all solicitation, job screening and resume dispersal.
Privacy Notice
Vaco by Highspring and its parents, affiliates, and subsidiaries (“we,” “our,” or “Vaco by Highspring”) respects your privacy and are committed to providing transparent notice of our policies.
- California residents may access Vaco by Highspring HR Notice at Collection for California Applicants and Employees here.
- Virginia residents may access our state specific policies here.
- Residents of all other states may access our policies here.
- Canadian residents may access our policies in English here and in French here.
- Residents of countries governed by GDPR may access our policies here.
Pay Transparency Notice
Determining compensation for this role (and others) at Vaco by Highspring depends upon a wide array of factors including but not limited to:
- the individual’s skill sets, experience and training;
- licensure and certification requirements;
- office location and other geographic considerations;
- other business and organizational needs.
With that said, as required by local law, Vaco by Highspring believes that the following salary range referenced above reasonably estimates the base compensation for an individual hired into this position in geographies that require salary range disclosure. The individual may also be eligible for discretionary bonuses.