New

Software Engineer

California Institute of Technology
vision insurance, parental leave, paid time off, sick time, tuition reimbursement
United States, California, Pasadena
Jul 19, 2025
Caltech is a world-renowned science and engineering institute that marshals some of the world's brightest minds and most innovative tools to address fundamental scientific questions. We thrive on finding and cultivating talented people who are passionate about what they do. Join us and be a part of the diverse Caltech community. Job Summary Caltech Optical Observatories (COO) is inviting qualified candidates to apply for the position of Temporary Assistant Software Engineer within its Optical and Infrared (OIR) Instrumentation Group.The OIR Group develops world-class visible and infrared astronomical adaptive optics systems, imaging cameras, and spectrographs for the Palomar, Keck, and Thirty Meter Telescope International Observatories, as well as other astronomical facilities and flight missions in support of Caltech faculty and student astrophysics research. Applicants are expected to have a demonstrated record of successfully contributing to developing software for sophisticated astronomical, experimental physics, or commercial opto-electromechanical instrumentation. The successful candidate will possess software knowledge spanning multiple applications and development models. They will be open to learning about scientific and industry trends, are expected to gain knowledge of Caltech research and business operations and effectively work in close collaboration with the Software Group Lead and Associate Director for Instrumentation Development, the Caltech faculty, and peer-group managers delivering an ambitious portfolio of leading-edge instrumentation. Essential Job Duties Assist in the development of data reduction pipelines for new and existing instruments. Assist in the execution of software development, including customer interfacing, requirements engineering, configuration management, unit and regression testing, deployment, and on-going software maintenance. Interact regularly and effectively with senior software engineers, internal and external project managers, senior engineering staff, supervisors of complementary discipline groups, faculty, students, and administrative professionals. Maintain a safe and supportive working environment. Work collaboratively and supportively in team environments, sharing software development responsibilities and contributing toward software team objectives. Be aware of and remain in compliance with Institute policies, procedures, practices, and regulatory requirements. The Successful Candidate Will: Collaborate and Build Trust: Work effectively across teams and with stakeholders, building strong, trust-based relationships that support shared goals and customer needs. Communicate with Clarity: Share information clearly and appropriately for different audiences; mentor others and contribute to a transparent, collaborative team culture. Apply Expertise and Judgment: Use up-to-date technical knowledge and sound decision-making to solve complex problems, considering both performance and budget impact. Adapt and Prioritize: Stay flexible in the face of changing needs and organize work efficiently to align with project and organizational goals. Commit to Continuous Learning: Seek out and apply new knowledge to improve outcomes, drive innovation, and support long-term growth. Basic Qualifications Expertise in software engineering processes, including requirements capture, software architecture, quality assurance, testing, deployment, and maintenance. Facility with modern programming notations (e.g., Python, C++) and development methodologies prevalent in the astronomical, physics, or research engineering communities. Enthusiasm to make impactful contributions, individually and within instrumentation teams, to human knowledge and understanding Good written and verbal communication skills and ability to work with technical peers. Good analytical, problem-solving, and conceptual skills, with an ability to express complex technical concepts to non-experts. The position has a one year term and is based at and requires routine presence on the Caltech campus, with occasional travel, and work at high altitudes (up to 14,000 ft.). It involves both daytime and occasional nighttime schedules, including work in low-light-level conditions. Successful completion of pre-employment physical and background checks. Physical Requirements The role requires the ability to lift up to 25 lbs. Preferred Qualifications B.S. in computer science, engineering, physics, mathematics, data science, astronomy, or related field and 2 years' experience, or equivalent. Strong record of successful delivery of research instrumentation. National and international recognition for experimental research or instrumentation leadership. Required Documents Resume Hiring Range $80,000 - $108,400 per year The salary of the finalist(s) selected for this role will be set based on a variety of factors, including but not limited to, internal equity, experience, education, specialty and training. As one of the largest employers in Pasadena, CA, Caltech is committed to providing comprehensive benefits to eligible employees and their eligible dependents. Our benefits package includes competitive compensation, health, dental, and vision insurance, retirement savings plans, generous paid time off (vacation, holidays, sick time, parental leave, bereavement, etc.), tuition reimbursement, and more. Non-benefit eligible employees will have access to some benefits such as onsite counseling and sick time. Learn more about our benefits and staff perks. EEO Statement We are an equal opportunity employer and all qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to age, race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, or national origin, disability status, protected veteran status, or any other characteristic protected by law. Caltech is a VEVRAA Federal Contractor. To read more Equal Employment Opportunity (EEO) go to eeoc_self_print_poster.pdf. Disability Accommodations Caltech complies with the Fair Employment and Housing Act (FEHA) and the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA). We consider reasonable accommodation measures that may be necessary for eligible applicants and employees to perform the essential functions of a position. If you would like to request an accommodation to complete this application, interview, or otherwise participate in the employee selection process, please contact Caltech Recruiting at employment@caltech.edu. Additionally, if you do not meet the basic qualifications of a role but believe you can perform the essential functions of the job with reasonable accommodation, please reach out to Caltech Recruiting at employment@caltech.edu.