Agilent Technologies

R&D Software Engineer, Scientific Instrumentation

Agilent Technologies$172K — $269K *
Pharmaceuticals & Biotech
8 - 10 years of experience
Job Overview by Ladders

Qualifications

  • Bachelor's, Master's, or Ph.D. in Computer Engineering, Electrical Engineering, Computer Science, Physics, Analytical Chemistry, or related field.
  • 8+ years of software development experience for scientific instruments or hardware-intensive products.
  • Strong programming skills in C, C++, and/or C#.
  • Experience in developing instrument-control software and communication frameworks.
  • Knowledge of communication protocols like Ethernet, TCP/IP, USB, Serial, and SPI.
  • Strong understanding of multi-threaded and real-time software design.
  • Proficient in debugging hardware/software interactions with test tools.

Responsibilities

  • Design and maintain software for LC/MS and QToF instrument control.
  • Develop software for hardware synchronization and real-time data acquisition.
  • Create hardware abstraction layers and device drivers for subsystems.
  • Collaborate with engineers to integrate new hardware designs into existing platforms.
  • Troubleshoot and resolve complex hardware/software integration issues.
  • Optimize software performance and reliability of control systems.
  • Contribute to the long-term software architecture and best practices.

Benefits

  • Opportunity to work on advanced mass spectrometry technology.
  • Collaborative environment with specialists across various fields.
  • Onsite-hybrid flexibility to accommodate business needs.
  • Engagement in cutting-edge research and development projects.
Full Job Description
Job Description

This is an onsite-hybrid role due to business needs

Job Description

Join our LC/MS R&D team to design, develop, and maintain the software layer that controls next-generation LC/MS and QToF instrumentation. Working at the intersection of software, electronics, and analytical instrumentation, you will build the hardware-control and data-acquisition infrastructure that enables reliable, high-performance mass spectrometry.

You will collaborate with electrical engineers, firmware developers, scientists, systems engineers, and product teams to deliver software that interfaces directly with instrument subsystems-including acquisition electronics, RF systems, detectors, vacuum components, and embedded controllers.

Key Responsibilities
  • Design, develop, and maintain instrument-control software and hardware-interface layers for LC/MS and QToF platforms.
  • Build software for device communication, hardware control, synchronization, and real-time data acquisition.
  • Create and maintain hardware abstraction layers, drivers, and communication frameworks for instrument subsystems.
  • Partner with electrical, FPGA, firmware, and systems engineers to integrate new hardware designs into production platforms.
  • Diagnose and resolve complex hardware/software integration issues across electronics, controllers, sensors, and acquisition systems.
  • Optimize software performance, reliability, fault tolerance, and deterministic operation of instrument-control systems.
  • Participate in architecture reviews and help establish best practices for instrument software development.
  • Support verification, validation, and troubleshooting throughout instrument development and release.
  • Contribute to long-term software architecture for next-generation mass spectrometry platforms.


Qualifications

  • Bachelor's, Master's, or Ph.D. in Computer Engineering, Electrical Engineering, Computer Science, Physics, Analytical Chemistry, or a related field.
  • 8+ years developing software for scientific instruments, industrial systems, medical devices, or other hardware-intensive products.
  • Strong programming skills in C, C++, and/or C#.
  • Experience developing instrument-control software, hardware-communication layers, or device drivers.
  • Experience interfacing software with embedded systems, FPGA-based electronics, motion-control systems, sensors, or data-acquisition hardware.
  • Experience with communication protocols such as Ethernet, TCP/IP, USB, Serial, CAN, SPI, or I2C.
  • Strong understanding of multi-threaded and real-time software design.
  • Experience debugging hardware/software interactions with tools such as oscilloscopes, logic analyzers, and protocol analyzers.
  • Strong problem-solving and communication skills.


Preferred Qualifications
  • Experience with mass spectrometry, chromatography, spectroscopy, or other analytical instrumentation.
  • Knowledge of QToF, ion mobility, detector electronics, timing systems, or high-speed data-acquisition architectures.
  • Experience working with FPGA and firmware development teams.
  • Familiarity with distributed control systems and hardware abstraction architectures.
  • Experience using Python for automation, testing, and diagnostics.
  • Experience in regulated or quality-controlled product-development environments.


Additional Details

This job has a full time weekly schedule. Applications for this job will be accepted until at least August 20, 2026 or until the job is no longer posted.

The full-time equivalent pay range for this position is $172,512.00 - $269,550.00/yr plus eligibility for bonus, stock and benefits. Our pay ranges are determined by role, level, and location. Within the range, individual pay is determined by work location and additional factors, including job-related skills, experience, and relevant education or training. During the hiring process, a recruiter can share more about the specific pay range for a preferred location. Pay and benefit information by country are available at: https://careers.agilent.com/locations

Travel Required:
10% of the Time

Shift:
Day

Duration:
No End Date

Job Function:
R&D

About Agilent Technologies

Agilent Technologies is a global leader in life sciences, diagnostics, and applied chemical markets. With more than 50 years of insight and innovation, Agilent instruments, software, services, solutions, and people provide trusted answers to customers' most challenging questions. The company generated revenue of $5.34 billion in fiscal 2020 and employs 16,600 people worldwide.
Learn more about Agilent Technologies
Size
17,400 employees
Market Cap
$44.2 billion
Industry
Net Income
$810 million
Founded
1999
5 Year Trend
+8.9%
Revenue
$5.5 billion
NASDAQ

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