R&D Software/Firmware Engineer

Agilent Technologies helps laboratories, pharmaceutical companies, and researchers around the world solve complex scientific challenges through precision instruments, software, and services. Within Agilent’s R&D organization, Agile teams play a critical role in advancing next-generation analytical instruments that directly impact customer outcomes and scientific innovation.

This R&D Software/Firmware Engineer role is essential to the development of embedded software that powers Agilent’s mass spectrometry platforms, ensuring reliable performance, accuracy, and quality across the full product lifecycle.

This role is based in Santa Clara, CA.

The position requires onsite presence, with a hybrid schedule (minimum of three days per week in the office) to support close collaboration with hardware and lab-based teams.

Key Responsibilities

• Design, implement, and maintain embedded software and firmware supporting instrument control, calibration and alignment routines, diagnostics, and data/telemetry pathways within a hardware-focused R&D environment.
• Translate system-level, hardware, and customer requirements into robust, testable embedded software designs; document architecture, interfaces, and verification artifacts.
• Develop, test, and debug embedded applications and/or firmware using C/C++, Python, and XML, applying modern build systems, debugging tools, and version control workflows.
• Integrate embedded software with mixed-signal and digital hardware; partner closely with electrical engineering teams to debug hardware/software interaction issues using lab instruments and on-target debugging techniques.
• Own quality for assigned components, including unit and integration testing, defect triage, root cause analysis, and continuous improvement of build and test infrastructure.
• Collaborate with cross-disciplinary engineers and scientists to deliver complete, integrated instrument systems.
• Partner cross-functionally to support design transfer to manufacturing and assist with field or service escalations as needed.

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s or Master’s degree in Computer Engineering, Electrical Engineering, Computer Science, or a related technical discipline.
• 4+ years of hands-on experience developing embedded software and/or firmware.
• Strong proficiency in C/C++, with working proficiency in Python for tooling, automation, and test workflows.
• Experience developing, testing, and debugging embedded systems for real-time or hardware-interfacing applications.
• Familiarity with object-oriented design principles and software architecture best practices.
• Experience with XML-based configuration or data exchange is desirable.
• Exposure to analog electrical engineering concepts—such as signal conditioning, ADC/DAC interfaces, and sensor or detector electronics—is a strong plus.

Additional Details

This job has a full time weekly schedule. Applications for this job will be accepted until at least March 23, 2026 or until the job is no longer posted.

The full-time equivalent pay range for this position is $140,160.00 - $219,000.00/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

Agilent Technologies, Inc. is an Equal Employment Opportunity and merit-based employer that values individuals of all backgrounds at all levels. All individuals, regardless of personal characteristics, are encouraged to apply. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to sex, pregnancy, race, religion or religious creed, color, gender, gender identity, gender expression, national origin, ancestry, physical or mental disability, medical condition, genetic information, marital status, registered domestic partner status, age, sexual orientation, military or veteran status, protected veteran status, or any other basis protected by federal, state, local law, ordinance, or regulation and will not be discriminated against on these bases. Agilent Technologies, Inc., is committed to creating and maintaining an inclusive in the workplace where everyone is welcome, and strives to support candidates with disabilities. If you have a disability and need assistance with any part of the application or interview process or have questions about workplace accessibility, please email [email protected] or contact +1-262-754-5030. For more information about equal employment opportunity protections, please visit www.agilent.com/en/accessibility.