Senior Manager/Associate Director, Software, Platform Engineering

About the role

This role requires extensive hands-on DevOps experience deploying and updating software on complex physical hardware systems. Ideal candidates have led DevOps and platform teams responsible for software that runs on instruments, robotics, or other embedded systems that process real-world data.

Responsibilities

• Own and evolve software delivery pipelines for deployment onto physical sequencing instruments, including build systems, packaging, deployment, and release management
• Implement and optimize CI/CD pipelines that support hardware-in-the-loop testing, instrument simulation, and deployment to physical devices
• Define and execute the vision and roadmap for platform engineering in alignment with company and R&D goals
• Provide technical leadership and strategic direction across platform, infrastructure, DevOps, and secure software development functions
• Lead, mentor, and develop a high-performing team of platform engineers
• Drive continual improvement in software delivery efficiency, reliability, and scalability
• Establish and enforce secure development practices, vulnerability management, and compliance with internal security standards
• Define and enforce best practices for source control, build orchestration, and environment management
• Collaborate with development, IT, V&V, and manufacturing teams to streamline handoffs and enhance integration processes
• Oversee OS configuration, performance tuning, and system-level optimization for sequencing instruments and supporting platforms

Requirements

• Bachelor’s, Master’s, or Ph.D. in Computer Science, Computer Engineering, or related discipline
• Hands-on experience with CI/CD pipelines, automated testing, and release engineering
• 5+ years of hands-on experience deploying and updating software on complex hardware systems (e.g. scientific instruments, robotics platforms, medical devices, or similar)
• 5+ years of engineering experience, including 3+ years in a leadership role (Manager, Senior Manager, Associate Director, or equivalent)
• Strong understanding of software architecture and development best practices
• Track record of delivering high-quality software systems in complex, multidisciplinary environments
• Familiarity with secure development practices and testing and tools for vulnerability detection and remediation
• Proficiency in one or more programming languages (e.g.; C++, Python, C#)
• Familiarity with containerization and orchestration tools (Docker/Podman, Singularity)
• Strong problem-solving, analytical, and cross-functional communication skills
• Experience in debugging hardware and software issues in complex computer systems with a deep understanding of system-level interactions
• Strong communication skills and ability to work closely with other teams and stakeholders

Preferred Experience

• Understanding of automation, infrastructure-as-code, and configuration management tools (e.g., Ansible, Puppet, Chef)
• Familiarity with regulatory compliance frameworks relevant to software development and experience working with Quality & Regulatory teams
• Experience developing software for scientific instrumentation, robotics platforms, or other hardware-based systems, ideally in regulated environments (biotech, medical devices, life sciences)
• In-depth knowledge of Linux internals and distributed systems
• Experience leading platform modernization or cloud transformation initiatives
• Demonstrated success in improving software delivery, platform reliability, and quality practices