Software Engineer

About the role

Our auditory research lab seeks a programmer with experience in C++ and Qt to develop user‑friendly software that controls custom hardware driving experimental imaging setups. The role involves creating a graphical user interface that accepts user input, calls appropriate hardware drivers, receives returned data, and plots images and data in easy‑to‑understand 2D and 3D formats. Graphics, game design, virtual reality, and/or signal processing expertise are highly valued. The position is in the lab of John Oghalai, part of the USC Caruso Department of Otolaryngology – Head and Neck Surgery on the Keck Medical Campus, and may lead to a part‑time role in a startup commercializing the technology.

Responsibilities

• Develop user‑friendly software to control custom hardware for experimental imaging setups.
• Design and implement a graphical user interface that accepts user input, invokes hardware drivers, captures returned data, and visualizes results in 2D and 3D.
• Collaborate with lab personnel to integrate software with imaging hardware.
• Apply graphics, game design, virtual reality, or signal processing techniques where appropriate.
• Contribute to potential startup efforts to commercialize the technology.

Requirements

• Knowledge of and experience coding in C++ and Qt.
• Ability to work effectively in teams.
• Minimum of 2 years of programming experience, including documentation procedures, methods, and operator instructions.
• Experience conducting unit/performance tests, systems integration, and user acceptance testing.
• Demonstrated experience with one or more relevant programming languages and ability to acquire domain‑specific context.
• Comprehensive knowledge of software architecture, design, and development.
• Strong organization, planning, analytical, and problem‑solving skills.
• Ability to provide technical expertise and creative solutions aligned with organizational objectives and customer needs.
• Experience weighing economic costs and values objectively, supporting coworkers on a project basis, and participating in civil discussions.
• Excellent written and oral communication skills, capable of delivering detailed information and summaries to varied audiences.
• Substantial knowledge of security concepts, secure code development techniques, and scalable/automated solutions.
• Ability to build strong, positive working relationships with heterogeneous team members.

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree (minimum); preferred in Computer Science, Computer Engineering, or Electrical Engineering.
• Ideal candidate holds a degree in computer science, engineering, math, or physics.
• Preferred education: Bachelor’s degree or higher in computer science, engineering, math, or physics.
• Preferred experience: 4 years in IT/programming.
• Preferred experience with graphics, game design, virtual reality, and/or signal processing.
• Preferred skills: proficiency with Python, Javascript, C/C++, Java, Ruby and/or other advanced programming languages; experience with Unix/Linux programming and/or administration; experience in higher education.

Skills

• C++ and Qt programming.
• Unit/performance testing, systems integration, user acceptance.
• Software architecture, design, and development.
• Organization, planning, analytical, problem‑solving.
• Technical expertise and creative solution delivery.
• Economic cost/value analysis.
• Written and oral communication.
• Security concepts and secure coding.
• Unix/Linux programming/administration.
• Graphics, game design, virtual reality, signal processing.
• Team collaboration and relationship building.

Pay

The annual base salary range for this position is $109,605.12 – $134,056.