Principal Software Engineer

Sanford Burnham Prebys

. Provide technical leadership for software engineering applied to complex biomedical data .

Posted 9/19/2026full-timeSan Diego • California • United StatesLead💰 $212,904 per yearWebsite

Core Competencies

Role fit

Core Competencies

Use this summary to align your resume positioning with the role.

Demonstrates expertise in software engineering for biomedical data, with a strong focus on multi-language development, high-performance computing, and effective collaboration across diverse teams. Proficient in implementing robust software practices and optimizing solutions for complex datasets.

Highest-signal resume keywords

Software Engineering LeadershipMulti-Language Development (C++, Python, R)High-Performance Computing (HPC)Dev/Ops and ContainerizationBiomedical Computing Experience

ATS Keywords

Tailor your resume

Applicant Tracking System Keywords

Tip: use these terms in your resume and cover letter to boost ATS matches.

Hard Skills

Software DevelopmentData VisualizationFeature ExtractionQuality ControlParallelizationConcurrencySQLStatistical SoftwareTest-Driven DevelopmentAlgorithms

Soft Skills

Technical GuidanceMentorshipAttention to DetailAnalytical SkillsCommunication Skills

Tools & Technologies

ContainerizationCloud EngineeringMicrosoft OfficeSource-Code ControlOpen-Source Software Development

Industry Keywords

Biomedical DataCancer Data ScienceSoftware Development PracticesHPC EnvironmentsProcess Improvement

Tech Stack

Tools & technologies

CloudPerlPythonSDLCSQLC++

About the role

Key responsibilities & impact

Provide technical leadership for software engineering applied to complex biomedical data
Architect and implement sophisticated, modular, multi-language software for very large datasets
Support SDLC, Dev/Ops, data ingestion, quality control, feature extraction, data visualization, scalable analyses, parallelization, concurrency, full-stack interfaces, containerization, and load-sensitive design
Design and implement software solutions across programming languages and computing environments
Improve code quality and productivity for large, mixed-skill development teams
Collaborate with bioinformaticians, cloud operations, and related teams
Provide technical guidance and mentorship to junior staff, software engineers, and trainees
Identify technical opportunities, algorithms, and software development opportunities
Participate in funding applications and external collaborations with research groups, commercial entities, and partner organizations
Provide technical support and computer science/software engineering expertise across the organization
Generate peer-reviewed scientific research as lead and collaborator
Contribute to open-source software development
Set project milestones with the PI and manage technical staff to meet them
Establish software-development infrastructure for the Institute cancer data science group
Architect, design, and implement robust software development practices
Develop cancer data science software in C++, Python, Perl, R, and other languages
Optimize software for high-performance computing environments using containerization, Dev/Ops, test-driven development, and cloud-engineering techniques
Assist with systems administration in coordination with Dev/Ops, Sys/Ops, and Cloud/Ops
Write user-facing and developer-facing documentation
Implement and optimize AI-based software development tools
Present project results and ideas verbally and in writing
Perform other related duties as assigned

Requirements

What you’ll need

BSc or higher degree in software engineering, computer science, or a related discipline
Ten (10) years of progressive software engineering roles
At least 2 years working in a biomedical computing environment
Fluency in at least three of Python, C#, C++, R, Nextflow, and Bash
Documented ability to drive process improvement in software development, including Dev/Ops
Experience administering complex software source-code control environments
At least two years of HPC experience in a containerized environment
Experience working with SQL and database technology
Professional proficiency in Microsoft Office, statistical software, and programming
Deep understanding of good software development practices
Fluency in working on containerized HPC environments
Ability to work independently and in a team environment
Strong attention to detail, analytical, time management, organizational, communication, and interpersonal skills
Must be able to occasionally stand or walk and constantly sit for 6–8 hours
No certifications or licenses required

Benefits

Comp & perks

Reasonable accommodations for the hiring process
Equal employment opportunity protections