Head of Software Engineering (San Diego)

Avery is a trailblazer in developing transformative technologies to solve the world’s most pressing biological and industrial challenges. We are building the world’s first fully automated genetic engineering platform—an end-to-end system that integrates novel semiconductor-based chips to scale the synthesis, assembly, and testing of genetic components in both cell-free and cellular environments. This unified platform bridges the digital and biological realms, enabling unprecedented speed and precision in bioengineering. Our mission is to revolutionize industries—from drug discovery and precision medicine to advanced materials and sustainable agriculture—by unlocking the full potential of programmable biology.

If you're passionate about shaping the future of biotechnology and want to work at the cutting edge of science and engineering, we’d love to hear from you. Help us unlock and accelerate the engineering of life.

Head of Software Engineering

We are looking for a hands‑on software leader to own the architecture, process, and delivery of the software that runs Avery’s transformational chip‑based platforms for engineering biology. This is a high‑impact, cross‑functional role spanning R&D and application platform engineering. You will build and lead the software team, set technical direction across the full stack from instrument control to user‑facing applications, and bring modern AI‑assisted development into the way the team works. You will lead from the front as a working technical leader, not from a distance.

Duties and Responsibilities

• Own the architecture and technical roadmap for Avery’s software stack, spanning hardware control, instrument system software, assay and experiment orchestration, and user‑facing applications.
• Assess the current .NET/C# codebases across the instrument lines and lead their evolution: stabilize and build on what works, consolidate shared components (device drivers, hardware abstraction, scripting, common UI) into reusable libraries, and make deliberate, staged decisions about where and when to re‑architect.
• Build and lead the software team: manage and mentor current engineers and grow the function as the platform scales.
• Establish and enforce engineering process appropriate to a scientific‑instrument environment: version control, code review, automated testing, CI/CD, release management, and documentation standards.
• Establish AI‑assisted software development as a fundamental team practice. Set the standards, guardrails, and workflows for using modern AI coding tools to accelerate prototyping and delivery without sacrificing quality.
• Work closely with the Avery IT team to monitor, implement and deploy advances in AI‑assisted software development, to maintain leading‑edge status for Avery.
• Interface with hardware, electrical, and systems engineering to integrate software with the instrument platform.
• Provide scientists with a supported, tested, flexible path to define and run their experiments through tooling the software team builds and maintains.
• Oversee software requirements, technical specifications, and design documentation, and define and track delivery against program milestones.
• Balance rapid prototyping with production‑grade engineering and make pragmatic build‑versus‑buy and architecture decisions in a fast‑moving startup.
• Remain hands‑on: contribute directly to critical code and prototypes as a working technical leader.
• Contribute to IP strategy and patent filings where relevant.
• Other duties and responsibilities as required.

Qualifications and Education

Minimum of 10 years of software engineering experience, including 3 or more years leading software teams, ideally within scientific instrumentation, diagnostics, life sciences, or a closely related hardware‑integrated environment.

• B.S., M.S., or Ph.D. in Computer Science, Software or Electrical Engineering, or a closely related technical field.
• Demonstrated experience architecting and delivering software for scientific instruments, laboratory automation, diagnostics, or similar hardware‑integrated systems (required).
• Proven track record leading the design of complex, multi‑layer software systems from architecture through production.
• Working fluency with C#/.NET/Avalonia (ReactiveUI) is beneficial; comparable full‑stack and instrument‑control backgrounds (for example C/C++, Python, other .NET UI or web frameworks) are also welcome.
• Hands‑on fluency with AI‑assisted development tools for rapid prototyping and delivery, and the judgment to apply them responsibly.
• Strong engineering‑process discipline: version control, code review, automated testing, CI/CD, and documentation.
• Experience building software for instrument hardware control and translating laboratory protocols into reliable, real‑time software.
• Experience integrating software with microcontrollers, embedded systems, and instrument hardware over protocols such as serial, Modbus, I2C, and USB.
• Experience building, managing, mentoring, and hiring software teams, and directing external contractors or vendors.
• Ability to work across disciplines with biology, chemistry, and hardware engineers, and to translate scientific needs into supported software.
• Strong interpersonal and collaborative skills, with a willingness to contribute in cross‑disciplinary technical environments.
• Proven ability to thrive in fast‑paced, start‑up environments, showing flexibility, initiative, and a growth‑oriented mindset.
• Salary Range: starting from $215,000+

Working Conditions

• Under standard working conditions, this position is based in our San Diego, CA office.
• Prolonged periods of sitting at a desk and working on a computer.
• As a critical and essential role, the candidate must be willing and able to travel to the San Diego, CA office to report to work.
• Ability to lift up to 20 pounds and may perform repetitive tasks such as lifting, standing, pipetting, preparing samples, and operating equipment for extended periods.
• The candidate must be comfortable working in a laboratory environment.
• The candidate will be exposed to hazardous materials in accordance with all safety protocols and regulatory guidelines.

Avery is an equal opportunity employer and values diversity. We seek to promote equal opportunity for all applicants without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, disability, Veteran status, or other legally protected characteristics.