New

Software Engineer

California Institute of Technology
vision insurance, parental leave, paid time off, sick time, tuition reimbursement
United States, California, Pasadena
Feb 07, 2026
Caltech is a world-renowned science and engineering institute that marshals some of the world's brightest minds and most innovative tools to address fundamental scientific questions. We thrive on finding and cultivating talented people who are passionate about what they do. Join us and be a part of the diverse Caltech community. Job Summary The candidate will fulfill the role of a Software Engineer for the Deep Synoptic Array (DSA) project. The candidate will be the lead engineer for the Chronoscope (CHR) subsystem of the project. The Chronoscope subsystem will enable a world-leading, near real time search for pulsars and fast radio bursts; the discovery of pulsars, and the discovery of the spin-down of a binary pulsar system due to gravitational radiation, were both awarded Nobel prizes. The role involves the design, implementation, and testing of GPU compute kernels, and associated host code, for the CHR real-time pipeline. Particular challenges include high-throughput beamforming via a Fourier transform approach, the removal of the effects of interstellar and intergalactic dispersion, and pulsar candidate identification. The candidate will be based at the Caltech campus. This role includes opportunities for growth through wide-ranging interactions within the world-leading Caltech astronomy department and with a range of close external collaborators, and mentorship within the group. Essential Job Duties Responsible for the design, implementation, and testing of GPU computer kernels, and associated host code, for the CHR real-time pipeline. Will make recommendations on the requirements for CHR hardware design, and on the design of the experimental setup. Will work in close collaboration with Prof. Vikram Ravi and his group, and key DSA-2000 personnel both local and remote, in a team-based environment. Will travel to OVRO, as needed, to collaborate with and learn from engineering staff. Other duties as assigned. Basic Qualifications PhD in Astrophysics or related discipline (science/engineering/math). More than five years hands-on programming experience in CUDA C++. Experience working in a scientific collaboration. Preferred Qualifications Exposure to low-level network programming. Experience with Linux systems. Expertise in Python. Required Documents Resume Hiring Range $120,000 - $165,400 Per Year The salary of the finalist(s) selected for this role will be set based on a variety of factors, including but not limited to, internal equity, experience, education, specialty and training. As one of the largest employers in Pasadena, CA, Caltech is committed to providing comprehensive benefits to eligible employees and their eligible dependents. Our benefits package includes competitive compensation, health, dental, and vision insurance, retirement savings plans, generous paid time off (vacation, holidays, sick time, parental leave, bereavement, etc.), tuition reimbursement, and more. Non-benefit eligible employees will have access to some benefits such as onsite counseling and sick time. Learn more about our benefits and staff perks. EEO Statement We are an equal opportunity employer and all qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to age, race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, or national origin, disability status, protected veteran status, or any other characteristic protected by law. Caltech is a VEVRAA Federal Contractor. To read more Equal Employment Opportunity (EEO) go to eeoc_self_print_poster.pdf. Disability Accommodations Caltech complies with the Fair Employment and Housing Act (FEHA) and the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA). We consider reasonable accommodation measures that may be necessary for eligible applicants and employees to perform the essential functions of a position. If you would like to request an accommodation to complete this application, interview, or otherwise participate in the employee selection process, please contact Caltech Recruiting at employment@caltech.edu. Additionally, if you do not meet the basic qualifications of a role but believe you can perform the essential functions of the job with reasonable accommodation, please reach out to Caltech Recruiting at employment@caltech.edu.