Software Engineer III - Driver Developer (Autonomous Lab)
Ginkgo Bioworks · Boston, Massachusetts
About this role
**Software Engineer III - Driver Developer (Autonomous Lab)** **Team:** Automation Systems Team **Location:** Boston, MA **Hiring Managers:** Yangdy Chen, Bradley Spillert --- ## About the Role Ginkgo is building Catalyst, its software stack that runs robotic lab systems. In this role, you’ll design, develop, integrate, test, and support software drivers for autonomous labs. You’ll work on reliable physical/real-time systems, collaborate cross-functionally to meet scientific standards, and respond quickly to customer issues. --- ## Responsibilities **Driver Development & Implementation (70%)** - Design, implement, and maintain robust, high-performance software drivers using **Python and/or C#/.NET** for lab automation hardware (e.g., robotic arms, liquid handlers, plate readers) - Implement low-level hardware communication protocols including **RS-232, USB, and TCP/IP** - Build drivers with a strong focus on **reliability** - Contribute to the **device abstraction layer** for intuitive, robust interfaces - Use and enable **agentic software** **Integration & Validation (20%)** - Perform extensive testing with the rest of the Catalyst stack - Collaborate with scientists and QA teams on functional testing and validation against scientific requirements - Develop and maintain automated **unit and integration tests** - Build hardware simulation environments to test drivers without relying on physical instrument access - Ensure drivers include comprehensive **error handling, logging, and fault-tolerance** for graceful recovery **Field Support & Diagnostics (10%)** - Serve as a **Tier 2** technical resource for rapid diagnosis/resolution at customer sites - Use remote diagnostic tools, system logs, and protocol analyzers to troubleshoot complex issues - Develop and document workarounds and permanent solutions to maintain uptime - Proactively observe driver usage and propose improvements to user experience and reliability **Travel:** Occasional travel to the Boston office and customer sites as needed. --- ## Minimum Requirements - Bachelor’s or Master’s degree in Computer Science, Electrical Engineering, or related field (or equivalent practical experience) - **2–4 years** professional software development experience focused on hardware integration, embedded systems, or driver development - Extensive experience with **Python** - Strong communication and collaboration skills - Familiarity with laboratory automation, robotics, or scientific instrumentation (highly beneficial) --- ## Preferred Capabilities & Experience (Nice-to-Haves) - Experience in a fast-moving, deep-tech company - Experience/understanding of lab automation and lab automation user personas - Strong OS fundamentals (threading, synchronization, memory management) and real-time constraints - Ability to translate complex technical issues for non-software stakeholders (scientists, customers) - Proficient with **Git**; experience with **agile** and **CI/CD** - Advanced debugging skills (e.g., protocol sniffers, logic analyzers, remote debugging tools) - Experience with **Windows, C#, COM** - Experience with **OPC-UA** and **SiLA2** - Background in a life science or chemistry laboratory --- ## Compensation & Benefits (Summary) - Base salary range: **$112,200–$159,600** (actual pay depends on skills, expertise, and experience) - Company stock awards and comprehensive benefits (medical, dental, vision, health spending accounts, voluntary benefits, leave policies, 401(k
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