Manager, Software Engineering

The mission of the Allen Institute is to unlock the complexities of bioscience and advance our knowledge to improve human health.

Using an open science, multi-scale, team-oriented approach, the Allen Institute focuses on accelerating foundational research, developing standards and models, and cultivating new ideas to make a broad, transformational impact on science.

The mission of the Allen Institute for Neural Dynamics (AIND) is to answer fundamental questions about brain function. Specifically, how does our brain build our understanding of the complex world around us to guide the flexible behaviors that address our biological needs?

The answers will be in terms of defined neuron types interacting across the whole brain and body, requiring us to develop next-generation neurotechnologies and employ a team-based approach for discovery neuroscience.

Knowledge, data, and tools will be widely shared, in part to support the development of therapies for brain disorders.

We are seeking a software engineering manager to join the engineering team where our remit is to design, build / implement and maintain reliable high-performance instruments, tools, and processes for pipeline data generation projects.

We must coordinate the operation of multiple pieces of scientific instrumentation, encapsulate the complex experimental procedures into easy-to-use software applications and ensure the repeatable acquisition of (petabyte scale) data.

Projects are numerous and as a result, the software application portfolio is large; the team seeks efficiency using common processes, design paradigms, and robust infrastructure.

In keeping with our mission, we facilitate the work of others and participate in open-source software initiatives.

The Allen Institute believes that team science significantly benefits from the participation of diverse voices, experiences, and backgrounds.

High-quality science can only be produced when it includes different perspectives. We are committed to increasing diversity across every team and encourage people from all backgrounds to apply for this role.

Essential Functions

• Manage a team of software engineers to develop and maintain software for scientific instruments and data processes
• Guide technical vision and design specs, ensuring appropriate technological standards
• Represent the software engineering team in cross-functional efforts and communicate effectively for project advancement
• Lead by example, fostering accountability, and mentoring the team for effective project management and growth
• Provide team guidance, regular feedback, education, coaching and mentoring
• Identify key roles required for team success and recruit engineering talent
• Perform architecture and design reviews to ensure hardware / software quality
• Effectively influence leaders and key partners to gain alignment
• Work with cross-functional engineering managers and architects on hardware and software integration
• Maintain expertise in Python, C++, and other languages, incorporating low / no code solutions for efficiency

Note : Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.

This description reflects management’s assignment of essential functions; it does not proscribe or restrict the tasks that may be assigned.

Required Education and Experience

• Bachelor’s degree in computer science, or related science / engineering degree or combination of degree and experience
• 5+ years of software engineering work experience, including hands-on technical project management
• 5+ years of experience coding in various programming languages, including but not limited to C++, C#, JavaScript, Python, and others
• 3+ years of experience managing a team of software engineers
• Proficient in applying standard design principles and performing architecture / design reviews
• Experienced in software deployment processes and version control systems and experience in leading software development

Preferred Education and Experience

• 3 to 5 years of professional experience as a software developer, with a strong focus on hardware integration, particularly in a scientific or interdisciplinary research environment
• 7+ years of software engineering work experience, including hands-on technical project management
• 7+ years of experience coding in various programming languages, including but not limited to C++, C#, JavaScript, Python, and others
• 5+ years of experience managing a team of software engineers
• Collaboration with non-engineering teams in the development, deployment, and test of software products
• Demonstrated cross-functional collaboration working with program managers, SW architects and other hardware / software function delivering complex products to deployment

Physical Demands

• Occasional lifting to 30 pounds
• Fine motor movements in fingers / hands to operate computers and other office equipment
• Push / pull up to 50 lbs
• Stooping, bending, crouching

Position Type / Expected Hours of Work

This role is currently able to work both remotely and onsite in a hybrid work environment. We are a Washington State employer, and the primary work location for all Allen Institute employees is 615 Westlake Ave N.

any remote work must be performed in Washington State.