Hardware/Software Systems Engineer

HardwareSoftware Systems Engineer School of Medicine, Stanford, California, United States Thank you for your interest in Stanford University. While we have instituted a hiring pause for non-critical staff positions, we are actively recruiting for the positions currently listed on our careers page.

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The application portal will be offline for maintenance from May 7 at 7 PM to May 8 at 3 AM (PT). Job Summary

DATE POSTED

Apr 23, 2026 SCHEDULE Full-time

JOB CODE

4822 EMPLOYEE STATUS Regular GRADE J REQUISITION ID 108932 WORK

ARRANGEMENT

On Site Stanford University is seeking a HardwareSoftware Systems Engineer for a one-year fixed-term position to work with faculty and students in the design and maintenance of hardware systems and data processing pipelines for large-scale experimental and theoretical neuroscience projects. Working closely with Dr. Karl Deisseroth and a team of neuroscientists and computational researchers in the Deisseroth Lab, the Systems Engineer will play a pivotal role in designing and implementing hardware systems and data processing pipelines for large experimental and theoretical projects that enhance neuroscience research. Systems Engineer will assemble hardware acquisition systems, verify and organize large data archives, and aid in the development of software tools for processing disparate data types and performing large-scale statistical analysis. The engineer will focus on creating high-precision neural interface hardware specifically for the Human Neural Circuitry (HNC) program, making critical decisions regarding hardware material selection, circuit design, and integration with existing lab infrastructure. The objective is to develop robust, high-bandwidth data acquisition platforms that facilitate the study of cortical network dynamics in decision-making and sensory processing, electrophysiological signatures of neuropsychiatric disorders, and next-generation neuromodulation techniques for therapeutic interventions. By ensuring that cutting-edge neuroscience experiments are supported by state-of-the-art hardware, the Systems Engineer will contribute significantly to advancing our understanding of the brain and its functions.

Core Duties:

• Assemble and maintain hardwaresoftware systems for systems neuroscience research
• Architect a multi-stage pipeline for analyzing and combining heterogenous datasets that will lead to publishable scientific discoveries
• Curate and standardize a large database of neurophysiological recordings, including producing data summaries and visualizations
• Document data organization and internal formatting standards for long-term use
• Implement appropriate backup frameworks for raw datasets
• Ensure compliance with Federal data retention policies
• Develop interfaces for easily accessing and querying datasets
• Address code bugs and documentation issues raised by end-users of software
• Contribute to training sessions for new users of this software and database
• Provide visibility for the group, the data, and your work on external websites
• Accelerate data acquisition and analysis using industry best practices to maintain computing infrastructure
• - The job duties listed are typical examples of work performed by positions in this job classification and are not designed to contain or be interpreted as a comprehensive inventory of all duties, tasks, and responsibilities.

Specific duties and responsibilities may vary depending on department or program needs without changing the general nature and scope of the job or level of responsibility. Employees may also perform other duties as assigned.

DESIRED QUALIFICATIONS

• Possess a MS andor PhD in a STEM field with a computational component.
• Be comfortable manipulating data sets, particularly large timeseries ones.
• Be comfortable in hardware systems engineering design.
• Be able to analyze and work with custom coding tools.
• Be proficient in Python and C.
• Have excellent organizational skills and attention to detail.
• Have strong verbal and written communication skills.
• Be able to work in a team setting.

EDUCATION & EXPERIENCE

(REQUIRED): Bachelor's degree and five years of relevant experience, or a combination of education and relevant experience.

KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS AND ABILITIES

(REQUIRED):

• Expertise in designing, developing, testing, and deploying systems and applications.
• Proficiency in computer hardware assembly
• Proficiency with application design and data modeling.
• Ability to define and solve logical problems for highly technical applications.
• Strong communication skills with both technical and non-technical clients.
• Ability to lead activities on structured team development projects.
• Ability to select, adapt, and effectively use a variety of programming methods.
• Knowledge of application domain.

CERTIFICATIONS & LICENSES

None

PHYSICAL REQUIREMENTS

• : • Constantly perform desk-based computer tasks.

• Often sit, grasp lightlyfine manipulation.
• Regularly standwalk, writing by hand.
• Regularly use a telephone, liftcarrypushpull objects that weigh up to 10 pounds.
• - Consistent with its obligations under the law, the University will provide reasonable accommodation to any employee with a disability who requires accommodation to perform the essential functions of his or her job.

WORKING CONDITIONS

May work extended hours, evening, and weekends. The expected pay range for this position is $138,402.00 to $163,985.00 per annum (within the 10 Bay Area counties) or $83,041.00 - $163,985.00 per annum (all other regions). Its good faith estimate of the salary or hourly wage the university reasonably expects to pay for a position upon hire. The pay offered to a selected candidate will be determined based on factors such as (but not limited to) the scope and responsibilities of the position, the qualifications of the selected candidate, departmental budget availability, internal equity, geographic location, and external market pay for comparable jobs. At Stanford University, base pay represents only one aspect of the comprehensive rewards package.

WORK STANDARDS

(from JDL)

Interpersonal Skills:

Demonstrates the ability to work well with Stanford colleagues and clients and with external organizations.

Promote Culture of Safety:

Demonstrates commitment to personal responsibility and value for safety; communicates safety concerns; uses and promotes safe behaviors based on training and lessons learned.

• Subject to and expected to comply with all applicable University policies and procedures, including but not limited to the personnel policies and other policies found in the University's Administrative Guide, adminguide.stanford.edu.
• - Stanford is an equal employment opportunity and affirmative action employer.

All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, disability, protected veteran status, or any other characteristic protected by law.