Scientific software developer

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 Cushing Lab ( seeks a Scientific Software Developer to lead the development and public release of software for predicting excited-state X-ray and electron energy-loss (EEL) spectra using Bethe–Salpeter Equation (BSE) and Time-Dependent Density Functional Theory (TD-DFT). The role focuses on transforming research code into efficient, user-friendly, and open-source tools through optimization, workflow design, and collaboration with scientists.

Essential Job Duties

• Software Development: Refactor, optimize, and maintain scientific code; implement best practices (testing, version control, documentation).
• Scientific Collaboration: Work with researchers to translate models into usable tools and optimize simulation inputs.
• User Workflows & Interfaces: Develop intuitive interfaces (CLI/APIs) and streamlined workflows for simulations.
• Machine Learning: Integrate data-driven methods to enhance performance and adaptability.
• Open-Source Release: Prepare code for public distribution, including packaging, documentation, and user support.

Basic Qualifications

• B.S. in Computer Science, Physics, Chemistry, or related field.
• 4+ years of experience in software or scientific computing.
• Proficiency in Python, C/C++, and/or Fortran.

Preferred Qualifications

• Familiarity with electronic structure methods (DFT, TD-DFT, BSE).
• Experience with scientific software integration and user-facing tools.
• Knowledge of HPC or parallel computing.
• Experience with machine learning in scientific applications.

Required Documents

• Resume

Hiring Range

$68,700 - $120,000 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 [email protected].

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 [email protected].