Senior Software Engineer (OS)

The Opportunity

QuidelOrtho unites the strengths of Quidel Corporation and Ortho Clinical Diagnostics, creating a world-leading in vitro diagnostics company with award-winning expertise in immunoassay and molecular testing, clinical chemistry and transfusion medicine. We are more than 6,000 strong and do business in over 130 countries, providing answers with fast, accurate and consistent testing where and when they are needed most – home to hospital, lab to clinic.

Our culture puts our team members first and prioritizes actions that support happiness, inspiration and engagement. We strive to build meaningful connections with each other as we believe that employee happiness and business success are linked. Join us in our mission to transform the power of diagnostics into a healthier future for all.

The Role

As we continue to grow as QuidelOrtho, we are seeking a seeking a Senior Software Engineer to join our team working on a greenfield effort to design the next generation of intelligent In Vitro Diagnostic (IVD) analyzers for hospital clinical laboratories. This is an
opportunity to shape core architecture and influence the development of next-
generation, safety-critical systems. The Senior Software Engineer will focus on the design, configuration, and implementation of our core Linux OS and related software development in our embedded software architecture. This role requires a deep understanding of embedded Linux internals, real-time behavior, containerization, and secure system design.

The job is onsite in Rochester, NY.

The Responsibilities

• Architect and maintain Linux-based OS images for real-time diagnostic instruments, including OS build systems, kernel modules, BSPs, and cross-compilation environments.
• Implement real-time and deterministic system features, such as PREEMPT_RT, and optimize performance, boot times, and memory usage.
• Develop and integrate system-level security features, including secure boot, root-of-trust, kernel hardening, and secure update mechanisms for regulated environments.
• Develop system scripts and tools for initialization, configuration, and peripheral control.
• Support modular deployment through containerization or virtualization technologies (e.g., Docker, LXC, KVM).
• Collaborate cross-functionally with hardware, cybersecurity, QA, and regulatory teams to ensure compliance with performance, security, and documentation standards.
• Drive system-level validation and testing, including support for verification, validation, code reviews, FMECA, and CI integration.
• Plan and execute transitions to newer versions of the OS when existing versions go obsolete.
• Additional systems programming within an embedded medical device as needed by project demands.
• Perform other work-related duties as assigned.

The Individual

Required:

• B.S. or M.S. Degree in Computer Science, Computer Engineering or a related discipline required.
• Minimum of 5 years required with bachelor’s or 3 years with master’s degree, preferably leading in a medical device environment or equivalent
  combination of education and experience.
• 3+ years’ experience in embedded Linux systems, preferably in regulated or safety-critical environments.
• Hands-on experience with Bitbake / Buildroot / Yocto, including recipe creation, layer management, and image customization.
• Experience with BSP development, hardware bring-up, and peripheral integration
• Proficient in system-level programming in C++, with additional skills in scripting (Shell, Python).
• Hands-on experience with secure boot, OS hardening, and cybersecurity practices.
• Keen sense of urgency and drive for results.
• Ability to work independently with minimal oversight.
• Familiarity with Agile development practices and toolchains, including Git, CI/CD integration, and issue tracking platforms such as Jira, GitHub, or Azure DevOps.
• Excellent communication skills: technical writing and English fluency.
• Over and above, a deep commitment to your own quality work and a strong desire to help the entire team to succeed.
• The 10% travel includes airplane, automobile travel, and overnight hotel.
• This position is not currently eligible for visa sponsorship. 

Preferred Skills:

• Experience with a COTS RTOS such as QNX and/or WindRiver Linux.
• Familiarity with deterministic systems, inter-process communication, and real-time scheduling.
• Familiarity with containerization technologies (e.g., Docker, LXC, Snaps on embedded systems).
• Working knowledge of IEC 62304, ISO 14971, and risk-based development in medical devices.
• Proficiency in software build systems such as CMake and/or Bazel.
• Experience with xUnit-style automated testing frameworks, including test mocking, emulation, and simulation tools for embedded Linux systems.

The Key Working Relationships

Internal Partners:

• Product Manager, V&V Engineers, Systems Engineers, Junior engineers and interns

External Partners:

• Software Development partners and suppliers.

The Work Environment

The work environment characteristics are representative of a manufacturing, laboratory, or warehouse environment and include handling of viral and bacterial hazards, potentially hazardous chemicals, as well as infectious or potentially infectious bodily fluids, tissues, and samples. Including walk-in fridges/freezer. Up to 60% of the time at desk, standing or sitting extended periods of time. Flexible work hours to meet project deadlines

Physical Demands

A job description should include physical demands that are essential to the job's performance to comply with the American with Disabilities Act (ADA). Physical demands are the level and duration of physical exertion needed to perform critical tasks, such as: 

sitting, standing, walking, lifting, carrying, reaching, pushing, and pulling. Other physical demands include: 

• Bending 
• Crawling 
• Stooping 
• Vision 
• Climbing or balancing 
• Kneeling 
• Crouching 
• Talking or hearing 
• Tasting or smelling 

Salary Transparency

The salary range for this position takes into account a wide range of factors including education, experience, knowledge, skills, geography, and abilities of the candidate, in addition to internal equity and alignment with market data. At QuidelOrtho, it is not typical for an individual to be hired at or near the top range for their role and compensation decisions are dependent on the facts and circumstances of each case. The salary range for this position is $100,000 to $120,000 and is bonus eligible. QuidelOrtho offers a comprehensive benefits package including medical, dental, vision, life, and disability insurance, along with a 401(k) plan, employee assistance program, Employee Stock Purchase Plan, paid time off (including sick time), and paid Holidays. All benefits are non-contractual, and QuidelOrtho may amend, terminate, or enhance the benefits provided, as it deems appropriate.

Equal Opportunity

QuidelOrtho believes in Equal Opportunity for all and is committed to ensuring all individuals, including individuals with disabilities, have an opportunity to apply for those positions that they are interested in and qualify for without regard to race, religion, color, national origin, citizenship, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, age, veteran status, disability, genetic information, or any other protected characteristic. QuidelOrtho is also committed to providing reasonable accommodations to qualified individuals so that an individual can perform the duties. If you are interested in applying for an employment opportunity and require special assistance or an accommodation to apply due to a disability, please contact us at recruiting@quidelortho.com.