Forest Neurotech - Software Engineering Lead

Palo Alto, CA
Forest Neurotech – Forest Neurotech /
Full Time /
Hybrid
At Forest Neurotech, we're not just creating devices; we're building a deeper understanding and personalized treatment of the human brain. Our mission is to pioneer the next frontier of neurotechnology, and we're looking for passionate and experienced people to be a part of this journey. 

We are seeking a highly skilled Software Engineering Lead to lead the design and implementation of Forest’s core software systems, creating a cohesive framework across Forest’s hardware, acquisition platform, and clinician-focused tools. Your work will bridge cutting-edge neurotechnology with robust, user-friendly software solutions, ensuring scalability and security across research and clinical workflows.

Responsibilities

    • Define and implement the overall architecture for Forest’s software systems, ensuring modularity, scalability, and security.
    • Define and maintain best software practices across the broader team.
    • Directly own and manage the digital and embedded software efforts on the integration of device-level software with the broader software framework and contribute to software aspects of device control.
    • Design the data pipeline, synchronization, and storage of neural and metadata from Forest’s BCI devices to its data science platform.
    • Design and implement comprehensive verification and validation tests for embedded and software systems to ensure reliability and performance in experimental and clinical settings.
    • Work with the Science team on the integration of the data science platform into the broader software framework and ensure seamless data flow and usability.
    • Support hardware development and manufacturing testing software needs.
    • Develop and maintain software documents, such as: architecture documents, technical specifications, and testing protocols to support internal knowledge transfer and regulatory compliance.
    • Hiring and managing a small team of full time employees and contractors.

Skills & Qualifications

    • Minimum of a BS in Computer Science or related field, PhD preferred.
    • Minimum of 5 years of relevant industry software development experience Proficiency in Python, C, C++, and system architecture design.
    • Expertise in embedded systemsExperience with hardware-software integration.
    • Experience with real-time/closed-loop data processing, signal processing, and streaming protocols preferred.
    • Familiarity with safety, security, and privacy standards for medical software (e.g., HIPAA, GDPR) preferred.
    • Excellent communication and interpersonal skills, with the ability to work effectively with cross-functional teams.
    • Demonstrated ability to manage multiple projects and priorities in a fast-paced environment.
    • Experience with CI/CD pipelines, automated testing frameworks, and version control (e.g., Git) to ensure robust software delivery.
    • Quick learner: You love tackling new topics and can rapidly get up to speed on multidisciplinary challenges. High IQ, low ego: You bring smart solutions, stay humble, and thrive on collaboration Genuine interest in frontier tech: You’re excited by cutting-edge science and tech and want to push the boundaries of what’s possible.
Forest is structured as a Focused Research Organization (FRO). FROs are a new type of startup-nonprofit hybrid organization for pursuing advanced scientific projects not achievable in academia or a VC-backed startup. As an FRO, Forest can execute with the intensity and focus of a founder-led startup, but with the mission and operational flexibility to maximally advance neurotechnology and benefit society rather than focusing on near-term company value.

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