About Axcend
Axcend builds the industry’s smallest-footprint, micro-flow HPLC systems so scientists can “bring the lab to the sample” and get reliable, lab-quality results anywhere—while using a fraction of the solvents and power of legacy systems. Our Focus LC® platform, with accessories like AutoFocus™ and InFocus™, helps customers reduce waste, shrink energy use, and simplify workflows in the lab, in the hood, and in the field. We value practical innovation, integrity, and a hands-on, collaborative culture where people own outcomes.
Position Summary
We are seeking a highly skilled Senior Software Developer to lead the development and integration of instrument drivers for Chromatography Data Systems (CDS). This role focuses on bridging the gap between analytical laboratory hardware, such as HPLC systems and AutoSamplers, and industry-leading software platforms. You will be responsible for building robust, high-performance software to ensure seamless communication between our instruments and third-party CDS environments.
The ideal candidate possesses a deep understanding of C#, .NET, and WPF for desktop application development, combined with the versatility to handle firmware-level programming and modern web technologies.
Key Responsibilities
- Driver Development: Design, develop, and maintain high-quality instrument drivers for major CDS platforms, including Agilent OpenLab, Waters Empower, and Thermo Fisher Chromeleon.
- Full-Stack Development: Build and maintain desktop interfaces using WPF and backend services or deployment tools using Node.js.
- Virtualization & Testing: Manage development and testing environments using VMware to simulate diverse CDS installations and network configurations.
- Deployment: Create and maintain professional installers for software distribution using Wix Toolset.
- Cross-Functional Collaboration: Work closely with hardware engineers and product managers to translate analytical chemistry requirements into technical specifications.
Required Skills & Qualifications
- Experience: 5–10 years of professional experience in software engineering, preferably within the life sciences, medical device, or analytical instrumentation industries.
- AI Coding Tools: Proficiency with LLMs for both research and coding assistance.
- C#, .NET, & WPF: Strong proficiency in C# and the .NET framework, with extensive experience building complex desktop UIs using WPF (MVVM pattern).
- CDS Knowledge: Direct experience developing for or integrating with OpenLab, Empower, or Chromeleon.
- Driver Frameworks: Proven track record working with ICF (Instrument Control Framework) and RC.NET driver architectures.
- Web Technologies: Proficiency in Node.js for tooling, scripting, or auxiliary services.
- Installers: Experience using the Wix Toolset for creating Windows Installer (MSI) packages.
- Virtualization: Hands-on experience using VMware for environment isolation and multi-platform testing.
- Education: Bachelor’s or Master’s degree in Computer Science, Computer Engineering, or a related field.
Preferred Qualifications
- Agentic Development: Real project experience at using a modern agentic AI framework to both build new projects as well as make improvements to an existing codebase. Familiarity with tools, model strengths/weaknesses, and optimizing local vs. cloud LLM usage.
- Firmware Engineering: Assist in the development and debugging of firmware for HPLC instruments and AutoSamplers, working with microcontrollers and FreeRTOS.
- Hardware Familiarity: Understanding of HPLC systems, AutoSamplers, or general laboratory automation hardware.
- Regulatory Knowledge: Familiarity with 21 CFR Part 11 and GxP compliance requirements in laboratory software.
Technical Stack Summary
- Languages: C#, JavaScript/TypeScript, C (Embedded)
- Frameworks: .NET, WPF, Node.js, FreeRTOS
- Tools: Wix Toolset, VMware, Git, Agentic AI Platforms
- Domain: Chromatography Data Systems Experience
Skills Required
- 5-10 years of professional software engineering experience, preferably in life sciences, medical device, or analytical instrumentation
- Proficiency with LLMs for research and coding assistance (AI coding tools)
- Strong proficiency in C# and the .NET framework
- Extensive experience building complex desktop UIs using WPF (MVVM pattern)
- Direct experience developing for or integrating with OpenLab, Empower, or Chromeleon (CDS Knowledge)
- Proven track record working with ICF (Instrument Control Framework) and RC.NET driver architectures
- Proficiency in Node.js for tooling, scripting, or auxiliary services
- Experience using the Wix Toolset to create Windows Installer (MSI) packages
- Hands-on experience using VMware for environment isolation and testing
- Bachelor's or Master's degree in Computer Science, Computer Engineering, or a related field
- Experience with firmware engineering for microcontrollers and FreeRTOS
- Familiarity with HPLC systems, AutoSamplers, or laboratory automation hardware
- Familiarity with 21 CFR Part 11 and GxP compliance requirements
- Experience using modern agentic AI frameworks for development and codebase improvements
What We Do
Axcend is a provider of innovative, compact nanoflow liquid chromatography (LC) systems offering dramatic improvements in portability, ease of operation, rapid and convenient deployment, and coupling to other analytical systems (such as mass spectrometry). Axcend's first product — the Axcend Focus LC — emphasizes simplicity and ease of transport, while still retaining high performance and robustness. Developed in the laboratories at Brigham Young University under the direction of Prof. Milton Lee (renowned expert in miniaturized chromatography design and operation), the key features of the Axcend Focus LC include low-power consumption with line voltage or battery operation as standard features; simple and tool-less column exchange via a column cartridge; dramatic reduction in solvent, sample, and waste volume; hand-portable size and weight; novel LED UV-absorption detection for sensitive target analyte detection; and elegant user interface supporting leading computer and mobile devices. The Axcend Focus LC was introduced at the Pittcon 2018 Conference & Exposition where it won a Bronze Pittcon Excellence Award from "Pittcon Today" magazine.
