Principal Software Developer

Principal Software Developer, Cognito Therapeutics, Inc.

Location: Cambridge, MA, USA, Full-time

Company Description

Cognito Therapeutics, Inc. is a venture-backed (Morningside Ventures, FoundersX, IAG, Starbloom) late clinical stage company translating scientific findings from MIT into therapeutic approaches for brain health, including Alzheimer’s disease and other neurodegenerative conditions. We were awarded a Breakthrough designation by the FDA in December 2020 based upon our feasibility data that showed our therapy’s strong safety profile and a notable preservation of cognition and function in patients with mild-to-moderate Alzheimer’s. We completed enrollment in our pivotal study, HOPE, in June 2025 and expect to release topline data from the trial in summer 2026. We are a fast-moving, highly motivated team of innovators with the ambitious goal of helping millions of patients and caregivers around the world who are impacted by neurodegenerative conditions. With our patented brain stimulation technology, we are committed to developing convenient, safe and effective neuroprotective therapies to improve brain health and well-being for all.

About the Job

We are seeking a talented and motivated Principal Software Developer to join our dynamic and innovative team. As a Principal Software Developer, you will take the lead in designing, developing, and maintaining high-quality software solutions that meet our product and business needs.  You will collaborate closely with cross-functional teams, including product managers, designers, and quality assurance professionals, to deliver exceptional software products that drive our business forward.  You’ll take ownership of software projects in critical areas. As the company expands you will lead and guide peers and junior technical staff in your area(s) of expertise. 

Roles & Responsibilities:

• Develop high-quality software solutions: Design, code, test, and debug software applications using programming languages and frameworks such as Java, C, C++, Python, or JavaScript, ensuring adherence to coding standards and best practices.
• Collaborate with cross-functional teams: Work closely with product managers, designers, and other stakeholders to understand requirements, provide technical insights, and contribute to the overall product vision.
• Lead through the full software development life cycle: Contribute to all phases of the software development process, including requirements gathering, design, implementation, testing, deployment, and maintenance.
• Perform code reviews and ensure software quality: Review code written by team members, provide constructive feedback, and conduct thorough testing to identify and fix bugs, ensuring software quality and reliability.
• Stay up-to-date with industry trends: Continuously learn and stay current with the latest tools, technologies, and programming languages relevant to software development, and propose innovative solutions to enhance our software products.
• Troubleshoot and resolve technical issues: Investigate and address software defects, performance bottlenecks, and other technical issues, collaborating with the team to find effective solutions.
• Collaborate in an Agile environment: Run Agile ceremonies, such as sprint planning, daily stand-ups, and retrospectives, fostering a collaborative and iterative approach to software development.
• Lead Projects: Manage small technical teams, and interface with peers and superiors to reach outcomes important to the company.
• Mentor Junior Staff: Provide technical and career guidance to more junior software staff, fostering an environment of collaboration, technical excellence and growth.
• Document and Communicate: Create and maintain technical documentation, including design specifications, user manuals, and API documentation, and effectively communicate complex technical concepts to both technical and non-technical stakeholders. 

Who You Are 

Join our team as a Principal Software Developer and contribute to the development of innovative software solutions that drive our organization's success. Together, we can make a meaningful impact and create exceptional software products that exceed our customers' expectations.

Minimal Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in Computer Science, Software Engineering, or a related field. Equivalent work experience may be considered.
• 8+ years of Software Development experience
• Demonstrated experience leading complex technical projects or systems, with expertise in one or more programming languages and frameworks.
• Strong problem-solving skills and ability to analyze complex problems, propose creative solutions, and implement them effectively.
• Solid understanding of software development principles, practices, and methodologies, including Agile/Scrum.
• Familiarity with version control systems (e.g., Git), software testing, and debugging tools.
• Excellent teamwork and communication skills, with the ability to collaborate effectively with cross-functional teams and articulate technical concepts to non-technical stakeholders.
• Experience leading small technical teams, where you remain a highly engaged individual contributor.
• Strong attention to detail and a commitment to delivering high-quality software solutions. Strong technical opinions driven by experience and expertise.
• Continuous learning mindset and a passion for staying up-to-date with emerging technologies and industry trends.
• Software Development Life Cycle experience is a plus
• Medical Device Experience is a plus
• Programming with mobile applications is a plus
• Embedded device experience is a plus
• FDA Cybersecurity compliance experience is a plus
• Cloud application development is a plus
• Leading a team of software developers.