Principal Software Engineer (Medical Device Software/C#/C++, .NET, Windows)

At Alcon, we are driven by the meaningful work we do to help people see brilliantly. We innovate boldly, champion progress, and act with speed as the global leader in eye care. Here, you’ll be recognized for your commitment and contributions and see your career like never before. Together, we go above and beyond to make an impact on the lives of our patients and customers.

We foster an inclusive culture and are looking for diverse, talented people to join our team. As a Principal Software Engineer, you will serve as a technical leader responsible for architecting, designing, and developing complex Windows-based software applications that support Alcon's next-generation ophthalmic diagnostic and surgical medical devices.

In this highly visible role, you will drive software architecture, and influence engineering best practices across multiple product development programs leveraging technologies including C#, .NET, WPF/XAML, MVVM, C, and C++. You will lead the development of scalable, high-performance software solutions while partnering closely with systems engineering, hardware, quality, regulatory, and product management to deliver innovative products that meet demanding performance, cybersecurity, reliability, interoperability, and regulatory requirements.

This onsite opportunity in Lake Forest, California offers the chance to shape the future of ophthalmic technology by leading the development of next-generation diagnostic and surgical platforms. As a key technical leader, you will influence product strategy, drive innovation across multiple programs, mentor engineering teams, and collaborate with multidisciplinary partners to deliver technologies that improve patient outcomes and help people see brilliantly.

In this role, a typical day will include:

• Lead the architecture, design, and development of Windows-based software for ophthalmic medical devices.
• Drive technical strategy and architectural decisions across multiple product development initiatives.
• Collaborate with cross-functional teams, including Systems Engineering, Quality, Regulatory, Hardware, and Product Management.
• Mentor engineers and champion software development best practices, quality, and innovation.
• Guide all phases of the software development lifecycle, from requirements through verification and release.
• Evaluate and implement technologies and processes that improve product performance, reliability, and scalability.
• Serve as a technical leader, influencing engineering direction and supporting key business objectives.

WHAT YOU’LL BRING TO ALCON:

• Bachelor’s Degree or Equivalent years of directly related experience (or high school +13 yrs; Assoc.+9 yrs; M.S.+2 yrs; PhD+0 yrs)
• The ability to fluently read, write, understand and communicate in English.
• 5 Years of Relevant Experience
• Sponsorship/Relocation: Not available.

PREFERRED EXPERIENCE:

• Educational background in Computer Science, Software Engineering, Computer Engineering, or a related technical discipline.
• Experience developing Windows-based software applications using C#, .NET, WPF/XAML, MVVM, C, C++, and Microsoft technology stacks.
• Strong understanding of software architecture, object-oriented design principles, design patterns, inter-process communication (IPC), and scalable software development practices.
• Experience with hardware-software integration, system-level debugging, and troubleshooting of complex electromechanical systems.
• Demonstrated hands-on experience using oscilloscopes, multimeters, logic analyzers, or other diagnostic and measurement equipment to troubleshoot, analyze, and validate system performance and signal integrity.
• Ability to read, interpret, and use schematic diagrams, interface specifications, and technical documentation to support root cause analysis and product development.
• Experience working in FDA-regulated medical device environments or other highly regulated industries.
• Knowledge of multi-threading, inter-process communication, TCP/IP networking, automated testing methodologies, source control (Git), and software verification practices.
• Familiarity with healthcare interoperability technologies and standards such as HL7, FHIR, DICOM, Protocol Buffers, medical imaging, image processing, signal processing, algorithm development, and advanced healthcare technologies.
• Experience with ophthalmic technologies, medical imaging, image processing, signal processing, algorithm development, geometric computations or other advanced healthcare technologies.
• Demonstrated capability to drive innovation and collaborate effectively with cross-functional teams, including Engineering, Quality, Regulatory, and Product Management.
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills.
• This role is based on site in Lake Forest, CA and requires regular in-person collaboration with cross-functional teams and work within laboratories and development environments.

HOW YOU CAN THRIVE:

• Collaborate with teammates to share standard processes and findings as work evolves.
• See your career like never before with focused growth and development opportunities.
• Join Alcon’s mission to provide outstanding, innovative products and solutions to improve sight, improve lives, and grow your career!
• Alcon provides a robust benefits package including health, life, retirement, flexible time off and much more.

Alcon Careers

• See your impact at alcon.com/careers

  

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Compensation and Benefits

Alcon’s Total Rewards programs are designed to align incentives with business objectives, support our values, and deliver long‑term value. Our compensation approach includes a combination of fixed and variable pay, with short‑term and long‑term incentive opportunities for eligible roles. Our benefits offerings are designed to support associates and their families across key life events, including programs that promote health and well‑being, provide financial security, and support retirement planning.

The salary range posted represents the anticipated hiring range for this role. Actual compensation may vary based on factors such as experience, skills, location, and internal equity, and may fall outside the posted range.

  

Pay Range

128,350.00 - 166,100.00

  

Pay Frequency

Annual

  

Alcon is an Equal Opportunity Employer and participates in E-Verify. Alcon takes pride in maintaining a diverse environment and our policies are not to discriminate in recruitment, hiring, training, promotion or other employment practices for reasons of race, color, religion, gender, national origin, age, sexual orientation, gender identity, marital or veteran status, disability, or any other legally protected status. Alcon is also committed to working with and providing reasonable accommodation to individuals with disabilities. If, because of a medical condition or disability, you need a reasonable accommodation for any part of the application process, or in order to perform the essential functions of a position, please send an email to alcon.recruitment@alcon.com and let us know the nature of your request and your contact information.