Your CharterOwn the firmware layer across one or more of the robot's core hardware subsystems-ensuring embedded software that is robust, safe, and maintainable across prototype and production platforms. As one of the first companies building general-purpose humanoid robots at scale, firmware quality is non-negotiable: it determines whether the robot operates safely in uncontrolled environments, whether hardware brings up on schedule, and whether the team can move fast as the system grows to 20+ distributed embedded nodes.
Key Outcomes- Deliver production-quality firmware for your assigned domain; communication bus, battery charging, or actuator drives that meets reliability and safety requirements on both prototype and production hardware
- Reduce integration risk across subsystems by owning the firmware-to-hardware interface: defining requirements with hardware architects, surfacing trade-offs early, and resolving issues before they block downstream teams
- Establish diagnostic and telemetry infrastructure that measurably accelerates end-of-line validation and enables long-term field reliability tracking
- Contribute to a firmware codebase that is well-structured, documented, and maintainable, enabling the team to scale safely as the robot adds nodes, subsystems, and production volume
Key Competencies- Deep embedded instincts writing firmware that is correct under real hardware conditions: interrupt timing, DMA conflicts, communication protocol edge cases, and hardware fault behavior
- First-principles problem solver diagnosing novel failures at the firmware-hardware boundary using lab tools and reasoning from fundamentals, not just vendor documentation or established patterns
- Safety-aware by default understanding what "fail safe" means in a physical system and treats protection logic, fault detection, and safe-state transitions as first-class firmware concerns
- Effective cross-functional partner translating firmware constraints and failure modes clearly to hardware architects, electrical engineers, and systems engineers; supports bring-up without waiting to be directed
Minimum Requirements:- 5+ years of embedded firmware development in C/C++ on real hardware, with direct experience managing interrupts, DMA, and timing-critical execution (7+ years for senior/staff-level positions)
- Hands-on experience with microcontrollers and embedded communication interfaces at minimum CAN plus one or more of SPI, I²C, UART
- Demonstrated ability to debug firmware on real hardware using oscilloscopes, logic analyzers, or equivalent tools comfortable diagnosing problems that span firmware behavior and electrical signaling
Preferred Skills- Domain depth in one or more areas relevant to humanoid robot subsystems: distributed real-time communication bus firmware, switched-mode power conversion and lithium-ion battery charge management, or motor drive and actuator control firmware
- Experience with safety-critical or fault-tolerant embedded systems; familiarity with safety integrity standards such as IEC 61508 or ISO 26262
- Familiarity with real-time operating systems (FreeRTOS, SafeRTOS, or similar)
- Background in robotics, autonomous systems, or complex electromechanical products
What does a successful 1X Team Member look likeTeam members at 1X who thrive here are builders. They move fast, own their work completely, and treat time like it's the one thing you can't get back - because it is. They say what they mean, finish what they start, and hold themselves to a standard before anyone has to ask. We push each other to be better, and we do it with honesty and respect.
Benefits- Salary Range: $200,000 - $300,000 + Equity
- Health, dental, and vision insurance
- 401(k) with company match
- Paid time off and holidays
