5+ years of experience in embedded software or firmware development
Strong proficiency in C/C++ for low-level software development
Hands-on experience with embedded Linux and board bring-up
Deep understanding of hardware-software interaction, including processors and memory
Ability to debug complex firmware and system-level issues
Familiarity with reading schematics and collaborating with engineers
Experience with embedded interfaces like SPI, I2C, and USB
Willingness to contribute to user-space software and Python applications
Responsibilities
Develop low-level embedded software and firmware in C/C++ and Python
Bring up new hardware platforms from prototype to reliable operation
Create and debug Linux device drivers and BSPs
Develop low-level firmware for DDR initialization
Collaborate with electrical engineers on schematics and software requirements
Debug hardware and software issues using various tools and equipment
Maintain embedded Linux systems using Yocto or similar build systems
Contribute to user-space software and tooling as needed
Help shape embedded architecture for field-ready systems
Benefits
Fully covered health, dental, and vision insurance for employees
401(k) plan with company contributions
Unlimited PTO and a two-week company holiday at year-end
Supportive of mental health and family time, with fertility benefits
Positive work environment that values humor and mission-driven work
Full Job Description
About The Role
Valinor Reflex is looking for an Embedded Software Engineer to join our small, hands-on team in Washington, D.C., building a low-profile smart optics system that brings real-time computing and embedded intelligence into a wearable form factor.
You'll own software close to the hardware, from bringing up new boards and developing Linux drivers to debugging difficult firmware and system-level issues. This role is ideal for an engineer who likes working at the hardware/software boundary, enjoys getting deep into how chips and systems work, and is comfortable moving between low-level firmware and the user-space software built on top of it.
What You'll Do
Develop low-level embedded software and firmware in C/C++ and Python
Bring up new boards and hardware platforms from initial prototype through reliable operation
Develop and debug Linux device drivers, BSPs, and Device Tree configurations
Develop, configure, and debug low-level DDR initialization firmware
Work closely with electrical engineers to understand schematics, interfaces, pin routing, and how software requirements translate to the circuit board
Debug across hardware and software using logs, schematics, oscilloscopes, logic analyzers, and other bench equipment
Develop and maintain embedded Linux systems using Yocto or similar build systems
Contribute to user-space software, tooling, and Python applications when needed
Help shape the embedded architecture as Reflex moves from prototype hardware toward reliable, field-ready systems
What We're Looking For
5+ years of experience in embedded software, firmware, or a related field
Strong experience developing low-level software in C/C++
Hands-on experience with embedded Linux, board bring-up, BSP development, and device drivers
Deep understanding of processors, memory, peripherals, and how software interacts with underlying hardware
Ability to debug difficult firmware and system-level problems from first principles
Comfortable reading schematics and working closely with electrical and mechanical engineers
Experience with common embedded interfaces such as SPI, I2C, UART, USB, CAN, or similar
Ability to contribute outside the firmware layer when needed, including Python and user-space software
Comfortable working in a fast-moving, build-first environment with significant ownership and ambiguity
What Valinor Offers
Competitive salary, equity packages, and benefits, including health, dental, and vision insurance - fully covered for employees, 401(k), development stipends, among others.
Unlimited PTO and two-week company holiday at the end of every calendar year.
We are a pro-mental health and pro-family company - we actually encourage employees to spend time with themselves and their families. Valinor also provides fertility benefits to those just beginning that journey.
Fun work environment - we like to laugh and take care of each other, but we also deeply respect the mission in front of us.
This role requires the candidate be eligible to obtain and maintain a U.S. security clearance. Active clearance preferred, but not required.
