Lead or Head of Embedded, Firmware/Systems Software EngineerYour Charter:Lead the Embedded team as a hands-on technical leader and people manager so our 1X hardware operates efficiently and reliably. This leader will raise the bar on architecture, improved workflow, and managing complexity.
Key Outcomes:- Own the technical and organizational direction of the Embedded team so the firmware running on our hardware is robust, maintainable, and efficient.
- Build strong cross-functional alignment with hardware and systems/OS so critical dependencies are clear and execution stays unblocked.
- Deliver a software foundation that supports reliable robot behavior in production, in the factory, and in the field as fleet size and system complexity increases.
- Coach and grow a highly technical team while writing code for a significant project, setting a high bar for engineering quality, ownership, and technical judgment.
Key Competencies:- Deep technical credibility in firmware, with the judgment to lead architectural decisions in a hands-on engineering environment.
- Strong systems thinking across hardware, performance-sensitive systems, and integration within embedded devices.
- Proven ability to simplify complex architectures and make practical tradeoffs that improve reliability without slowing the business down.
- Strong player-coach leadership style, with the ability to develop senior engineers, create clarity, and hold a high bar while staying close to the technical work.
- Excellent cross-functional instincts and communication, with a track record of defining & driving roadmaps across multiple technical teams.
Minimum Requirements:- 10+ years of experience building complex software systems, including significant experience in firmware or systems software running on physical devices at scale.
- 3+ years of experience leading senior engineers and/or technical teams in a player-coach, staff-plus, or engineering leadership capacity.
- Strong experience with embedded Linux, low-level software, hardware interfaces, and systems programming in C++ or similar languages.
- Proven track record owning architecture for complex products where reliability, scalability, and long-term maintainability are critical.
- Bachelor's degree in Computer Science, Electrical Engineering, Computer Engineering, or a related technical field / equivalent practical experience.
Preferred Skills:- Experience in robotics, autonomous systems, industrial systems, automotive, or other environments where software must perform reliably on real-world hardware.
- Experience inheriting and scaling an existing team through a period of company growth, increasing product maturity, or organizational change.
- Experience working across on-device systems and supporting infrastructure in factory, cloud, or field-service environments.
- Familiarity with adjacent domains such as data pipelines, developer infrastructure, or security in complex technical organizations.
What does a successful 1X Team Member look like:Team 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.
Compensation Range:$200,000 - $350,000 + Equity
Benefits:- Comprehensive medical, dental, and vision coverage
- Paid time off, company holidays, and parental leave
- 401(k) plan with company match (100% on the first 3% of contributions, 50% on the next 2%)
- Flexible Spending Accounts (FSA) and Health Savings Accounts (HSA) options
- Commuter benefits (transit and parking)
- Short-term and long-term disability, and life insurance
- Employee Assistance Program (EAP) for mental health, financial, and personal support
- Onsite snacks and catered lunches
