8+ years in embedded systems firmware development and architecture.
Deep understanding of communication protocols: CAN bus, Modbus, I2C, SPI, UART.
Experience with motion control and tuning, encoder feedback, and trajectory optimization.
Strong C and C++ programming skills, with familiarity in embedded Linux.
Design experience with gRPC and Protobuf interfaces for firmware communication.
Proven capacity to lead unit testing and HIL testing environments.
Skilled in using hardware debugging tools like oscilloscopes and logic analyzers.
Responsibilities
Lead the architecture and development of embedded firmware systems from concept through production.
Drive system design across various communication layers, ensuring robust operation.
Mentor engineers on coding practices, quality, and architectural decisions.
Implement portable firmware for ARM-based microcontrollers using C/C++.
Develop and maintain hardware communication protocol implementations like CAN bus and Modbus.
Design and maintain gRPC and Protocol Buffer interfaces for hardware service accessibility.
Collaborate with cross-functional teams to align on firmware behavior and API integration.
Benefits
Autonomy and ownership in project development.
Join a passionate and highly skilled team.
Contribute to innovative robotics solutions.
Experience rapid company growth and development.
Engage in an inclusive and collaborative work culture.
Enjoy a positive work-life balance.
Structured documentation practices for clear communication.
Full Job Description
Key Responsibilities Technical Leadership
Lead architecture and development of embedded firmware systems from concept through production.
Drive system design across multiple communication layers: from physical protocols (CAN, I2C) to high-level RPC interfaces.
Mentor and coach engineers on best practices, code quality, and architectural decisions.
Firmware & Control Development
Implement robust, portable firmware using C/C++ for ARM-based microcontrollers and SBCs (e.g., STM32, NXP, Raspberry Pi-class devices).
Develop and maintain protocol implementations for CAN bus, Modbus, I2C, UART, and SPI.
Design and maintain gRPC and Protocol Buffer interfaces to expose hardware services cleanly and safely to higher-level systems (e.g., orchestration, cloud, or local UIs).
Integrate Linux-based SBC firmware modules with hardware abstraction layers.
Implement motor control algorithms, including tuning, sequencing, encoder-based positioning, and jerk limiting.
Use real-world feedback (encoders, sensors, timing feedback) to optimize motion sequences and avoid unnecessary re-homing.
Testing & Quality Engineering
Design and maintain unit testing and HIL (Hardware-in-the-Loop) environments.
Debug systems at all layers - from firmware logic to sensor integration to timing drift.
Use oscilloscopes, multimeters, logic analyzers, and related tools to bring up and validate hardware interfaces.
Cross-Disciplinary Collaboration
Work with systems, hardware, software, and operations teams to align on firmware behaviors and API contracts.
Own interface boundaries between hardware components, middleware, and application layers.
Participate in bring-up, debugging, and integration of custom hardware.
Documentation & Lifecycle Management
Ensure detailed documentation of firmware APIs, hardware mappings, and integration guides.
Promote best practices for version control, CI/CD for firmware, and structured release processes.
Required Qualifications
Located within commuting distance to Mountain View Ca
8+ years of experience in embedded systems firmware development and architecture.
Deep understanding of embedded communication protocols: CAN bus, Modbus, I2C, SPI, UART.
Experience with motion control, motor tuning, encoder feedback, and trajectory optimization (e.g., jerk limiting).
Strong C and C++ skills; familiarity with embedded Linux, shell scripting, and build systems (Bazel, CMake, etc.).
Experience designing gRPC + Protobuf interfaces between firmware modules and external software.
Proven ability to lead unit testing strategy and build HIL testing environments.
Experience interfacing with electrical engineering teams and hardware bring-up.
Skilled with hardware debugging tools (oscilloscope, logic analyzer, multimeter, etc.).
Familiarity with Linux-based SBCs (e.g., NXP i.MX, Raspberry Pi, etc.).
Preferred Qualifications
Experience with CanOpen protocol.
Familiarity with PLCs, ladder logic, or industrial automation frameworks.
Background in industrial automation, robotics, or distributed systems.
Experience with firmware bootloaders, OTA update strategies, and secure firmware deployment.
Understanding of network protocols (Ethernet, MQTT, TCP/IP) in embedded contexts.
Exposure to DevOps practices for firmware (artifact management, CI/CD pipelines).
A maker/tinkerer mindset - whether from robotics competitions, hobby projects, or hardware hacking.
Why Join Us?
A chance to be an early team member and leader of a rapidly growing startup and have an impact on company and technology direction.
The ability to solve challenging problems with a skilled, dedicated and friendly multi-disciplinary team.
A balanced, highly collaborative work environment.
Competitive medical, dental, and vision coverage, with 401K, life and disability coverage.
A PTO policy where we encourage and expect all employees to take time to enjoy life outside of work.
The salary range for this position is 180,000-$215,000 plus stock and benefits. Pay within the range is based on candidate experience, job-specific skills, education, and work location.
