Firmware Engineer - Sensing & Actuation

Base Pay Range

$/yr - $/yr

Join our embedded systems team to build the real-time firmware, drivers, and hardware-level infrastructure that power our next-generation robotic hands. You will work at the bleeding edge of robotics—developing low-latency motor control firmware, bringing up custom electronics, integrating advanced sensors, and ensuring highly reliable operation across our robotic platforms.

You will be responsible for writing low-level embedded firmware, performing driver bringup across a range of sensors/actuators, and building the real-time control pipelines that enable human-level dexterity. This role is hands‑on and hardware‑close: oscilloscopes, logic analyzers, DMA registers, and datasheets will be part of your daily workflow.

• Bring up custom embedded boards (STM
  32H7, ESP
  32, RP2040, etc.) from scratch
• Implement low-level drivers for sensors, actuators, communication buses, and custom peripherals
• Develop high‑reliability firmware using Rust (Embassy) and C, optimized for tight timing budgets
• Build DMA‑based and interrupt‑driven interfaces for high‑rate data pipelines

• Implement and tune real‑time control loops (position, torque, impedance, velocity)
• Develop high‑frequency motor control firmware (100 Hz – 5 kHz loops)
• Integrate motor drivers, current sensors, and high‑bandwidth servo feedback

• Integrate and calibrate:
  • Force & tactile sensors
  • Multi‑axis IMUs
  • Encoders (magnetic, optical, and high‑resolution absolute encoders)
• Build sensor fusion pipelines optimized for low latency and noise robustness

• Develop robust real‑time safety systems: watchdogs, brownout detection, error monitors
• Implement fail‑safe behaviors and safety interlocks for robotic manipulation
• Build boot loader/OTA systems for distributed firmware updates

• Validate new PCB revisions with bringup tests and driver diagnostics
• Work closely with mechanical/electrical teams to characterize hardware performance
• Collaborate with AI/control teams to optimize firmware performance for higher‑level policies

• Pursuing a BS/MS in Robotics, Electrical/Computer Engineering, Mechatronics, or related fields
• Strong Rust + Embassy and modern C experience in embedded development
• Experience with real‑time systems and RTOS‑based development (FreeRTOS, Zephyr, or bare‑metal)
• Strong Python skills for test automation, HIL testing, and hardware validation
• Hands‑on experience with embedded peripherals: SPI, I2C, UART, CAN/CAN‑FD, PWM, ADC, DMA
• Solid understanding of:
  • Real‑time control loops
  • Timing constraints & scheduler design
  • Interrupt latency and determinism

• Experience with Linux‑based real‑time controllers ()
• Familiarity with Ether
  
  CAT or high‑speed robotic communication buses
• Experience with motor drivers (BLDC, servo motors), Hall sensors, or current sensing
• Exposure to ROS/ROS2, machine learning, or robotic control stack development
• Experience building bootloaders, OTA systems, or secure firmware signing
• Familiarity with JTAG/SWD debugging, oscilloscopes, logic analyzers

• High‑impact ownership over mission‑critical embedded systems
• Work alongside world‑class roboticists, embedded engineers, and AI researchers
• Access to cutting‑edge robotics labs, tools, and custom hardware
• Competitive salary + equity for full‑time roles
• Comprehensive health, dental, and vision benefits

• Entry level

• Full‑time

• Engineering and Information Technology