Firmware Engineer, Robotics and Surgery Engineering

Firmware Engineer, Robotics and Surgery Engineering

Austin, Texas, United States;
Fremont, California, United States

We are creating devices that enable a bi‑directional interface with the brain. These devices allow us to restore movement to the paralyzed, restore sight to the blind, and revolutionize how humans interact with their digital world.

At Neuralink, we're engineering the future of automated surgeries, focusing on the safe and effective implantation of our groundbreaking Neuralink implant. Our team — a cross-functional mix of roboticists, engineers from various disciplines, and medical professionals — collaborates on developing a surgical flow from first principles. In this critical role, you'll straddle the cutting‑edge worlds of robotics, software, and neuroscience.

This is a new and foundational role for our team that will allow you to create new embedded systems from scratch while challenging and refining the old. As a Firmware Engineer, your responsibilities will encompass:

• Developing and optimizing embedded software for robotic surgery applications
• Streamlining our codebase by refining and, when necessary, retiring legacy embedded software
• Rigorous testing and validation of software systems to meet the highest safety and reliability standards
• Writing drivers and applications to extend the functionality of our robotics
• Specifying hardware and software choices as we develop future hardware platforms
• Sharing your findings and progress with the team in a collaborative environment

• Demonstrated track record of success in a science or engineering field, evidenced by outstanding projects, innovations, or advanced problem‑solving
• Proven experience in software development, preferably with exposure to embedded systems

Embedded Software Development

• 2+ years of experience with embedded systems
• Proficient with common communication protocols (SPI, UART, I2C, etc.)
• Comfortable/working knowledge of more advanced protocols such as PCIe, MIPI CSI/DSI, USB, and 802.3
• Proficient in at least one embedded language such as C, C++, or Rust
• Proficient with embedded tool chains and workflow
• Experience building and bringing‑up MCUs or FPGAs
• Experience with embedded stacks for ARM cores
• Experience developing on embedded Linux platforms
• Experience with embedded Linux kernel configuration and device tree setup
• Experience with kernel driver development
• Experience with ARM bootloaders
• Experience coding drivers for actuators and sensors
• Experience with high speed data acquisition and processing

Electrical Engineering

• Foundational understanding of MCU architectures and peripheral integration
• Solid knowledge in electrical engineering and DSP
• Ability to interpret electrical schematics and datasheets, along with proficiency in using lab equipment

The anticipated base salary for this position is expected to be within the following range. Your actual base pay will be determined by your job‑related skills, experience, and relevant education or training. We also believe in aligning our employees’ success with the company’s long‑term growth. As such, in addition to base salary, Neuralink offers equity compensation (in the form of Restricted Stock Units (RSU)) for all full‑time employees.

Base Salary Range: $138,000 – $300,000 USD

Full‑time employees are eligible for the following benefits listed below.

• An opportunity to change the world and work with some of the smartest and most talented experts from different fields
• Growth potential; we rapidly advance team members who have an outsized impact
• Excellent medical, dental, and vision insurance through a PPO plan
• Paid holidays
• Meals provided
• Equity (RSUs)
  * Temporary Employees & Interns excluded*
• 401(k) plan
  * Interns initially excluded until they work 1,000 hours*
• Parental leave
  * Temporary Employees & Interns excluded*
• Flexible time off
  * Temporary Employees & Interns excluded*

As set forth in Neuralink’s Equal Employment Opportunity policy, we do not discriminate on the basis of any protected group status under any applicable law.