Senior Embedded Software Engineer

Base pay range

$/yr - $/yr

As a Senior Embedded Software Engineer
, you will be responsible for writing, debugging, and optimizing the firmware that brings our hardware to life. You will work directly with the hardware designer to write low-level drivers for handheld electronics and small robotics systems.

This role requires a strong understanding of both software development and hardware interaction.

• Develop real-time embedded software in C/C++
• Collaborate with electrical engineers on board bring‑up and peripheral integration
• Optimize performance and memory usage for constrained targets
• Debug on both simulators and real hardware
• Contribute to reproducible build and deployment workflows (we use Nix, you can learn it here)

• Proficiency in C and/or C++
• Experience with RTOSs, bare‑metal firmware, or other hard‑real‑time systems
• Familiarity with interrupts, DMA, timers, and serial protocols (SPI, I²C, CAN)
• Strong debugging skills with oscilloscopes and logic analyzers

• Implement real‑time robotic control systems for motion, sensing, and actuation, including motor control loops, sensor fusion, and feedback stabilization
• Implement robust error handling, fault detection, and recovery mechanisms, particularly for stabilizing the system against hardware anomalies (e.g., ESD events)

• Bachelor’s degree in electrical engineering, computer engineering, or computer science
• 8+ years of professional experience in embedded systems development using C and/or C++.
• Proven experience writing low‑level drivers and interfacing directly with hardware components (e.g., sensors, ADCs, memory) on a bare‑metal or RTOS‑based system
• Strong debugging skills using tools like GDB, JTAG/SWD debuggers, and logic analyzers

• Graduate degree in a field of hard science, mathematics, or engineering
• Ability to read and understand component datasheets and electronic schematics
• Experience with both software‑in‑the‑loop (SIL) and hardware‑in‑the‑loop (HIL) testing
• Experience developing control algorithms (e.g., PID, cascaded, or model‑based) for robotic or mechatronic systems
• Familiarity with kinematics, sensor calibration, and closed‑loop motion control
• Hands‑on experience integrating IMUs, encoders, and motor drivers in embedded environments

This is an on‑site position located in Marina Del Rey, CA.

Compensation bands are determined by role, level, location, and alignment with market data. Individual level and base pay is determined on a case‑by‑case basis and may vary based on job‑related skills, education, experience, technical capabilities and internal equity. In addition to base salary, for full‑time hires, you may also be eligible for long‑term incentives, in the form of stock options, and access to medical, vision & dental coverage as well as a 401(k) retirement plan.

To conform to U.S. Government space technology export regulations, including the International Traffic in Arms Regulations (ITAR) you must be a U.S. citizen, lawful permanent resident of the U.S., protected individual as defined by 8 U.S.C. 1324b(a)(3), or eligible to obtain the required authorizations from the U.S. Department of State. Learn more about the ITAR here.

Heaviside is an Equal Opportunity Employer; employment with Heaviside is governed on the basis of merit, competence and qualifications and will not be influenced in any manner by race, color, religion, gender, national origin/ethnicity, veteran status, disability status, age, sexual orientation, gender identity, marital status, physical disability or any other legally protected status.

• Mid‑Senior level

• Full‑time

• Defense and Space Manufacturing