Firmware Engineer

Firmware Engineer Seatrec is seeking an entry to mid-level Firmware Engineer to support the development of our autonomous profiling floats, which are powered by temperature gradients in the ocean. In this role, you will have hands-on responsibility from day one building firmware, Python automation, and testing frameworks that operate on cutting-edge autonomous ocean platforms. Your work will have visible, real-world impact, and you’ll gain deep experience across embedded systems, Linux, RTOS, and production pipelines.

You will collaborate closely with remote team members while working on-site in Vista, California, contributing directly to project execution, testing, and system validation. About Seatrec Seatrec designs and manufactures subsea drones that generate electricity from ocean temperature gradients. Our products empower defense and oceanographic researchers to extend mission durations, optimize data collection, and reduce operational costs. By enabling the integration of advanced sensors previously limited in endurance and functionality, such as hydrophones, we open new possibilities for ocean science.

One of our floats recently deployed off the coast of Kona, Hawaii, has collected a record of more than 1,000 profiles. Seatrec’s energy harvesting core technology was developed at NASA’s Jet Propulsion Laboratory and spun out of the California Institute of Technology in 2016. Seatrec is headquartered in Vista, California. Visit us at  Position Responsibilities
• Develop soft real-time embedded firmware in C for MCU platforms, with a focus on reliability and power efficiency.
• Configure and maintain embedded Linux environments, writing robust Python scripts for automation and testing.
• Build automated test frameworks from the ground up to validate platform functionality and performance.
• Support production activities, including running and improving production tooling.
• Integrate new payloads and sensors using IP, UART, I²C, and SPI.
• Incorporate customer processing scripts into Linux SBC data pipelines.
• Perform basic electronics prototyping (soldering, cabling, bread boarding) as needed.
• Use hardware and software tools (multimeter, oscilloscope, logic analyzer, debugger) to troubleshoot and debug systems.
• Collaborate with the engineering team and develop self-sufficiency in completing tasks. Position Qualifications
• Strong C programming skills for embedded systems.
• Strong Python scripting skills, comfortable building automated test frameworks and production scripts.
• Familiarity with RTOS, including threading, memory management, and common pitfall avoidance. 1
• Familiarity with microcontroller architecture, interrupts, and timers.
• Hands-on experience with hardware debugging using standard lab tools.
• Passionate about autonomous systems or ocean technology, motivated to learn and grow.
• Collaborative mindset and ability to work effectively both on-site and with remote team members. Location
• Full-time, onsite position at Seatrec's headquarters and manufacturing facility in Vista, California.

What We Offer
• Competitive pay
• Health, dental, and vision insurance
• Tax-advantaged retirement plan through Simple IRA
• Paid Time Off (PTO)
• Opportunities to Participate in ocean deployments and field tests—see the units you built in action
• Cross-training opportunities in engineering, testing, and field operations
• Small team environment where your work directly impacts mission success Equal Opportunity Employer Seatrec is an equal opportunity employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, age, disability, protected veteran status, or any other characteristic protected by law.

To apply for this position, please send your resume and cover letter to  2