Embedded Software Engineer – Autonomous Vehicle Platform

Embedded Software Engineer – Autonomous Vehicle PlatformLocation: San Diego, CASchedule: Full-time, on-siteCompensation: $140,000–$165,000 + equity About Our Client: Our client is developing a universal, plug-and-play compute and vision platform for vehicles. Its mission is to bring advanced driver-assistance and connected-vehicle technology to the 1.5 billion cars already on the road—making them safer, smarter, and software-defined. The company is moving from initial units toward mass production and needs a hands-on engineer to help design and build the systems that make that possible. The Opportunity: Our client is hiring its first Embedded Software Engineer to design, build, and own the embedded software architecture that powers its hardware platform—from drivers and middleware through CI/CD, OTA, and vehicle validation. This is a greenfield, build-from-scratch role: you'll be writing new embedded Linux drivers, architecting middleware services, and standing up the tools, test frameworks, and quality standards the company doesn't have yet, as it scales across multiple vehicle platforms. This is not a role for someone looking to maintain an existing codebase—you'll be creating the core systems from the ground up. What You'll Do: Architect and develop Embedded Linux drivers for UART, SPI, I2C, timers, LEDs, IMUs, CAN bus, and related peripheralsDesign and build middleware services for OTA updates, diagnostics, and real-time data and video streamingDesign, build, and stand up CI/CD pipelines for embedded software builds, testing, artifact management, and releases—from scratchArchitect integration environments for embedded software, HIL systems, test benches, vehicles, and data loggingBuild automated deployment systems across HIL, bench, production, and vehicle environmentsEngineer system compatibility across multiple vehicle makes, models, ECUs, and CAN bus architecturesDesign and build regression test frameworks for firmware, CAN interfaces, ADAS functions, and system releasesBuild test harnesses, simulators, and automated validation frameworks from the ground upDevelop production flashing systems and processes to ensure every shipped device meets requirementsEngineer OTA update mechanisms for reliability, safety, rollback, and recoveryLead root-cause analysis and architect long-term fixes for complex hardware/software defectsDefine and build the quality metrics, release criteria, and system-level test plans this platform will run onPartner with engineering and manufacturing to design quality into the product from the ground upUse field performance data to drive new software, hardware, and process designs What We're Looking For: Bachelor's degree in Electrical Engineering, Computer Engineering, Computer Science, or a related field3+ years of experience developing embedded systems, platform software, or system integration solutions (not purely support/maintenance/QA)Strong hands-on experience building software for Linux-based embedded systemsExperience developing, integrating, and debugging on Yocto-based Embedded Linux, Ubuntu, or DebianDriver-level development experience with UART, SPI, I2C, timers, LEDs, IMUs, or similar I/O peripheralsProficiency in C/C++ for embedded software developmentProficiency with Python, Bash, or similar scripting and automation toolsExperience designing and building CI/CD pipelines using Jenkins, GitLab CI, Azure DevOps, or similar platformsHands-on experience with CAN bus and tools such as CANalyzer, SavvyCAN, or SocketCANStrong hardware/software integration and debugging skillsExperience building bootloaders, flashing tools, firmware deployment, and OTA systemsExperience architecting and executing structured, multi-level test plansComfort building systems and tools from zero in a fast-moving startup environment Nice to Have: Automotive, Tier 1, retrofit, connected-vehicle, or ADAS experienceAI model integration and optimization on real-time embedded devicesExperience validating cameras, radar, IMUs, or other vehicle sensorsExperience building HIL systems, test rigs, or vehicle simulatorsFamiliarity with ISO 26262, ASPICE, or automotive safety standardsExperience with Git, Git LFS, Docker, and release-management toolsKnowledge of cloud microservices and connected-device architectures Compensation and Benefits: Base salary of $140,000–$165,000, depending on experienceMeaningful equity in a venture-backed automotive technology companyMedical, dental, and vision coverageThe chance to architect and build a platform from the ground up as it moves from prototype to mass productionCollaborative, mission-driven team based in San Diego If you're excited about building Embedded Linux systems from scratch, architecting automotive software, and creating reliable technology at the intersection of hardware and software—not just keeping existing systems running—we'd like to hear from you.