Software Engineer – Product Prototypes and Technology Demonstrations

About The Role

We are seeking a highly efficient and motivated software engineer to help us prototype new products, components, and systems. These prototypes will be used to validate new technologies and help deliver technology demos based on existing products. The candidate should be able to work in close collaboration with the Systems and Physical AI organizations and deliver on functionality milestones within days or weeks of project initiation.

Required Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in Computer Science, Electrical Engineering, Applied Mathematics, or other related technical field
• 2+ years of professional industry experience, or 5+ years of high-impact applied research (e.g., PhD/Post-Doc) with a demonstrable focus on tangible hardware-software integration
• Advanced proficiency in Python
• Advanced proficiency in C/C++
• Proven experience in rapid prototyping
• Proven experience in working with cross-functional teams
• Strong written and verbal communication skills

Preferred Qualifications

• MS or PhD in Computer Science, Electrical Engineering, Applied Mathematics, or other related technical field
• 5+ years of formal employment experience developing software in embedded systems
• Engineering background in EE, systems, optics, or laser-based sensing
• Ability to operate effectively in a startup environment with ambiguity, speed, and strong ownership culture
• Proven experience in software development for embedded Linux
• Proven experience in chip and board bring-up
• Experience with real-time operating systems (RTOS)
• Experience with hardware debugging tools such as logic analyzers, oscilloscopes, and JTAG/SWD debuggers
• Familiarity with interpreting hardware schematics and datasheets to inform software architecture
• Proven track record of translating complex academic or R&D concepts (e.g., from a thesis or research project) into functional, real-world prototypes
• Experience with Hardware-in-the-Loop (HIL) testing and automated firmware validation frameworks
• Familiarity with quantizing and deploying machine learning models to resource-constrained edge devices

Pay

The Pay Range For This Role Is 80,000 - 180,000 USD per year (Bay Area, CA)