Principal Embedded Software Engineer

Salary: $170,000 – $260,000 + EquityAbout the RoleA fast-growing, venture-backed technology company in the advanced hardware and energy infrastructure space is seeking a Principal Embedded Software Engineer to define and lead the architecture of its embedded firmware platform.This is a high-impact leadership role focused on transforming a promising prototype into a robust, production-ready system deployed in real-world environments. You’ll play a central role in shaping the technical direction of embedded systems powering next-generation hardware solutions.What You’ll DoEvaluate the current embedded platform and define a roadmap from prototype to production-ready firmwareOwn the long-term architecture across embedded systems, including RTOS, HAL, bootloaders, and device infrastructureLead and mentor a small team of embedded engineers, establishing best practices and driving technical excellenceDesign and implement OTA firmware update systems and fleet management infrastructureAct as the primary technical escalation point for embedded systems, resolving issues and ensuring system reliabilityCollaborate cross-functionally to ensure stable, scalable deployments in the fieldKey Requirements8+ years of experience in embedded firmware developmentExpert-level proficiency in C/C++ and deep experience with RTOS or near bare-metal environmentsProven experience architecting embedded systems from prototype through to production across shipped productsExperience managing firmware for connected device fleets, including OTA updates and fault-tolerant systemsPrior technical leadership experience, including mentoring engineers and owning architectural decisionsStrong systems-level thinking with the ability to design end-to-end product architecturesTechnical EnvironmentEmbedded C/C++, RTOS (e.g. FreeRTOS, Zephyr), bootloaders, communication protocols (SPI, CAN, serial buses), hardware debugging tools (oscilloscope, logic analyzer, JTAG), CI/CD, hardware-in-the-loop testing, secure boot, OTA updates, FPGA integrationAdditional DetailsExperience Level: 8 years plusWork Model: 5 days per week on-siteLocation: Scotts ValleyCompensation: $170K – $260K base salary (depending on experience) + competitive equityVisa: Transfer of existing visa supported (no new sponsorships)