Lead Embedded Software Engineer

Lead Embedded Software Engineer San Francisco, CA (On-site) Competitive Salary + Equity (up to $300,000 overall comp.) No Visa Sponsorship AvailableThe Company A fast-growing, venture-backed startup based in San Francisco is building next-generation technology at the intersection of AI and hardware systems. This is not a corporate environment. It’s a young, high-calibre team of engineers and builders operating with speed, autonomy, and obsession over product. You’ll be working alongside founding engineers and product thinkers, building systems that define how intelligent software interacts with real-world hardware. Expect rapid iteration, real ownership, and zero bureaucracy.Think: Small, elite team Shipping constantly Solving genuinely hard technical problems High trust, high expectationsThe Role As a Lead Embedded Software Engineer, you’ll take ownership of core embedded systems and firmware architecture, helping shape both the technical direction and product capability. This is a hands-on, build-first role - ideal for someone who wants to write serious code, not sit in meetings.You’ll: Design and develop low-level embedded software / firmware Work closely with hardware, AI, and product teams to build real-world systems Debug and optimise performance across hardware + software interfaces Take ownership of critical systems from concept → deployment Help define engineering standards in a scaling startup environmentThe work involves building systems that connect software intelligence with physical devices, infrastructure, and test environmentsWhat We’re Looking For This is deliberately selective. We’re targeting high-intelligence, high-agency engineers early in their career. 3–5 years experience in embedded software / firmware / low-level systems Strong background in C/C++ (or similar systems languages) Experience working close to hardware (drivers, interfaces, debugging) Degree from a top-tier university (Computer Engineering, EE, CS, or similar) Someone who builds for fun — side projects, hacking, curiosityIdeal profile: Naturally technical, obsessive, and fast-moving Thrives in startup chaos vs structured environments Wants to build something meaningful early in their careerWhy Join Work with exceptionally smart engineers in a tight-knit team Direct exposure to founders and product decisions Real ownership — your code will ship and matter immediately Be part of a company solving hard, meaningful technical problems Strong upside through equity and growthWho This Isn’t For Anyone looking for stability over growth Engineers who prefer large teams, structure, or slow processes Candidates requiring visa sponsorshipIf you’re the kind of engineer whobuilds because you love it , and you want to be surrounded by people operating at a similar level - this is worth a conversation.