Embedded Software Engineer

GATEKEEPER SYSTEMS • Lake Forest, CA

21d • $100,000 - $150,000

About The Position

Gatekeeper is seeking an Embedded Software Engineer to develop and maintain firmware for our retail loss-prevention hardware devices, including smart wheel electronics, DM3 devices, and LTE gateways. This role is focused on embedded firmware implementation, device bring-up, debugging, and supporting production releases. You will work closely with hardware and senior firmware engineers to deliver reliable embedded software that runs in real-world store environments.

Requirements

• Bachelor’s or Master’s in Electrical Engineering, Computer Science/Engineering, or a related field.
• 3+ years of embedded software design and development experience.
• Proficiency in C/C++, Python, bare metal and Linux-based development.
• Strong embedded Linux experience; kernel/u-boot/driver-level experience as applicable to the role.
• Familiarity with Yocto (or similar embedded Linux build systems).
• Familiarity with common embedded interfaces/peripherals (UART/SPI/I2C/GPIO).
• Demonstrated debugging ability: log-driven diagnosis, issue isolation, and use of lab/test tools as needed.
• Ability to analyze performance, optimize memory footprint, and design for low-power systems.
• Strong problem-solving skills and ability to work effectively in a fast-moving environment.

Nice To Haves

• Experience building for edge gateways (Intel/ARM SBCs), including deployment/packaging approaches.
• Familiarity with containerization (Docker/Kubernetes).
• Knowledge of IoT systems and device-to-cloud architectures (e.g., Azure IoT, GCP equivalents).
• Experience with firmware update mechanisms, versioning, OTA updates, and remote diagnostics.
• Exposure to sensor fusion, computer vision pipelines, or edge deployment constraints.
• Experience in retail, industrial IoT, or safety-critical embedded systems.

Responsibilities

• Develop and maintain firmware on bare metal microprocessors and embedded Linux platforms, including device-level components and drivers where applicable.
• Build firmware applications for Gatekeeper and FaceFirst devices; optimize performance, power usage, and reliability.
• Develop internal tools/scripts to support diagnostics, data collection, testing, and performance validation.
• Support hardware bring-up: board validation, peripheral integration, and early prototype debugging.
• Work with common device interfaces and sensors (e.g., GPIO, UART, SPI, I2C, ADC) and wireless modules (BLE/Wi-Fi/LTE as applicable).
• Investigate problem reports and field issues: collect logs, reproduce failures, isolate root cause, implement fixes, and document outcomes.
• Use appropriate debugging tools and techniques (e.g., serial logs, core dumps, GDB/JTAG; oscilloscope/logic analyzer as needed).
• Create and maintain unit/integration tests where applicable; support regression testing and release validation.
• Produce clear technical documentation (how-to guides, troubleshooting steps, release notes) to improve team efficiency and supportability.

Benefits

• Attractive Total Compensation Package, including annual bonus
• Comprehensive healthcare benefits including medical, dental, and vision coverage; Life/ADD/LTD insurance; FSA/HSA options.
• 401(k) Plan with Employer Match
• Generous Paid Time Off (PTO) policy
• Observance of 11 paid company holidays
• Various Employee Engagement Events
• Exciting Growth Opportunities
• Positive Company Culture

What This Job Offers

• Job Type: Full-time
• Career Level: Mid Level
• Number of Employees: 51-100 employees