Head of Embedded Software Engineering

RISE Robotics•Somerville, MA

1d•Hybrid

About The Position

RISE Robotics is a technology startup founded in 2011 by graduates of MIT and RISD, specializing in AI-powered Zero Emission heavy machinery. They aim to replace traditional hydraulic systems with more efficient and smart alternatives. The company collaborates with Tier 1 suppliers, OEMs, and the Pentagon. As the Head of Embedded Software Engineering, you will lead the team responsible for developing the software that powers RISE's robotic lifting solutions. This includes owning the technical vision, roadmap, and execution for embedded software, from low-level firmware and real-time motion control to the tools and processes for scalable and reliable engineering. You will also be responsible for growing and mentoring the embedded software engineering team, collaborating with various leaders across hardware, mechanical, product, commercial, and manufacturing, and representing embedded software to external partners. This role reports directly to the CEO and will lead a team of 3 engineers, with plans to grow to approximately 6. The position is hybrid, requiring 4 days per week in Somerville, MA. This role is crucial for shaping the company's future by directing engineering efforts for electronic controls of large machines, setting technical excellence standards, translating the product roadmap into actionable plans, and building the team and practices for full-scale production. The company is looking for individuals passionate about motion control technology, team building, and thriving in a fast-paced, innovative environment.

Requirements

10+ years of electromechanical product software development in C, C++, and Python, with a track record of shipping embedded products to production.
5+ years of technical leadership leading other embedded software engineers, and collaboration with other discipline technical leads (e.g., electrical, mechanical, systems, manufacturing, mobile app, cloud, etc.)
Must be able to provide feedback and technical mentoring to other embedded software engineers
Deep expertise in controls, brushless DC motors, and motion control systems, with an ability to set technical direction and make sound architectural trade-offs.
Proven ability to own the full embedded software lifecycle—requirements, architecture, implementation, testing, release, and field support—for reliable and safety-critical systems.
Fluency in common embedded communications interfaces: CAN, SPI, I2C, and UART.
Strong ability to read and understand complex technical literature such as datasheets, schematics, and production process diagrams, and to translate that into team direction.
Demonstrated ability to operate independently and to drive a team to produce robust, well-documented software modules and systems.
Excellent communication skills, with experience presenting technical plans and results to executive leadership and external partners.

Nice To Haves

Experience shipping embedded software for heavy machinery, automotive, industrial automation, aerospace, or defense applications.
Experience working with Tier 1 suppliers, OEMs, and/or US Department of Defense programs, including associated program and documentation requirements.
Familiarity with functional safety standards (e.g., ISO 13849, IEC 61508, ISO 26262) and with cybersecurity practices for connected electromechanical products.
Experience scaling embedded engineering practices—CI/CD, HIL/SIL test infrastructure, code review and release processes—in a growing hardware company.
Experience in direct people management (hiring, performance management, career development, and organization alignment)
B.S. in Electrical Engineering, Computer Engineering, Computer Science, Mechanical Engineering, Mechatronics, Robotics, or a related discipline; advanced degree a plus.
Experience implementing AI tools into software development workflows
Experience programming in Rust
Experience augmenting teams with external expertise as needed (consultants, design firms, etc.)

Responsibilities

Own the embedded software architecture, roadmap, and technical strategy for the RISE Beltdraulic platform, from firmware and real-time control through diagnostics, telemetry, and tooling.
Recommend build vs. buy decisions, and when to use open vs. closed-source software in our products.
Hire, grow, and retain a high-performing team of embedded software engineers. Set clear expectations, run performance and career development, and build a culture of ownership, craft, and safety.
Translate product and program commitments into embedded software plans. Drive high-quality delivery across multiple concurrent programs with Tier 1 suppliers, OEMs, and US DoD / DoW partners and recommend trade-offs when over constrained.
Stay technically close to the work. Review designs and code, unblock hard problems, and contribute directly to critical embedded software components for robotic lift systems when needed.
Partner with hardware, electrical, and mechanical engineering to integrate embedded software with the RISE platform’s electromechanical components and ensure end-to-end system performance.
Guide the development and optimization of control algorithms, real-time control loops, feedback systems, and sensor integration for precise and efficient robotic lifting operations.
Define and enforce standards for testing, debugging, code review, release management, and functional safety so that our systems are reliable and robust in the field.
Establish and evolve the software development lifecycle—version control, CI, HIL/SIL testing, documentation, and incident response—appropriate for a growing electromechanical product company.
Work closely with product, mechanical engineers, electrical engineers, application specialists, and commercial teams to align priorities and achieve program goals.
Serve as the embedded software point of contact for customers and partners, including Tier 1 suppliers, OEMs, and the US DoW / DoD, during technical reviews, integrations, and field support.
Partner with engineering leadership on org design, headcount planning, budget, vendor and tooling selection, and long-range platform bets.