Principal Embedded Software Engineer

Mainspring Energy • Menlo Park, CA

1d

About The Position

We are seeking a highly experienced and technically profound Embedded Software Architect to lead the design and evolution of our next-generation product platforms. This critical role involves defining the architectural vision for embedded systems that require hard real-time performance, sophisticated control algorithms, and seamless integration with hardware. The ideal candidate will have a deep track record of bringing complex, high-reliability products to market, specifically those leveraging Real-Time Operating Systems (RTOS) and advanced signal processing or control theory. You will be instrumental in translating high-level system requirements into robust, modular, and maintainable software architectures.

Requirements

• 10+ years of progressive experience in embedded software development, with at least 3-5 years in an Architect or Lead capacity for complex systems
• Deep expertise in designing and implementing solutions using various Real-Time Operating Systems (RTOS) such as FreeRTOS, VxWorks, QNX, or similar
• Demonstrated experience in implementing and tuning sophisticated control algorithms and signal processing techniques in an embedded environment, ensuring hard real-time performance
• Proficiency in C/C++ for embedded systems, including advanced understanding of memory management, concurrent programming, and performance tuning
• Extensive experience defining and working with communication protocols (e.g., Ethernet, CAN, SPI, I2C, UART) and data logging/telemetry systems
• Strong understanding of hardware-software integration, including schematic review, datasheet interpretation, and low-level peripheral driver development
• Proven ability to document and communicate complex architectural concepts clearly to both technical and non-technical audiences

Nice To Haves

• Master’s degree or Ph.D. in Computer Science, Electrical Engineering, or a related field.
• Experience with safety-critical systems or industry compliance standards (e.g., IEC 61508, ISO 26262, DO-178C)
• Experience in the design and optimization of battery management systems (BMS), motor control, power electronics, or energy grid technologies
• Familiarity with model-based design and code generation tools (e.g., MATLAB/Simulink)

Responsibilities

• Architectural Design: Define, document, and champion the end-to-end software architecture for embedded systems, ensuring compliance with system requirements for performance, safety, security, and reliability
• RTOS and Control Systems: Serve as the subject matter expert for the implementation and optimization of Real-Time Operating Systems (RTOS) and the integration of complex, high-frequency control algorithms (e.g., state-space, predictive control, PID loops, motor control)
• Technical Leadership: Guide and mentor embedded software development teams on best practices, design patterns, coding standards, and architectural decisions. Conduct rigorous design reviews and code inspections
• Hardware-Software Interface: Define the precise interfaces and interaction models between application software, low-level drivers, and custom hardware components, including microcontrollers (MCUs) and Digital Signal Processors (DSPs)
• Platform Strategy: Drive the evolution of our embedded software platform, identifying opportunities for reuse, modularity, and migrating legacy codebases to modern architectural patterns
• Performance Optimization: Analyze and optimize system performance, memory usage, and resource allocation to meet strict real-time deadlines and minimize latency
• Risk and Compliance: Identify and mitigate technical risks associated with architecture choices and ensure the system design adheres to relevant industry standards and safety-critical requirements
• Tooling and Automation: Evaluate and recommend development tools, build systems, continuous integration/continuous deployment (CI/CD) pipelines, and testing frameworks for embedded environments

What This Job Offers

• Job Type: Full-time
• Career Level: Principal