Staff Embedded Software Engineer

Stafl Systems•South San Francisco, CA

1d•$180,000 - $220,000•Hybrid

About The Position

We are seeking a Staff Embedded Software Engineer to help set the technical direction for embedded software across BMS and powertrain programs. Working alongside peer staff engineers, this role shares ownership of embedded platform architecture, makes and defends key technical decisions, and serves as a technical authority for customers and internal teams on complex challenges, including safety-critical design and hardware/software trade-offs. The engineer will contribute technically while multiplying the team's effectiveness through mentoring, design reviews, and defining standards, tools, and processes that support reliable and safe software delivery. The role spans architecture from the hardware abstraction layer through application frameworks, technical roadmap development, complex subsystem leadership, production code, requirements and planning, integration risk management, HIL validation, functional safety, customer engagement, and continuous improvement of development practices. The position operates primarily on-site in South San Francisco, California. Hybrid flexibility may be available after an introductory period, depending on business needs. The listed salary range is not provided in the job description.

Requirements

8+ years of professional embedded software development experience, including significant time as a technical lead or architect.
Proven track record defining and owning the software architecture of complex embedded products shipped to production.
Expert-level Modern C++ for resource-constrained, real-time systems.
Deep understanding of embedded C++ toolchains, including build systems, compilers, static analysis, and debugging environments.
Deep understanding of microcontroller architecture and real-time operating systems, including scheduling, memory, and timing analysis.
Demonstrated technical leadership across multiple engineers or subsystems, including setting direction and making decisions with incomplete information.
Strong systems integration experience, such as sensor integration, actuator control, and power control.
Expert debugging across the hardware/software boundary using oscilloscopes, logic analyzers, signal analysis tools, and power supplies.
Solid understanding of electronics fundamentals and electrical calculations.
Track record of building alignment with peer technical leads and resolving technical disagreements constructively.
Excellent written and verbal communication, including explaining complex trade-offs to customers and leadership.

Nice To Haves

Experience architecting software for electric vehicle powertrains or energy storage systems.
Deep familiarity with BMS systems and SOX algorithm development.
Experience developing software to ISO 26262, IEC 61508, or ISO 13849, including authoring safety concepts and supporting assessments or audits.
Experience establishing development processes such as CI/CD, HIL automation, static analysis, and coding standards (e.g., MISRA C++).
Track record of mentoring engineers and growing technical talent.
Experience leading technical engagements with customers, including scoping and technical proposals.

Responsibilities

Co-own embedded software architecture for BMS and powertrain platforms, from the hardware abstraction layer through application frameworks, and drive architectural trade-off decisions in areas of responsibility.
Define module boundaries, interface contracts, and reusable platform components that scale across customer programs.
Shape and drive the embedded software technical roadmap with peer staff engineers and engineering leadership.
Lead technical design reviews and serve as an approving reviewer for architecture and safety-relevant changes.
Lead complex, multi-subsystem efforts from concept through validation, coordinating across firmware, hardware, systems, and test.
Write and review high-quality production code in Modern C++ (C++17+) and help maintain team coding standards and best practices.
Own requirements definition, work breakdown, estimation, and development planning for programs and subsystems led.
Anticipate and drive resolution of technical risks across hardware/software integration and at the system level.
Define and evolve HIL validation and test strategy, including test infrastructure, coverage goals, and CI integration.
Serve as a senior technical point of contact for customers on architecture, integration, and technical trade-offs.
Mentor and develop engineers through design guidance, code review, and technical coaching.
Maintain and evolve the software functional safety strategy, including safety architecture, safety mechanisms, and work products, in support of ISO 13849, IEC 61508, and ISO 26262 compliance.
Communicate technical direction, status, and risks to engineering leadership, customers, and cross-functional stakeholders.
Evaluate and introduce tools, processes, and technologies that improve development velocity and software quality.

Benefits

Competitive compensation, including base salary, sign-on bonus, and an equity award.
401(k) plan with employer match up to 5%.
Health, dental, vision, and life insurance, with 99% of employee premiums and 50% of dependent premiums covered by the company.
Fully paid parental leave.
Accrued vacation and sick leave.
Paid company holidays according to the company schedule.
Unpaid personal leave options.
PTO nomination program offering teammates additional time off.
One week of fully paid bereavement leave.
Up to one week of fully paid jury duty leave.
Annual professional development training budget.
Safety shoe stipend for required safety gear.
Department outings, including a half-day off and company-sponsored allowance.
Weekly, monthly, and seasonal team-building events.
Regular catered team lunches and a kitchen stocked with snacks and beverages.
Uber Business access and free on-site EV charging.