Staff Embedded Software Engineer

Mainspring Energy•Menlo Park, CA

1d•Onsite

About The Position

At Mainspring Energy, we’re redefining how distributed power systems are designed, built, and operated. As a Staff Embedded Software Engineer, you’ll develop the low-level intelligence that drives our next-generation energy systems—bridging hardware, firmware, and cloud interfaces in an environment where milliseconds and microvolts matter. This is not just another embedded role. You’ll work on complex, multidisciplinary systems—real hardware, real-time constraints, and real-world impact. You’ll be part of a highly collaborative team that values innovation, craftsmanship, and curiosity.

Requirements

12+ years of experience developing software for embedded or real-time systems, including design, implementation, and testing
Deep expertise in C/C++, with strong Python proficiency for tooling and automation
Proven experience with Linux kernel builds, customization, and debugging
Solid understanding of software architecture and interface design in resource-constrained environments
Hands-on experience with cross-compilation, build systems, and CI/CD
Basic familiarity with electrical engineering fundamentals to support system-level debugging
Experience using Docker for embedded development and deployment workflows
Passion for engineering excellence and delivering complete, reliable systems on time

Responsibilities

Design and implement embedded software in C, C++, and Python for control, monitoring, and communications across a growing family of sensors, actuators, and controllers
Architect next-generation embedded platforms, shaping the evolution of our system from the kernel level to high-level application logic
Invent and refine communication protocols for our custom in-house I/O devices—where reliability and performance are non-negotiable
Collaborate deeply with Electrical and Controls teams to bring new hardware to life, from early prototypes to production systems
Lead and mentor other engineers, cultivating a culture of technical excellence and curiosity
Develop simulation, testing, and CI pipelines, ensuring code quality and rapid iteration in a hardware-centric environment
Select and integrate compute hardware, balancing real-time performance, scalability, and cost
Shape our software culture, contributing to best practices, process definition, and architecture decisions that scale with our ambitions