Firmware Engineer - San Francisco
At a glance
Mid-level Embedded & Firmware role at Plaud. San Francisco · full-time · $150,000–$200,000 base.
techroles summary, based on the employer's posting.
What you'll do
- Build firmware for AI wearable prototypes so MCUs can communicate with sensors, wireless modules and other components
- Bring up new hardware, troubleshoot firmware and check that complete systems work as intended
- Work with electrical and mechanical engineers to assemble integrated prototype devices
- Tune firmware for low power, device control and core system functions, then prepare its architecture for handoff to Shenzhen
What you bring
- At least five years developing embedded firmware, plus a bachelor's or master's in computer engineering, electrical engineering or a related field
- Strong embedded C/C++ skills and hands-on work with MCU platforms and RTOS environments
- Experience with firmware development and debugging tools, hardware-team bring-up, and low-power systems using sensors and wireless protocols
Who this fits
This mid-level role suits an embedded engineer who has worked on MCU-based devices and wearable or IoT systems. It is hybrid in San Francisco, with at least three office days each week.
From the employer
About Plaud Inc.
Plaud is building the real-world AI interface for professionals to amplify intelligence, elevate productivity and performance, loved by over 2,500,000 users worldwide since 2023. With a mission to amplify human intelligence, Plaud captures, structures, and compounds the intelligence generated in conversations — so humans can think better, decide faster, and execute with clarity.
Plaud Inc. is a Delaware-incorporated, San Francisco-based company pushing the boundary of human–AI intelligence through a hardware–software combination. With full ISO 27001, ISO 27701, SOC 2, GDPR, EN18031, and HIPAA compliances, Plaud is committed to the highest standards of data security and privacy protection.
To learn more about Plaud, please visit https://www.plaud.ai and follow along on Instagram, X, Facebook, LinkedIn, and YouTube.
Why You Should Join Us
Plaud is building the next generation intelligence infrastructure and interfaces to capture, extract, and utilize intelligence from what people say, hear, see, and think.
Plaud is a bootstrapped, skyrocketing, profitable company with a $300M revenue run rate achieved in just three years.
Define the next-gen paradigm for human-AI interaction.
Gain exposure to cutting-edge AI for Pro tools and play a direct role in our global expansion.
Work with passionate teammates who value innovation, collaboration, and customer success.
Grow your career in a culture that champions continuous learning and fast career development.
Market-competitive compensation, global exposure, and a vibrant, creativity-fueled work atmosphere.
What You Will Do
Develop embedded firmware for AI wearable prototypes, enabling communication between MCU, sensors, wireless modules, and other hardware components.
Bring up new hardware platforms, perform firmware debugging, and validate system functionality.
Collaborate closely with electrical and mechanical engineers to build fully integrated prototype devices.
Implement and optimize firmware for low-power operation, device control, and basic system functions.
Support rapid prototype iteration and prepare firmware architecture for handoff to the Shenzhen engineering team.
Skills, Qualifications and Experience We Look for
Bachelor's or Master's degree in Computer Engineering, Electrical Engineering, or related field with 5+ years of embedded firmware development experience.
Strong programming skills in C/C++ for embedded systems, with experience on MCU platforms and RTOS environments.
Proficiency with development and debugging tools such as Keil, IAR Embedded Workbench, VS Code, or Eclipse, and familiarity with JTAG/SWD debuggers and logic analyzers.
Experience working closely with hardware teams using schematic/PCB tools such as Altium Designer, Cadence, or KiCad for hardware bring-up and debugging.
Experience with low-power systems, sensors, and wireless protocols (Bluetooth/BLE, Wi-Fi) used in wearable or IoT devices.
What We Offer
Founding Team: Opportunity to join the founding team of this new initiative, with meaningful ownership and impact on a fast-growing startup.
Competitive Compensation: $150K-$200K base salary+performance bonus+Equity.
Comprehensive Benefits: Top-tier healthcare for employees and dependents, including dental and vision, and a generous employer subsidy.
Retirement Planning: 401(k) plan for full time employees with company matching.
Paid Time Off: Unlimited PTO, plus 13 paid holidays.
New Parent Leave: 12 weeks of paid time off to spend time with your new family, regardless of gender.
Hybrid Office: Minimum of 3x in office per week.
Gear: New hires are equipped with their choice of new top-of-the-line laptops and workstation setups.
Perks: Best office equipment. Annual offsites. Free office drinks and snacks.
Plaud is and will continue to be an equal opportunity employer. We do not discriminate on the basis of race, religion, color, national origin, sex, sexual orientation, age, veteran status, disability, genetic information, or other applicable legally protected characteristics.
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