Firmware / Embedded Systems Engineer
At a glance
Mid-level Embedded & Firmware role at Skild AI. San Mateo · $100,000–$300,000 base.
techroles summary, based on the employer's posting.
What you'll do
- Build and tune firmware for BLDC motors and real-time embedded platforms
- Implement, troubleshoot and connect low-level protocols such as RS-485, CAN and UART
- Bring up new PCBAs with hardware engineers and connect them to electromechanical systems
- Link firmware with DDS-based frameworks such as ROS, then test and debug it in the lab
- Record firmware design decisions and help establish engineering practices
What you bring
- You have practical firmware development experience in robotics, motor control or embedded systems
- You understand BLDC control methods such as FOC, PWM and current or position control
- You can develop embedded C/C++ and use debugging tools to investigate issues
- You have experience with real-time systems such as FreeRTOS, RT Linux or VxWorks
Who this fits
This role suits a hands-on firmware engineer working across motor control, embedded systems and hardware integration. The stated location is San Mateo, California.
From the employer
Company Overview
At Skild AI, we are building the world's first general purpose robotic intelligence that is robust and adapts to unseen scenarios without failing. We believe massive scale through data-driven machine learning is the key to unlocking these capabilities for the widespread deployment of robots within society. Our team consists of individuals with varying levels of experience and backgrounds, from new graduates to domain experts. Relevant industry experience is important, but ultimately less so than your demonstrated abilities and attitude. We are looking for passionate individuals who are eager to explore uncharted waters and contribute to our innovative projects.
Position Overview
We are seeking a proficient Firmware Engineer that will develop and optimize firmware for BLDC motor control and real-time embedded systems. Key responsibilities include implementing control algorithms, debugging communication protocols, and integrating firmware with frameworks like ROS, while collaborating with hardware teams to ensure system performance.
Responsibilities
- Design, debug, and integrate low-level communication protocols such as RS-485, CAN, UART, and SPI.
- Develop firmware for microcontrollersand embedded Linux environments
- Implement and maintain real-time systems using RTOS (e.g., FreeRTOS, RT Linux, VxWorks).
- Collaborate with hardware engineers to bring up new PCBAs and integrate them into electromechanical systems
- Integrate firmware into higher-level communication frameworks, such as DDS (Distributed Data Service), e.g., ROS.
- Test, validate, and debug firmware systems in the lab.
- Document firmware design processes and contribute to best practices.
Preferred Qualifications
- Bachelor’s or Master’s degree in Electrical Engineering, Robotics, or Mechatronics.
- Hands-on experience in firmware development for robotics, motor control, or embedded systems.
- Expertise in BLDC motor control, including FOC (Field-Oriented Control), PWM, and current/position control techniques.
- Proficiency in low-level communication protocols such as RS-485, CAN, and SPI.
- Experience with real-time embedded systems (e.g., FreeRTOS, RT Linux).
- Familiarity with DDS frameworks (e.g., ROS).
- Proficient in C/C++ for embedded systems and adept with debugging tools.
- Excellent problem-solving skills and ability to handle complex system integration challenges.