Head of Embedded Software Engineering

• Technical Leadership: Own the embedded software architecture, roadmap, and technical strategy for the RISE Beltdraulic platform, from firmware and real-time control through diagnostics, telemetry, and tooling.
• Development Strategy: Recommend build vs. build decisions, and when to use open vs. closed-source software in our products.
• Team Building & Management: Hire, grow, and retain a high-performing team of embedded software engineers. Set clear expectations, run performance and career development, and build a culture of ownership, craft, and safety.
• Execution & Delivery: Translate product and program commitments into embedded software plans. Drive high-quality delivery across multiple concurrent programs with Tier 1 suppliers, OEMs, and US DoD / DoW partners and recommend trade-offs when over constrained.
• Hands-On Engineering: Stay technically close to the work. Review designs and code, unblock hard problems, and contribute directly to critical embedded software components for robotic lift systems when needed.
• System Integration: Partner with hardware, electrical, and mechanical engineering to integrate embedded software with the RISE platform?s electromechanical components and ensure end-to-end system performance.
• Algorithm & Real-Time Systems Ownership: Guide the development and optimization of control algorithms, real-time control loops, feedback systems, and sensor integration for precise and efficient robotic lifting operations.
• Quality, Safety & Reliability: Define and enforce standards for testing, debugging, code review, release management, and functional safety so that our systems are reliable and robust in the field.
• Engineering Process & Tooling: Establish and evolve the software development lifecycle?version control, CI, HIL/SIL testing, documentation, and incident response?appropriate for a growing electromechanical product company.
• Cross-Functional Collaboration: Work closely with product, mechanical engineers, electrical engineers, application specialists, and commercial teams to align priorities and achieve program goals.
• External Representation: Serve as the embedded software point of contact for customers and partners, including Tier 1 suppliers, OEMs, and the US DoW / DoD, during technical reviews, integrations, and field support.
• Strategic Planning: Partner with engineering leadership on org design, headcount planning, budget, vendor and tooling selection, and long-range platform bets.

Requirements

• 10+ years of electromechanical product software development in C, C++, and Python, with a track record of shipping embedded products to production.
• 5+ years of technical leadership leading other embedded software engineers, and collaboration with other discipline technical leads (e.g., electrical, mechanical, systems, manufacturing, mobile app, cloud, etc.)
• Must be able to provide feedback and technical mentoring to other embedded software engineers
• Deep expertise in controls, brushless DC motors, and motion control systems, with an ability to set technical direction and make sound architectural trade-offs. systems,
• Proven ability to own the full embedded software lifecycle?requirements, architecture, implementation, testing, release, and field support?for reliable and safety-critical systems.
• Fluency in common embedded communications interfaces: CAN, SPI, I2C, and UART.
• Strong ability to read and understand complex technical literature such as datasheets, schematics, and production process diagrams, and to translate that into team direction.
• Demonstrated ability to operate independently and to drive a team to produce robust, well-documented software modules and systems.
• Excellent communication skills, with experience presenting technical plans and results to executive leadership and external partners.

Preferred Qualifications (Not All Are Required)

• Experience shipping embedded software for heavy machinery, automotive, industrial automation, aerospace, or defense applications.
• Experience working with Tier 1 suppliers, OEMs, and/or US Department of Defense programs, including associated program and documentation requirements.
• Familiarity with functional safety standards (e.g., ISO 13849, IEC 61508, ISO 26262) and with cybersecurity practices for connected electromechanical products.
• Experience scaling embedded engineering practices?CI/CD, HIL/SIL test infrastructure, code review and release processes?in a growing hardware company.
• Experience in direct people management (hiring, performance management, career development, and organization alignment)
• B.S. in Electrical Engineering, Computer Engineering, Computer Science, Mechanical Engineering, Mechatronics, Robotics, or a related discipline; advanced degree a plus.
• Experience implementing AI tools into software development workflows
• Experience with programming in Rust
• Experience augmenting teams with external expertise as needed (consultants, design firms, etc.)

Benefits

• Competitive compensation package including equity
• Blue Cross Blue Shield Health insurance
• Dental, life, and disability insurance
• 401(k) program
• PTO and office holidays
• Flexible/hybrid work options
• Free weekly team lunch
• Free parking/T accessible
• Dog-friendly workplace