Senior Embedded Software Engineer
Real Time Recruitment Solutions (RTRS)About the role
Senior Embedded Software Engineer - Los Angeles - Onsite - up to $220k base + Equity
Defense Tech / Autonomous Systems | Hardware-in-the-Loop | 0-to-1 Greenfield
We are building next-generation autonomous underwater systems that redefine defense tech and undersea operations. We operate fast, engineer from first principles, and cut out unnecessary bureaucracy.
We are hiring multiple Senior Embedded Software Engineers to serve as Responsible Engineers (REs). In this hands-on Individual Contributor role, you will take full technical ownership of a critical embedded subsystem from blank-sheet architecture through to sea trials and operational deployment.
Choose Your Technical Track You will take primary ownership of one of three core focus areas:
Embedded Linux Compute: Own platform software below the autonomy layer (BSPs, Yocto/Buildroot, kernel drivers, secure boot, latency tuning, and PREEMPT_RT).
Motor Control Firmware: Own the MCU-based stack for actuators and thrusters (closed-loop FOC, inverter protection, PWM/timing, and power electronics integration).
Battery Management Systems (BMS): Own high-reliability battery firmware (cell monitoring/balancing, SOC/SOH estimation, thermal control state machines, and fault mitigation).
What You’ll Do
Own the entire subsystem lifecycle: architecture, coding, hardware bring-up, HIL/SIL validation, and field support.
Write robust, deterministic production code in C/C++ (or Rust) under strict timing, memory, and compute constraints.
Work shoulder-to-shoulder with Avionics and Power Electronics teams to debug board-level issues using oscilloscopes, logic analyzers, and debuggers.
Build automated test and CI/CD pipelines (HOOTL, SIL, HIL) to ensure mission-critical reliability.
Mentor junior engineers and conduct rigorous code/architecture reviews while staying deep in the codebase.
What We’re Looking For
Core Experience: ~5+ years of hands-on embedded software/firmware development (Deep expertise in either Embedded Linux or bare-metal/RTOS MCUs).
Low-Level Mastery: Strong systems programming proficiency (C/C++), deep understanding of concurrency, DMA, interrupts, and memory management.
Hardware Literacy: Proven experience reading schematics, leading board bring-up, and debugging low-level communication buses (CAN, SPI, I2C, UART, Ethernet).
Execution Mindset: Comfortable navigating ambiguity, rapid prototyping, and delivering deterministic code for physical hardware.
Compliance: U.S. Citizenship and eligibility to obtain/maintain a U.S. Security Clearance are strictly required.
Bonus Points
Experience with autonomous platforms (AUVs, ROVs, UAVs, robotics), aerospace, or safety-critical electromechanical systems.
Track-specific depth: Linux kernel/driver development, advanced motor commutation algorithms, or high-voltage BMS safety architectures.
Hands-on experience participating in field tests, sea trials, or rapid hardware iteration cycles.
Responsibilities
- Own the entire subsystem lifecycle: architecture, coding, hardware bring-up, HIL/SIL validation, and field support
- Write robust, deterministic production code in C/C++ (or Rust) under strict timing, memory, and compute constraints
- Work shoulder-to-shoulder with Avionics and Power Electronics teams to debug board-level issues
- Build automated test and CI/CD pipelines to ensure mission-critical reliability
- Mentor junior engineers and conduct rigorous code/architecture reviews
Qualifications
- 5+ years of hands-on embedded software/firmware development
- Strong systems programming proficiency in C/C++
- Proven experience reading schematics and debugging low-level communication buses
- Comfortable navigating ambiguity and delivering deterministic code for physical hardware
- U.S. Citizenship and eligibility to obtain/maintain a U.S. Security Clearance
Benefits
- Equity
Skills mentioned
About Real Time Recruitment Solutions (RTRS)
Real Time Recruitment Solutions (RTRS): Driving Innovation with Specialist Engineering Talent Across Real-Time, Embedded, and Beyond. At RTRS, we are your dedicated recruitment partner, connecting exceptional engineering talent with forward-thinking companies across the spectrum. From the mission-critical precision of Real-Time and Embedded Systems to the broader landscape of Mechanical, Product, Manufacturing, Quality, and other specialized Engineering disciplines, we fuel innovation across diverse industries. Our expert consultants understand the unique demands of each engineering field. We excel at sourcing top-tier professionals for the intricate world of Real-Time and Embedded Systems, powering advancements in aerospace, automotive, telecommunications, and more. Simultaneously, we are adept at identifying and placing highly skilled engineers – including Mechanical, Product, Manufacturing, and Quality specialists – who drive the design, development, and production of cutting-edge products and systems. Whether you're an ambitious engineer seeking to make a tangible impact in a specialized or broad engineering role, or a pioneering company looking for the crucial talent to drive your next breakthrough, RTRS is your strategic partner. We are committed to making the 'best match', fostering career growth and delivering the exceptional professionals who will shape the future of engineering.