Embedded software engineer Jobs in Oakland, CA

The Company
Throne is a high-growth Series B startup on a mission to meaningfully expand access to clean and delightful bathrooms, and they're growing fast. With flagship customers like the District of Columbia, Caltrain, and LA Metro, they're on track to more than 2x ARR this year, making this a pivotal moment for the brand.

Role Summary

This role will own the design, development, and deployment of Throne's next-generation embedded systems platform—the “brain” powering its smart restroom infrastructure. You will lead the transition from Raspberry Pi–based systems to a production-grade microcontroller or SOM architecture, while building robust firmware and hardware systems that perform reliably in real-world, high-usage environments.

The ideal candidate is a hands-on builder with strong systems thinking, who thrives at the intersection of firmware, hardware, and field operations—and has successfully shipped connected embedded products into production.

The base salary range for this position is $125,000 - $180,000. Actual compensation will depend on a candidate's applicable experience, skills, and geographic location. This role is also eligible for a comprehensive benefits package, including meaningful equity at a high growth Series B startup.

Please note that this is an onsite role, and we are currently only considering candidates in San Francisco/Bay Area, CA; Seattle, WA; and Washington, DC Metro.

Core Responsibilities

Embedded Architecture & System Design

• Own end-to-end embedded system architecture: component selection, interfaces, validation, and documentation
• Evaluate and implement microcontroller or SOM-based platforms to replace Raspberry Pi systems
• Define scalable, production-ready system architecture aligned with reliability and performance goals
• Balance trade-os across performance, cost, manufacturability, and maintainability

Firmware Development

• Develop embedded firmware in C/C++ for sensing, actuation, communications, and system control
• Implement telemetry, logging, and error-handling systems to monitor real-world performance
• Design state management and data structures for resilient, fault-tolerant systems
• Support OTA updates, device lifecycle management, and system diagnostics

Hardware Design & Validation

• Design and prototype custom PCBs, power systems, and sensor integrations
• Validate systems across environmental conditions (temperature, humidity, vibration, outdoor use)
• Define and execute structured validation plans, including lifecycle and stress testing
• Ensure systems are optimized for durability, serviceability, and long-term deployment

Cross-Functional Collaboration

• Partner with Production and Field Operations teams to incorporate real-world feedback
• Support debugging and root cause analysis during pilot deployments and field issues
• Collaborate with vendors and contract manufacturers to ensure quality and design integrity
• Work closely with Product, Mechanical, Electrical, and Software teams

Documentation & Process

• Create clear documentation for installation, troubleshooting, and repair workflows
• Establish repeatable processes for testing, data collection, and configuration management
• Define success metrics and data strategies to evaluate system reliability and performance

Ideal Candidate Profile

• Builder-operator mindset with strong ownership over shipped embedded systems
• Thrives in ambiguity and fast-paced startup environments
• Strong balance of theoretical knowledge and hands-on execution
• Experience working on real-world, field-deployed hardware systems
• Comfortable working cross-functionally across hardware, software, and operations

Required Qualifications

• 5+ years of experience in embedded systems or firmware engineering
• Proven experience shipping hardware products into production
• Strong proficiency in C/C++ (Python or scripting a plus)
• Experience architecting microcontroller or SOM-based systems
• Hands-on PCB design experience (Altium, KiCad, or similar)
• Strong debugging skills using oscilloscopes, logic analyzers, JTAG/SWD tools
• Experience with IoT/cloud-connected devices (MQTT, telemetry, device state sync)
• Familiarity with communication protocols (BLE, LTE, Wi-Fi, LoRa, etc.)
• Experience with power management and low-power system design

Benefits:

• Medical Insurance, including plan options with 100% employer-paid premiums
• Dental Insurance
• Vision Insurance
• Meaningful Series B Equity
• 401(k) Plan
• Paid Time Off (PTO)
• Employee Assistance Program (EAP) and National Discounts
• Paid Sick Leave
• Short and Long-Term Disability Insurance
• Life, Dependent Life, and AD&D Insurance
• Employer-Paid Basic Life Insurance
• Worker's Compensation Coverage
• Legal Insurance

Benefits offered to full-time and part-time employees may vary by State.

Throne is a proud Equal Opportunity Employer, and we are committed to pursuing and hiring a diverse workforce. We believe that every person has a right to equal employment opportunities without discrimination, and that diversity contributes to the overall health of the organization. We do not discriminate based on race, color, national origin, ancestry, citizenship status, religion, sex, sexual stereotyping, sexual orientation, gender, gender identity, gender expression, age, marital status, mental or physical disability, medical condition, genetic information, military or veteran status, pregnancy (which includes pregnancy, childbirth, and medical conditions related to pregnancy, childbirth, or breastfeeding), or any other protected characteristic. Employment may be contingent upon Throne's receipt of an acceptable and job-related drug test, motor vehicle report, and/or background check, as applicable and permissible by law.

Throne provides reasonable accommodations to qualified individuals with disabilities and for sincerely held religious beliefs, as applicable by law. If you require an accommodation, please contact us at careers[at]thronelabs.co