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Firmware Engineer – Sensing & Actuation
Firmware Engineer – Sensing & ActuationProception Inc • Palo Alto, CA, United States
Firmware Engineer – Sensing & Actuation

Firmware Engineer – Sensing & Actuation

Proception Inc • Palo Alto, CA, United States
[job_card.variable_days_ago]
[job_preview.job_type]
  • [job_card.full_time]
[job_card.job_description]

Join our embedded systems team to build the real-time firmware, drivers, and hardware-level infrastructure that power our next-generation robotic hands. You will work at the bleeding edge of robotics—developing low-latency motor control firmware, bringing up custom electronics, integrating advanced sensors, and ensuring highly reliable operation across our robotic platforms.

🎯 Role Overview

You will be responsible for writing low-level embedded firmware, performing driver bringup across a range of sensors / actuators, and building the real-time control pipelines that enable human-level dexterity. This role is hands-on and hardware-close : oscilloscopes, logic analyzers, DMA registers, and data sheets will be part of your daily workflow.

🛠️ Key Responsibilities

Embedded Firmware & Driver Development

  • Bring up custom embedded boards (STM32H7, ESP32, RP2040, etc.) from scratch
  • Implement low-level drivers for sensors, actuators, communication buses, and custom peripherals
  • Develop high-reliability firmware using Rust (Embassy) and C , optimized for tight timing budgets
  • Build DMA-based and interrupt-driven interfaces for high-rate data pipelines

Motor Control & Real-Time Systems

  • Implement and tune real-time control loops (position, torque, impedance, velocity)
  • Develop high-frequency motor control firmware (100 Hz — 5 kHz loops)
  • Integrate motor drivers, current sensors, and high-bandwidth servo feedback
  • Sensor Bringup & Integration

  • Integrate and calibrate :
  • Force & tactile sensors
  • Multi-axis IMUs
  • Encoders (magnetic, optical, and high-resolution absolute encoders)
  • Build sensor fusion pipelines optimized for low latency and noise robustness
  • System Infrastructure & Safety

  • Develop robust real-time safety systems : watchdogs, brownout detection, error monitors
  • Implement fail-safe behaviors and safety interlocks for robotic manipulation
  • Build bootloader / OTA systems for distributed firmware updates
  • Hardware-Software Integration

  • Validate new PCB revisions with bringup tests and driver diagnostics
  • Work closely with mechanical / electrical teams to characterize hardware performance
  • Collaborate with AI / control teams to optimize firmware performance for higher-level policies
  • ⚡ Requirements

    Must-Have

  • Pursuing a BS / MS in Robotics, Electrical / Computer Engineering, Mechatronics , or related fields
  • Strong Rust Embassy and modern C experience in embedded development
  • Experience with real-time systems and RTOS-based development (FreeRTOS, Zephyr, or bare-metal)
  • Strong Python skills for test automation, HIL testing, and hardware validation
  • Hands‑on experience with embedded peripherals : SPI, I2C, UART, CAN / CAN‑FD, PWM, ADC, DMA
  • Solid understanding of :
  • Real‑time control loops
  • Timing constraints & scheduler design
  • Interrupt latency and determinism
  • Nice-to-Have

  • Experience with Linux‑based real‑time controllers (PREEMPT_RT)
  • Familiarity with EtherCAT or high‑speed robotic communication buses
  • Experience with motor drivers (BLDC, servo motors), Hall sensors, or current sensing
  • Exposure to ROS / ROS2, machine learning, or robotic control stack development
  • Experience building bootloaders, OTA systems, or secure firmware signing
  • Familiarity with JTAG / SWD debugging, oscilloscopes, logic analyzers
  • 💰 Compensation & Benefits

  • High‑impact ownership over mission‑critical embedded systems
  • Work alongside world‑class roboticists, embedded engineers, and AI researchers
  • Access to cutting‑edge robotics labs, tools, and custom hardware
  • Competitive salary equity for full‑time roles
  • Comprehensive health, dental, and vision benefits
  • #J-18808-Ljbffr

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