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

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

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