Embedded / Firmware Engineer

San Francisco, California

Aurelius Systems
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Job Title: Embedded/Firmware Engineer

Location: In-person, San Francisco

About Aurelius Systems: Aurelius Systems is a directed energy company developing edge-deployed laser systems for counter-unmanned aerial systems (cUAS)-we shoot down drones with laser guns. In an era where threats are increasingly small, numerous, and easily manufactured, our mission is to provide scalable, advanced, and cost-effective defense solutions for the US and our allies. We're building our team to launch our flagship product: the Archimedes laser sentinel. Join us in delivering cutting-edge technologies to protect our servicemen, servicewomen, and domestic security forces.


Role Overview: We are seeking an inventive Embedded/Firmware Engineer to drive the design, development, and integration of embedded systems, robotics interfaces, integrated sensors, motors, and embedded computing solutions for rugged, edge-deployed laser defense systems. You will lead firmware development, embedded PCB design, sensor integration, and validation of field-ready robotic platforms. This role spans concept through production, emphasizing a strong bias toward hands-on testing and iterative prototyping in demanding defense environments.


Key Responsibilities:

Embedded Firmware Development and Test:

  • Develop, test, and maintain firmware for embedded controllers, motor drivers, and integrated sensors.
  • Implement real-time control systems, sensor data acquisition, and processing algorithms.
  • Implement firmware test methodologies and frameworks for debugging and reliability.

PCB & Embedded System Design:

  • Design and validate custom embedded PCBs integrating microcontrollers, sensors, motor drivers, and communication interfaces.
  • Perform simulations and analyses to optimize system performance, reliability, and robustness.

Sensor & Motor Integration:

  • Integrate and validate various sensors (IMUs, LIDAR, cameras) and motors with embedded platforms.
  • Develop robust motor control firmware ensuring precise, reliable, and efficient operation.

Prototype Development & Testing:

  • Drive hands-on prototyping, assembly, and rigorous field testing of embedded electronic systems.
  • Execute environmental, vibration, shock, and robustness tests to validate embedded system reliability.

Design for Manufacturability (DFM):

  • Conduct DFM reviews to optimize embedded electronics designs for efficient, reliable, and cost-effective production.
  • Collaborate closely with suppliers and fabricators to ensure manufacturability and quality standards.

System Integration & Cross-functional Collaboration:

  • Communicates directly and intuitively via software integrations with other computing devices.
  • Partner with mechanical, optical, and robotics teams to integrate embedded electronics into laser platforms.
  • Architect software integrations designed to interface with multi-computer systems.
  • Provide technical guidance during system assembly, integration, and field deployment.

Documentation & Compliance:

  • Generate detailed schematics, BOMs, wiring diagrams, firmware documentation, and assembly instructions.
  • Ensure compliance with relevant safety standards, MIL-STD, and ITAR requirements.

Qualifications:

  • Hyper-engineer - Brain only releases dopamine when building.
  • 3-8 years in electrical engineering, embedded systems, firmware engineering, or robotics roles (defense, aerospace, robotics).
  • Proficient in embedded C/C , Python, RTOS, and firmware development and deployment tools.
  • Strong background in PCB design tools (Altium Designer, KiCad) and embedded system integration.
  • Hands-on experience with sensor integration, motor control, and rugged electronic system deployment.
  • Familiarity with thermal management, EMI/EMC considerations, and defense-grade security and reliability specifications.

Education:

  • BS/MS in Electrical Engineering, Computer Engineering, Robotics, or a related field.

Soft Skills:

  • Extreme bias for action, rigorous testing mindset, and strong problem-solving abilities.
  • Excellent communication, collaboration, and adaptability in a fast-paced development environment.

Nice to Haves:

  • Experience with ruggedized embedded systems deployed in harsh environments.
  • Familiarity with MIL-STD standards and ITAR compliance.
  • Background in real-time robotics control systems.
  • Security clearance or ability to obtain one.

Why Join Aurelius Systems?

  • Drive innovation in cutting-edge directed energy defense technology.
  • Contribute directly to national security with robust and scalable hardware solutions.

Please submit your resume and a brief summary of your most impactful project involving embedded systems, firmware, or robotics to .

Date Posted: 03 June 2025
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