Embedded Firmware and Controls Engineer

Kyte Dynamics | Aerial Robotics Co.; Los Angeles (CA); On-site; USD 110,000 - 170,000; Full time

Job summary

Kyte Dynamics | Aerial Robotics Co. seeks an Embedded Firmware & Controls Engineer to advance low-level software and control systems powering our aerial platforms. You’ll write and debug firmware, implement fault handling, and validate real-time performance on physical systems.

The ideal candidate has strong C/C++, experience with motor control, sensors, and embedded protocols, and can collaborate across hardware and software teams to deliver reliable, safe flight electronics.

Qualifications

• Required: Degree in Electrical/Computer Engineering, Robotics, Mechatronics, or related field.
• Strong C/C++ programming and firmware development for microcontrollers.
• Solid understanding of feedback control systems.

Responsibilities

• Develop embedded firmware for robotic systems and electromechanical actuators.
• Design real-time software for microcontrollers and embedded processors.
• Implement state machines, fault handling, safety logic, telemetry, and monitoring.
• Develop closed-loop control algorithms for motors and actuators.
• Integrate encoders, IMUs, motor controllers, and sensors with embedded systems.
• Collaborate with electrical, mechanical, autonomy, and flight-controls teams.

Skills

C/C++

Embedded firmware

Real-time systems

Control theory

Motor control

Sensor integration

CAN/UART/SPI/I2C/Ethernet

OS debugging/telemetry

Education

Bachelor's/Master's/PhD in Electrical/Computer Engineering or related field

Tools

STM32

PX4

ROS/ROS 2

MAVLink

Job description

We’re redefining what’s possible in the sky.Our next-gen aerial vehicle architecture unlocks safe, ultra-precise access to people and infrastructure even in high gust conditions.From lightning-fast food and medical delivery to cutting-edge industrial applications, we're building the future of airborne operations.Trusted by iconic brands.Backed by world-class investors.Join us as we build this new industry called aerial robotics.

About the Role:

We are seeking an Embedded Firmware & Controls Engineer to develop the low-level software and control systems that power our aerial robotics platforms. This role focuses on embedded firmware, real-time controls, motor-driven electromechanical systems, and precision motion. You will write and debug firmware, develop and tune control algorithms, integrate sensors and actuators, and test your work directly on physical systems. The ideal candidate is comfortable working across software, electronics, and mechanical hardware and understands how to make complex physical systems behave precisely, reliably, and safely.

What You’ll Do:

Embedded Firmware Development

• Develop embedded firmware for custom robotic and electromechanical systems
• Write, test, and debug real-time software for microcontrollers and embedded processors
• Implement state machines, fault handling, safety logic, telemetry, and system monitoring

Controls & Precision Motion

• Design and implement closed-loop control algorithms for motors and other actuators
• Develop position, velocity, torque, and motion-control functionality
• Tune control parameters and characterize system performance under changing loads and external disturbances

Hardware & Sensor Integration

• Integrate encoders, limit sensors, IMUs, motor controllers, and other embedded hardware
• Develop reliable communication between embedded controllers and higher-level computing systems
• Debug hardware/software interactions using oscilloscopes, logic analyzers, debuggers, and telemetry
• Support system bring-up and diagnose electrical, firmware, sensing, and actuator issues

Reliability & Testing

• Develop firmware for systems that must operate repeatedly and reliably in real-world environments
• Implement fault detection, recovery behavior, and safe operating limits
• Build test procedures and tools to validate controls and embedded-system performance
• Perform bench, integration, and field testing and drive issues through root-cause resolution

Cross-Functional Integration

• Collaborate with electrical, mechanical, autonomy, and flight-controls engineers to integrate complete robotic systems
• Support rapid prototype iteration and transition embedded systems toward field-ready operation
• Contribute to overall system architecture and technical decisions

What You’ll Need:

• Bachelor’s, Master’s, or PhD in Electrical Engineering, Computer Engineering, Robotics, Mechatronics, Mechanical Engineering, or related field
• Strong programming skills in C/C++ and experience developing firmware for microcontrollers or embedded systems
• Solid understanding of feedback control systems

Core Engineering Skills

• Experience controlling motors or other electromechanical actuators
• Strong understanding of:
• Real-time embedded systems and timing-sensitive applications
• Position, velocity, and closed-loop motion control
• Embedded communication protocols such as CAN, UART, SPI, I²C, or Ethernet
• Sensor integration, fault handling, and hardware/software interfaces

Hands-On Experience

• Reading schematics and debugging embedded electronics and physical hardware
• Using oscilloscopes, logic analyzers, debuggers, and telemetry to diagnose system behavior
• Taking embedded systems from prototype through robust field testing

Preferred Qualifications:

• Experience with STM32 or similar microcontrollers
• Experience with encoders, system identification, trajectory generation, or advanced control techniques
• Familiarity with PX4, MAVLink, ROS/ROS 2, or similar robotics ecosystems
• Experience with BLDC/PMSM motor control, ESCs, servo systems, or precision actuators
• Experience with robotics, drones, aerospace, automotive, industrial automation, or other safety-critical electromechanical systems

Compensation and Benefits

• Salary: $110,000+ (depends on experience)