Embedded Firmware Engineer

SERES AUTO_USA; Milpitas (CA); On-site; USD 80,000 - 120,000; Full time

Job summary

SF Motors, Inc. (dba SERES) in Milpitas, CA is seeking an embedded firmware engineer to design and maintain firmware for humanoid robot controllers, actuators, and dexterous hands.

You will develop in C/C++ for RTOS environments, work with CAN/CAN FD, and help with board bring-up and hardware validation. Collaborating with controls and software teams, you’ll implement fault protection, bootloaders, diagnostics, and firmware updates while contributing to tests and documentation.

Qualifications

• 1–3 years of professional embedded firmware development experience in industry with hands-on hardware.

Responsibilities

• Develop and maintain firmware for humanoid robot controllers, joint actuators, and dexterous hands; contribute to firmware architecture.
• Develop embedded C/C++ firmware, peripheral drivers, and RTOS applications; support board bring-up and hardware validation.
• Implement CAN/CAN FD and Ethernet communication with deterministic timing and synchronized multi-joint actuation.
• Work with controls engineers to implement actuator control loops, sensor integration, and calibration.
• Collaborate with software and controls engineers on firmware interfaces, data models, and SDK integration.
• Implement fault protection, diagnostics, bootloaders, firmware updates, and configuration management.
• Debug hardware and firmware integration issues; develop Python test tools and support regression and hardware-in-the-loop testing.
• Participate in design and code reviews; maintain technical documentation and support firmware releases.

Skills

Embedded C

C++

RTOS

MCU familiarity

CAN/CAN FD

Hardware debugging

Python

Git

English communication

PCB bring-up

Education

B.S./M.S./Ph.D. in EE/CE/CS

Tools

STM32

TI

Renesas

FreeRTOS

Zephyr

JTAG/SWD

Job description

About SF MOTORS, INC. (dba SERES)

SF Motors is building the next generation of intelligent robotic systems that combine advanced mobility, autonomy, and human-like adaptability. Our mission is to revolutionize how machines move, perceive, and interact in complex environments by integrating control engineering, artificial intelligence, and machine learning at every level of design.

This position is based onsite at our Milpitas, CA office and requires regular in-person attendance.

Duties and Responsibilities

• Develop and maintain firmware for humanoid robot controllers, joint actuators, and dexterous hands; contribute to firmware architecture.
• Develop embedded C/C++ firmware, peripheral drivers, and RTOS applications; support board bring-up and hardware validation.
• Implement CAN/CAN FD and Ethernet communication with deterministic timing and synchronized multi-joint actuation.
• Work with controls engineers to implement actuator control loops, sensor integration, and calibration.
• Collaborate with software and controls engineers on firmware interfaces, data models, and SDK integration.
• Implement fault protection, diagnostics, bootloaders, firmware updates, and configuration management.
• Debug hardware and firmware integration issues; develop Python test tools and support regression and hardware-in-the-loop testing.
• Participate in design and code reviews; maintain technical documentation and support firmware releases.

Required Qualifications

• B.S., M.S., or Ph.D. in Electrical Engineering, Computer Engineering, Computer Science, or a related field, or equivalent professional experience.
• 1~3 years of professional embedded firmware development experience in industry, including hands-on work with physical hardware.
• Strong C proficiency and working knowledge of C++, real-time systems, interrupts, and concurrency.
• Hands-on experience with STM32, TI, Renesas, or similar MCUs, peripheral drivers, and an RTOS such as FreeRTOS or Zephyr.
• Experience with PCB bring-up, schematic interpretation, and oscilloscope, logic analyzer, and JTAG/SWD debugging.
• Firmware experience in robotics, motor controllers, or multi-axis systems, including CAN/CAN FD and motor control fundamentals such as FOC, PID, and encoder feedback.
• Ability to develop and validate firmware, troubleshoot issues, and collaborate using Git and code reviews, with effective technical communication in English.

Preferred Qualifications

• Professional working proficiency in English and Mandarin for collaboration with engineering teams and suppliers.
• Experience with humanoid robots, joint modules, dexterous hands, and BLDC/PMSM motor control, including torque or impedance control.
• Familiarity with EtherCAT, CANopen, Modbus, ROS/ROS2, Linux, SDK development, or simulation integration.
• Experience with Python automation, embedded CI/CD, hardware-in-the-loop testing, production calibration, or field diagnostics.

Base salary range: $80,000–$120,000 per year. The actual base salary offered will depend on the candidate’s experience, skills, qualifications, and other job-related considerations. This position may also be eligible for additional compensation and benefits.

Candidates must be legally authorized to work in the United States, and verification of employment authorization will be required at the time of hire.

SERES is an equal opportunity employer committed to a culturally diverse workforce. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, religion, color, age, sex, national origin, sexual orientation, gender identity, disability status, or protected veteran status.