Embedded Firmware Engineer, Motor Control

1X; Palo Alto (CA); On-site; USD 117,000 - 173,000; Full time

Job summary

1X is seeking an Embedded Firmware Engineer for Motor Control to join their Actuators team. The role involves designing and implementing motor control systems for humanoid robots, requiring expertise in embedded software development. Candidates should have a strong background in electrical engineering and hands-on experience in motor control.

Benefits

Relocation package

Autonomy to improve technical skills

Opportunity to shape the future of humanoid robots

Qualifications

• 2+ years of experience in embedded software development focused on motor control.
• Proficiency in C and C++ programming.
• Strong understanding of electrical motors and control theory.

Responsibilities

• Develop architecture and firmware for motor control.
• Implement real-time control algorithms and communication protocols.
• Collaborate on software-hardware integration and testing.

Skills

Embedded software development

Motor control

C and C++ programming

Control theory

Communication protocols

Education

Bachelor’s or Master’s degree in Electrical Engineering, Computer Engineering, Computer Science, or a related field

Job description

Embedded Firmware Engineer, Motor Control

Join to apply for the Embedded Firmware Engineer, Motor Control role at 1X

Embedded Firmware Engineer, Motor Control

3 weeks ago Be among the first 25 applicants

Join to apply for the Embedded Firmware Engineer, Motor Control role at 1X

Target start date: Immediately. Relocation provided.

Since its founding in 2015, 1X has been at the forefront of developing advanced humanoid robots designed for household use. Our mission is to create an abundant supply of labor via safe, intelligent humanoids.

We strive for excellence in all we do, solving some of the hardest problems in robotics with the world’s most talented individuals. Every part of our robots is designed and produced in-house—from motor coils to AI—reflecting our vertically integrated approach. At 1X, you’ll own real projects, be recognized for your achievements, and rewarded based on merit.

We believe the best work is done when collaborating and therefore require in-person presence in our office locations.

As we scale from research and development to full-scale manufacturing, we are looking for a Embedded Firmware Engineer, Motor Control to join our Actuators team. In this role, you will be responsible for our motor control, including design, optimizations, and implementation. Collaborating closely with other hardware- and software-teams, you will play a vital role in everything from early stage designs to to testing and application in mass manufactured components. The ideal candidate will have a background in electrical engineering, with extensive expertise and experience in embedded software design and ideally electrical motors and control theory. We are looking for individuals with hands-on experience, and a proactive "get-things-done" attitude, who excel in both long-term strategic planning and day-to-day execution of practical tasks.

What You’ll Get By Joining Our Team

• You can shape the future of humanoid robots
• You will have the autonomy to improve all aspects of your technical skills
• You’ll join an agile and diverse, global team
  
  
  

Why this job is exciting

Every day is different! You will get to

• Own a core part of our cutting edge actuator system.
• In time, your software will run on thousands of humanoids performing tasks in diverse environments, globally.
• You’ll be working with a 50+ DoF biped, with hands, all driven by motors we design and manufacture in-house and controlled by software modules you heavily contributed to.
  
  
  

Within one month, you will…

• Get acquainted with the company’s motor designs, current control approach, tools, and team; start contributing to small tasks.
• Get to know our humanoid NEO and why the motors and actuators are such a central system for its performance and safety and how the control is such an important part in that chain.
  
  
  

Within three months, you will...

• Take ownership of our motor control software modules; collaborate on software-hardware integration and testing.
• Suggest improvements to development processes and contribute to project planning.
• Contribute to closely related tasks and software modules like sensors.
  
  
  

Within one year, you will…

• Lead the development of significant motor control software components.
• Optimize our motor software for performance and reliability.
  
  
  

Responsibilities:

• Architecture and firmware development for NEO's motors.
• Implement real-time control algorithms, safety mechanisms, and communication protocols (e.g., CAN, LIN, SPI, I2C).
• Develop software for specific motor control requirements and applications.
• Support the rest of the actuators team on evaluation and testing.
• Drive features in the higher level robot software safety layer.
  
  
  

Must-Haves:

• Bachelor’s or Master’s degree in Electrical Engineering, Computer Engineering, Computer Science, or a related field
• 2+ years of experience in embedded software development with a focus on motor control, especially FOC
• Proficiency in embedded software development using C and C++
• Strong understanding of electrical motors, control theory, and their correct application
• Experience with communication protocols like EtherCAT, CAN, SPI, I2C or others
  
  
  

Nice-To-Haves:

• Understanding of electromagnetic design and robotic actuation principles
• Experience in sensors (position, current, temperature, ...) and their implementation into a system
• Strong analytical skills with the ability to troubleshoot and debug complex software and hardware issues
• Experience in PCB design
  
  
  

We seek the world's most talented individuals with a passion for inventing and building a more prosperous future. At 1X you'll get to own real projects and be rewarded for your achievements and output. We hire, recognize and reward based on merit. We believe the best work is done when collaborating and therefore require in-person presence.

Location

We believe the best work is done when collaborating and therefore require in-person presence in our office locations.

Moss, Norway

Our hew headquarter in Moss is a short train ride from Oslo. Our facility is designed to be state-of-the-art, with a variety of 3D printers, an electronics lab, and controls test studio. 1XHQ offers food, showers, and outdoor activities. Norway is known for its rich history, stunning natural landscapes and for being one of the happiest countries in the world.

If you are relocating to Moss, we offer a comprehensive relocation package to support you and handle the logistics of your move.

Typical Interview Process

• Introductions - interviews to learn more about you and talk about 1X and the role
• Interview with a member of the Talent Acquisition team
• Hiring manager / senior team member / technical interview
  
  
  
  

• Team interviews - technical interviews and deep-dives with team members. May include a take home challenge, presentation or problem-solving exercise
• Technical deep-dive conversation with a team member
• Onsite interviews with team members
  
  
  
  

• Final Interview Stage - we move you to our final round
• Expectation management with the hiring manager
• We will conduct reference checks
• Job offer conversation
  
  
  

Depending on the role and your background, additional interviews may be added.

You are also welcome to request additional conversations with anyone you would like to meet, but didn’t get to meet during the interview process.

A value driven team

These are the ideas that express our team’s culture and how we work:

Be Nice

Collaboration is our driving force. Our team creates an open, trusting environment where everyone can be their most creative.

Stay Smart

A world-changing team needs the brightest minds in every discipline. This is where people come to work, learn, and grow to their full potential.

Make History

Everything we do gets us closer to one ambitious vision: Creating an Abundant Supply of Labor using Safe, Intelligent Humanoids. We believe what we build today will impact generations.

Not sure if this is you?

If you’re excited about this role, but you’re not sure if you qualify, apply anyway! You may be just the right candidate for this or other roles.

1X is an inclusive and equal-opportunity employer that values diversity. We consider all qualified applicants regardless of race, religion, gender, age, sexual orientation, disability, or any other protected class. If you have a disability or special need that requires accommodation, please don't hesitate to let us know during the interview process. We will do our best to accommodate your needs.

We're excited to have you on board!

Seniority level

• Seniority level

  Not Applicable

Employment type

• Employment type

  Full-time

Job function

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