Embedded Software Engineer

Drive Capital; North Kingstown (RI); On-site; USD 85,000 - 115,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Health, Dental, and Vision Insurance

Life Insurance

401k program (Matching)

Unlimited PTO

Equity Package

Work / Home Office Stipend

16 Week Paid Parental Leave

Monthly Health and Wellness Stipend

Job summary

Drive Capital is seeking an Embedded Software Engineer to lead the development of embedded systems for uncrewed surface vessels (USVs). This pivotal role involves enhancing the reliability and functionality of USVs for applications in defense, marine research, and environmental monitoring.

The successful candidate will collaborate on projects from prototyping to forming distributed sensing networks. Key responsibilities include maintaining robust software control systems and optimizing communication drivers.

Benefits include comprehensive health insurance, a 401k program, unlimited PTO, and a strong commitment to inclusivity.

Qualifications

• Experience in embedded software development for STM32 platforms.
• Knowledge of communication protocols and troubleshooting tools.
• Ability to manage prototype development projects independently.

Responsibilities

• Lead development of low-level software control systems for USVs.
• Design and optimize drivers for communication protocols.
• Integrate and test drivers for new subsystems.

Skills

Embedded software development

C/C++ programming

Communication protocols (CAN, RS485)

Hardware-in-the-loop (HIL) testing

Collaboration tools (git, docker)

Education

Bachelor's degree in Electrical Engineering or Computer Science

Tools

STM32 platforms

Jira

Confluence

Job description

About the Role:

HavocAI is seeking an Embedded Software Engineer to lead hardware/software development of embedded systems for our fleets of uncrewed surface vessels (USVs). This role will be pivotal in advancing the reliability and functionality of our uncrewed surface vessels, enabling groundbreaking applications in defense, marine research, and environmental monitoring. In this role, you will collaborate on projects ranging from prototyping and testing of new USV platforms to leveraging existing capabilities to form distributed sensing networks.

Key Responsibilities:

• Lead the development and maintenance of robust low-level software control systems for uncrewed surface vessels (USVs).
• Design, implement, and optimize drivers for various communication protocols such as CAN (J1939, NMEA2000, DroneCAN) and RS485 (ModBus).
• Integrate and test drivers for new subsystems, including motors, batteries, actuators, and sensors, by working with vendors or vendor‑provided datasheets.
• Collaborate with cross‑functional teams (hardware and autonomy engineers) to deliver software that abstracts hardware functions for both existing and new vehicle types.
• Set up, exercise, document, and maintain hardware‑in‑the‑loop (HIL) test environments to enable robust system testing.
• Create and maintain software documentation, test schematics, and design notes for development projects.

Qualifications:

• Bachelor's degree in Electrical Engineering, Computer Science, or a similar engineering discipline.
• Proven experience developing, testing, and debugging embedded software for STM32 platforms using C/C++ with RTOS (e.g., ChibiOS, FreeRTOS).
• In-depth knowledge of communication protocols, including CAN and RS485; experience using bus analysis tools to measure performance and troubleshoot.
• Experience working in a professional setting in a collaborative software development environment, using tools such as git, docker, Confluence, Jira, etc.
• Strong foundational electronics skills, including soldering, prototyping, debugging, and schematic interpretation.
• Ability to independently manage and execute prototype development projects.
• Must be a US Citizen and be eligible to obtain a Secret Clearance.

Preferred Skills:

• Experience contributing to or extending PX4 or ArduPilot open‑source autopilot codebases.
• Background in automotive or marine systems with distributed, bus‑based architectures.
• Familiarity with implementing pub/sub architectures (e.g., DDS) on resource‑constrained systems.
• Familiarity with basic mechanical assembly and use of standard shop tools.
• Experience with environmental or mission‑critical applications of robotics.

Location:

• Must be based in the greater Boston area, with the ability to work onsite as needed.

Benefits:

• 100% Employer paid Health, Dental and Vision Insurance for you and your families.
• Life Insurance (Employer Paid).
• Ability to participate in the company’s 401k program (Matching).
• Unlimited PTO policy with an enforced 2 week minimum.
• Equity Package.
• Work / Home Office Stipend.
• Global Entry.
• 16 Week Paid Parental Leave.
• Monthly Health and Wellness Stipend.

HavocAI is an Equal Opportunity Employer and is committed to creating an inclusive and diverse workplace. We welcome applicants from all backgrounds and do not discriminate based on race, color, religion, gender, sexual orientation, age, national origin, disability, veteran status, or any other legally protected status.