Embedded Software Engineer

Valinor Enterprises; Washington (District of Columbia); On-site; USD 110,000 - 180,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Competitive salary and equity

Unlimited PTO and holidays

Fertility benefits

Development stipends

Job summary

Valinor Enterprises is seeking an Embedded Software Engineer in Washington, DC to own software close to hardware, from board bring-up to Linux driver work. You’ll explore firmware challenges at the hardware/software boundary and contribute across firmware and user-space in a fast-moving defense-tech environment.

The role emphasizes working with hardware teams, writing C/C++, C++, Python, and using Yocto to build embedded systems. Eligibility for U.S. security clearance is preferred.

Qualifications

• 5+ years of embedded software or firmware experience.
• Strong C/C++ low-level programming skills.
• Hands-on embedded Linux, board bring-up, BSPs, and device drivers.
• Deep knowledge of processors, memory and peripherals.
• Ability to debug firmware and system-level issues from first principles.
• Comfort reading schematics and collaborating with EEs/MEs.
• Experience with SPI, I2C, UART, USB, CAN, or similar interfaces.
• Ability to contribute Python and user-space software when needed.

Responsibilities

• Develop low-level embedded software and firmware in C/C++ and Python.
• Bring up new boards and hardware platforms from initial prototype through reliable operation.
• Develop and debug Linux device drivers, BSPs, and Device Tree configurations.
• Develop, configure, and debug low-level DDR initialization firmware.
• Work closely with electrical engineers to translate software needs to hardware.
• Debug across hardware and software using logs, schematics, oscilloscopes, logic analyzers, and bench equipment.
• Develop and maintain embedded Linux systems using Yocto or similar build systems.
• Contribute to user-space software, tooling, and Python applications when needed.
• Help shape the embedded architecture as Reflex moves toward field-ready systems.

Skills

Embedded software development

C/C++ low-level programming

Embedded Linux & BSPs

Device drivers

Hardware-software debugging

Schematic literacy

SPI I2C UART USB CAN

Python for user-space

Team collaboration

Tools

Yocto

Job description

Valinor is a new type of defense and government tech company focused on solving the problems others don\'t. Our unique model of centralized go-to-market and decentralized engineering allows us to move with unparalleled efficiency to identify unmet needs, build right-sized solutions, and get products where they matter most: in the hands of users.

Backed by General Catalyst, Founders Fund, and Friends & Family Capital, Valinor was founded in 2024 and has established strategic partnerships with Palantir, Anduril, and Helsing. We are building the dream team, and we want you on it.

About The Role

Valinor Reflex is looking for an Embedded Software Engineer to join our small, hands-on team in Washington, D.C., building a low-profile smart optics system that brings real-time computing and embedded intelligence into a wearable form factor.

You\'ll own software close to the hardware, from bringing up new boards and developing Linux drivers to debugging difficult firmware and system-level issues. This role is ideal for an engineer who likes working at the hardware/software boundary, enjoys getting deep into how chips and systems work, and is comfortable moving between low-level firmware and the user-space software built on top of it.

What You\'ll Do

• Develop low-level embedded software and firmware in C/C++ and Python

• Bring up new boards and hardware platforms from initial prototype through reliable operation

• Develop and debug Linux device drivers, BSPs, and Device Tree configurations

• Develop, configure, and debug low-level DDR initialization firmware

• Work closely with electrical engineers to understand schematics, interfaces, pin routing, and how software requirements translate to the circuit board

• Debug across hardware and software using logs, schematics, oscilloscopes, logic analyzers, and other bench equipment

• Develop and maintain embedded Linux systems using Yocto or similar build systems

• Contribute to user-space software, tooling, and Python applications when needed

• Help shape the embedded architecture as Reflex moves from prototype hardware toward reliable, field-ready systems

What We\'re Looking For

• 5+ years of experience in embedded software, firmware, or a related field

• Strong experience developing low-level software in C/C++

• Hands-on experience with embedded Linux, board bring-up, BSP development, and device drivers

• Deep understanding of processors, memory, peripherals, and how software interacts with underlying hardware

• Ability to debug difficult firmware and system-level problems from first principles

• Comfortable reading schematics and working closely with electrical and mechanical engineers

• Experience with common embedded interfaces such as SPI, I2C, UART, USB, CAN, or similar

• Ability to contribute outside the firmware layer when needed, including Python and user-space software

• Comfortable working in a fast-moving, build-first environment with significant ownership and ambiguity

What Valinor Offers

• Competitive salary, equity packages, and benefits, including health, dental, and vision insurance - fully covered for employees, 401(k), development stipends, among others.

• Unlimited PTO and two-week company holiday at the end of every calendar year.

• We are a pro-mental health and pro-family company - we actually encourage employees to spend time with themselves and their families. Valinor also provides fertility benefits to those just beginning that journey.

• Fun work environment - we like to laugh and take care of each other, but we also deeply respect the mission in front of us.

This role requires the candidate be eligible to obtain and maintain a U.S. security clearance. Active clearance preferred, but not required.

Valinor is an equal-opportunity employer committed to creating a diverse and inclusive workplace. The Valinor team is made up of incredibly talented and unique individuals, who together are disrupting industry norms by creating new paths towards the future of defense and government technology. All qualified applicants will be treated with respect and receive equal consideration for employment without regard to race, color, creed, religion, sex, gender identity, sexual orientation, national origin, disability, uniform service, Veteran status, age, or any other protected characteristic per federal, state, or local law, including those with a criminal history, in a manner consistent with the requirements of applicable state and local laws, including the CA Fair Chance Initiative for Hiring Ordinance. We actively encourage members of recognized minorities, women, Veterans, and those with disabilities to apply, and we work to create a welcoming and supportive environment for all applicants throughout the interview process. If you are someone passionate about working on problems that have a real-world impact, we\'d love to hear from you!