Embedded Software Engineer – R&D

Zenovo; Boston (MA); Hybrid; USD 165,000 - 193,000; Full time

Job summary

Zenovo in Boston, MA is seeking an experienced Embedded Software Engineer to join our R&D team for a 6–12 month contract. You will work hands-on with embedded systems, mainly in C and C++, across the full firmware lifecycle on hardware platforms.

Collaborate with electrical and mechanical engineers to bring up hardware, debug interactions with motors and sensors, and contribute to robust, maintainable firmware that meets strict safety and reliability standards.

Qualifications

• BS/MS in Computer Science, Electrical or Computer Engineering, Robotics, or a related technical field.
• About 5+ years of embedded or hardware-focused experience.
• Strong C/C++ development and debugging skills.
• Experience with microcontrollers and lab tooling.
• Familiarity with real-time or bare-metal environments.
• Experience with SPI, I2C, UART, CAN, USB.

Responsibilities

• Develop, test, and refine embedded software for Cortex-M or similar MCU
• Create and integrate low-level drivers and comms layers (SPI, I2C, CAN, UART, USB)
• Collaborate with electrical and mechanical engineers to bring up hardware
• Debug firmware interactions with motors, sensors, actuators
• Participate in code reviews to promote clean, modular code
• Improve firmware robustness, performance, and traceability
• Support verification through bench and full-system testing
• Document requirements, architecture decisions, and validation results per FDA/IEC 62304

Skills

C/C++

Embedded systems

Microcontrollers

Real-time / bare-metal

SPI

I2C

CAN

UART

Debugging

Robotics experience

Education

BSc or MSc in CS/EE/Robotics or related field

Job description

We’re looking for a talented Embedded Software Engineer to become part of our growing R&D team based in Boston, Massachusetts. This opportunity is ideal for an engineer with around five years of industry experience who enjoys working close to hardware and wants to help shape innovative, real-world products involving embedded systems, robotics, or electromechanical technology.

Position Type: Contract (W2 via Employer of Record)

Duration: 6–12 months (with potential for extension)

Compensation: $120.00 – $140.00 per hour (Dependent on experience)

Location: Boston, MA (Hybrid / On-site requirements as needed for hardware labs)

What You’ll Be Doing

In this role, you’ll be hands-on with embedded systems development, contributing across the full firmware lifecycle:

• Develop, test, and refine embedded software for microcontroller-based platforms (ARM Cortex-M or similar), primarily using C and C++
• Support the creation and integration of low-level drivers and communication layers (SPI, I²C, CAN, UART, USB), alongside higher-level control logic
• Collaborate with cross-functional teams—including electrical and mechanical engineers—to bring up hardware, troubleshoot issues, and ensure seamless system integration
• Assist in debugging interactions between firmware and physical components such as motors, sensors, and actuators
• Take part in technical discussions and code reviews to promote clean, modular, and maintainable code
• Help enhance overall firmware robustness, performance, and traceability
• Contribute to verification efforts through both bench-level and full system testing
• Support documentation efforts, including requirements, architecture decisions, and validation results, in line with FDA and IEC 62304 standards

What We’re Looking For

• Degree (BSc or MSc) in Computer Science, Electrical or Computer Engineering, Robotics, or a related technical field
• Approximately 5+ years of relevant hands-on experience (including internships or co-ops with substantial embedded or hardware exposure)
• Strong experience developing and debugging embedded software in C or C++
• Familiarity with microcontrollers and confidence using lab tools and debugging equipment
• Understanding of real-time or bare-metal embedded environments
• Experience with common communication protocols such as SPI, I²C, UART, or CAN
• Practical exposure to robotics, motion control, sensors, or electromechanical systems (through professional work, academic projects, or personal builds)

Additional Information

Please note that visa sponsorship is not available for this position. Candidates must already have the right to work in the United States.