Firmware / Embedded Systems Engineer

Rethink recruit; California (MO); On-site; USD 100,000 - 300,000; Full time

Job summary

Skild AI is seeking a Firmware Engineer to design and optimize embedded software for robotic platforms, focusing on BLDC motor control, real-time performance, and reliable hardware integration. You will work closely with hardware teams, implement control algorithms, and ensure compatibility with DDS/ROS frameworks while validating firmware in lab environments.

A strong background in C/C++, RTOS and motor control is essential, with a degree in EE/Robotics/Mechatronics.

Qualifications

• Hands-on experience in firmware development for robotics or embedded systems.
• Expertise in BLDC motor control including FOC, PWM, and current/position control.
• Proficiency with low-level communication protocols such as RS-485, CAN, and SPI.
• Experience with real-time embedded systems and RTOS environments (FreeRTOS, RT Linux, VxWorks).
• Familiarity with DDS frameworks such as ROS and hardware debugging tools.
• Bachelor's or Master's in Electrical Engineering, Robotics, Mechatronics or related field.

Responsibilities

• Develop and optimize firmware for BLDC motor control and real-time embedded systems.
• Design, debug, and integrate low-level communication protocols such as RS-485, CAN, UART, and SPI.
• Implement and maintain real-time systems using RTOS environments including FreeRTOS, RT Linux, or VxWorks.
• Collaborate with hardware engineers to design and validate motor driver circuits and power electronics systems.
• Integrate firmware into higher-level communication frameworks such as DDS and ROS.
• Test, validate, and document firmware design processes and best practices.

Skills

Firmware development

BLDC motor control

RTOS

C/C++ embedded

DDS/ROS frameworks

Hardware debugging

CAN/RS-485/SPI

Education

Bachelor's or Master's in Electrical Engineering, Robotics, Mechatronics

Tools

FreeRTOS

RT Linux

VxWorks

ROS

CAN

RS-485

SPI

Job description

About Skild AI

Skild AI is building the world's first general purpose robotic intelligence systems that are robust and adapt to unseen scenarios without failing. The core belief is that massive scale through data-driven machine learning is the key to unlocking these capabilities and enabling the widespread deployment of robots in the real world.

The team spans new graduates and domain experts, and values demonstrated ability and attitude over credentials. Skild is looking for people who are eager to explore uncharted territory and contribute to work that has not been done before.

The Opportunity

Skild AI is looking for a Firmware Engineer to develop and optimize firmware for BLDC motor control and real-time embedded systems. You will implement control algorithms, debug communication protocols, and integrate firmware with higher-level robotics frameworks collaborating closely with hardware teams to ensure system performance across complex, tightly integrated robotic platforms.

What You'll Do

• Develop and optimize firmware for BLDC motor control including advanced control algorithms and system identification
• Design, debug, and integrate low-level communication protocols such as RS-485, CAN, UART, and SPI
• Implement and maintain real-time systems using RTOS environments including FreeRTOS, RT Linux, or VxWorks
• Collaborate with hardware engineers to design and validate motor driver circuits and power electronics systems
• Integrate firmware into higher-level communication frameworks such as DDS and ROS
• Test, validate, and debug firmware systems in the labDocument firmware design processes and contribute to best practices

You Should Have

• Hands‑on experience in firmware development for robotics, motor control, or embedded systems
• Expertise in BLDC motor control including FOC (Field-Oriented Control), PWM, and current and position control techniques
• Proficiency in low-level communication protocols such as RS-485, CAN, and SPI
• Experience with real-time embedded systems including FreeRTOS or RT Linux
• Familiarity with DDS frameworks such as ROS
• Proficiency in C/C for embedded systems and comfort with hardware debugging tools
• Bachelor's or Master's degree in Electrical Engineering, Robotics, Mechatronics, or a related field

Compensation

Base Salary: $100,000 - $300,000, depending on experience.