Firmware Engineer

Vector Atomic; Pleasanton (CA); On-site; USD 110,000 - 135,000; Full time

Job summary

Vector Atomic is seeking a Firmware Engineer to join a cross‑functional team of physicists, electronics engineers, and firmware developers at our Pleasanton, CA office. You will design, implement, and verify embedded software for ST microcontrollers and MCUs integrated into custom ASICs, developing low‑level control algorithms for high‑precision sensing instruments.

You will work closely with hardware engineers throughout the product lifecycle, from schematic reviews to board bring‑up and

Qualifications

• Bachelor's or Master's degree in Electrical Engineering, Computer Engineering, or Computer Science with embedded systems coursework, lab, or internship experience; other technical degrees considered with 2+ years of relevant experience.
• Demonstrated ability to write production-quality C/C++ code for small embedded processors.
• Proficiency writing interrupt service routines, peripheral drivers, and multi-threaded firmware for embedded MCUs using RTOSs and/or bare-metal environments.
• Experience developing scripts in Python, Perl, or similar languages.
• Hands-on experience using test and measurement equipment (oscilloscopes, function generators, voltmeters) to validate firmware performance.
• Proven ability to isolate and resolve bugs using debuggers and simulation tools.
• Ability to communicate effectively with coworkers and collaborators, both written and verbal.
• Ability to work independently on assigned activities while collaborating within multidisciplinary teams.
• To comply with US export control laws, Vector Atomic employees must be U.S. citizens (born or naturalized), lawful U.S. permanent residents (i.e. green card holders), and certain categories of refugees and asylees.
• Ability to work onsite full-time at our office in Pleasanton, CA (SF Bay Area)

Responsibilities

• Collaborate with a cross-functional team of physicists, electronics engineers, and firmware engineers to design and deliver next-generation quantum instruments.
• Write and verify embedded firmware for ST microcontrollers, including COTS devices and MCUs integrated into custom ASICs.
• Implement control algorithms critical to the operation of high-precision sensing instruments.
• Develop peripheral drivers for mixed-signal and other devices, working directly from electronic schematics.
• Partner with hardware engineers to support board testing and hardware bring-up activities.
• Contribute to continuous process improvement by authoring task tickets in GitHub and participating in code reviews, project reviews, and retrospectives.
• Clearly document and communicate your work through written and verbal channels with coworkers and collaborators.

Skills

C/C++

RTOS / bare-metal

Python/Perl scripting

Debugging with tools

Multithreaded firmware

Test equipment usage

Communication skills

Independent work

Education

Bachelor's or Master's in Electrical/Computer Engineering or CS

Tools

Oscilloscopes

Function generators

In-circuit debugging tools

Job description

Vector Atomic is building quantum hardware to transform navigation, timing, geophysical exploration, and telecommunications. In 2025, we joined IonQ [NYSE: IONQ], the world’s leading quantum platform and merchant supplier – delivering integrated quantum solutions across computing, networking, sensing, and security.

Our scientists, engineers, software developers, and operations professionals collaborate to deliver real‑world solutions. We value ingenuity, diverse skillsets, and teamwork. Every team member can make an immediate impact while growing professionally. Join us to build breakthrough technology in a fast‑paced, hands‑on environment.

We are looking for a skilled Firmware Engineer to join a cross‑functional team of physicists, electronics engineers, and firmware developers building next‑generation quantum sensing instruments. In this role, you will design, implement, and verify embedded software for ST microcontrollers — including COTS devices and MCUs on custom ASICs — and develop the low‑level control algorithms that make precision measurement possible. You will work closely with hardware engineers throughout the full product development cycle, from schematic review to board bring‑up and production.

Location:

This role is based onsite at our office in Pleasanton, CA

Key Responsibilities:

• Collaborate with a cross‑functional team of physicists, electronics engineers, and firmware engineers to design and deliver next‑generation quantum instruments.
• Write and verify embedded firmware for ST microcontrollers, including COTS devices and MCUs integrated into custom ASICs.
• Implement control algorithms critical to the operation of high‑precision sensing instruments.
• Develop peripheral drivers for mixed‑signal and other devices, working directly from electronic schematics.
• Partner with hardware engineers to support board testing and hardware bring‑up activities.
• Contribute to continuous process improvement by authoring task tickets in GitHub and participating in code reviews, project reviews, and retrospectives.
• Clearly document and communicate your work through written and verbal channels with coworkers and collaborators.

Basic Qualifications:

• Bachelor's or Master's degree in Electrical Engineering, Computer Engineering, or Computer Science with substantial embedded systems coursework, lab, or internship experience; other technical degrees considered with 2+ years of directly relevant experience.
• Demonstrated ability to write production‑quality C/C++ code for small embedded processors.
• Proficiency writing interrupt service routines, peripheral drivers, and multi‑threaded firmware for embedded MCUs using RTOSs and/or bare‑metal environments.
• Experience developing scripts in Python, Perl, or similar languages.
• Hands‑on experience using test and measurement equipment (oscilloscopes, function generators, voltmeters) to validate firmware performance.
• Proven ability to isolate and resolve bugs using debuggers and simulation tools.
• Ability to communicate effectively with coworkers and collaborators, both written and verbal.
• Ability to work independently on assigned activities while collaborating within multidisciplinary teams.
• To comply with US export control laws, Vector Atomic employees must be U.S. citizens (born or naturalized), lawful U.S. permanent residents (i.e. green card holders), and certain categories of refugees and asylees.
• Ability to work onsite full‑time at our office in Pleasanton, CA (SF Bay Area)

Preferred Experience (several of the following):

• Experience designing and implementing control algorithms such as PID controllers.
• Familiarity with fixed‑point arithmetic and digital filter design for embedded applications.
• Experience interfacing with external devices via TCP, UDP, UART, SPI, I2C, or similar protocols.
• Proficiency in assembly language programming for embedded targets.
• Experience implementing lightweight Ethernet stacks (e.g., lwIP) on small embedded systems.
• Background working with SoC or FPGA devices.

Vector Atomic offers competitive compensation and benefits including:

• Platinum‑level family health coverage (medical, dental, vision)
• Health and dependent care Flexible Spending Accounts (FSA)
• Employer 401(k) contributions
• 20 days of paid time off / 11 paid holidays
• Paid parental leave
• Fully stocked kitchen

Pay Range

The base salary range for this position is $110,000 to $135,000 per year. The total compensation package includes base, bonus, equity and benefits. It's atypical to be hired at the top end of this range for the role, as actual pay is based on several factors, including job‑related knowledge, skills, and experience level.

Vector Atomic is an equal opportunity employer and we welcome applications from all backgrounds regardless of race, color, religion, sex, national origin, ancestry, age, marital status, sexual orientation, gender identity, veteran status, disability, or any other classification protected by law. Vector Atomic does not accept unsolicited resumes from individual recruiters or third‑party recruiting agencies in response to job postings. No fee will be paid to third parties who submit unsolicited candidates directly to our hiring managers or HR team.