Firmware Engineer

Precision Neuroscience; Santa Clara (CA); On-site; USD 120,000 - 180,000; Full time

Job summary

Precision Neuroscience in Santa Clara is seeking a Firmware Engineer to develop and validate the embedded software powering our next‑gen brain–computer interfaces. You’ll collaborate with electrical engineers and ML experts to build safe, reliable software for active implantable devices and perform end‑to‑end testing from design through release.

The ideal candidate has 3+ years in embedded systems, strong C/C++ and Python, experience with microcontrollers (Nordic, NXP, STM), and hands‑on

Qualifications

• 3+ years of experience with embedded systems.
• Proficient in C/C++ and Python.
• Experience with microcontrollers (Nordic/NXP/STM) and comms (SPI/I2C/UART/USB/BLE/Wi‑Fi).
• Skilled at writing unit tests and software documentation.
• Strong debugging skills using tools like GDB and RTT.
• Comfortable using lab equipment for hardware–firmware debugging.
• Experience with automation and hardware‑in‑the‑loop testing (CI pipelines).
• Ability to read datasheets and electrical schematics.
• Familiar with modern AI tools and their careful use in embedded systems.

Responsibilities

• Develop and test embedded software for our brain–computer interface devices.
• Collaborate with electrical engineers for board bring‑up and validation.
• Contribute to end‑to‑end product lifecycle from design to release.
• Ensure safety‑critical considerations and robust software testing.

Skills

Embedded systems

C/C++

Python

Unit tests

Debugging

Lab equipment

Automation

Hardware-in-the-loop

Data sheets

AI tools

Tools

Nordic microcontrollers

NXP microcontrollers

STM microcontrollers

SPI

I2C

UART

USB

BLE

Wi‑Fi

GDB

RTT

Jenkins

GitHub Actions

Bitbucket Pipelines

Job description

About Precision Neuroscience

Precision Neuroscience is building a next-generation brain–computer interface (BCI) to heal and empower millions of people living with neurological conditions.

Our first product, Layer 7, is designed to help people with severe paralysis operate digital devices using only their thoughts—opening up new possibilities for daily life.

Our team brings together experts in neurosurgery, AI and machine learning, microfabrication, electrical engineering, clinical science, and more. We combine deep technical rigor with a people‑first mindset to turn breakthrough research into real‑world medical solutions.

As a Precision employee, you’ll join one of the fastest‑moving and best‑capitalized companies in the emerging field of brain–computer interfaces. Since our founding in 2021, we have raised more than $430 million, advanced our technology through validation, and initiated human trials with leading hospitals across the country.

Our Values

We build for human impact, measuring progress by the lives our work can change.

We do no harm, holding ourselves to the highest standards of safety, integrity, and responsibility.

We innovate with urgency because the stakes are high and our users can’t wait.

We bring sharp minds, open ears, pairing expertise with curiosity, humility, and respect.

And we lead the way, taking ownership of our work and helping to shape the future of our field.

Firmware Engineer

We are seeking a Firmware Engineer to help us develop the embedded software that makes our BCI technology possible. In this role, you will be building and testing cutting edge medical devices. You will operate within a tight‑knit firmware team and collaborate closely with experts from other disciplines. You will be solving difficult problems and working on systems that stand to tangibly improve people’s lives.

This position will be based in our Santa Clara office. We are unable to consider remote workers or individuals who are not currently based in the US and not legally authorized to work in the US.

Key Responsibilities

• You will be a key contributor to the development and testing of embedded software for our cutting-edge brain computer interfaces across the entire product lifecycle - from early design to release and maintenance. Along with a growing team of firmware engineers, you will be building an active implantable medical device that is going to improve the lives of millions of people.


• You are a hands‑on developer who feels right at home working shoulder to shoulder with electrical engineers for board bringup and product validation.


• You are a great communicator, and you excel at collaborating with stakeholders across a range of disciplines.


• Safety is at the heart of our ethos at Precision - and it is for you too. Candidates for this role must have a strong background in software testing.

Skills, Knowledge and Expertise

• 3+ years of experience with embedded systems


• Proficient in C/C++ and Python


• Experienced in working with microcontrollers (e.g. Nordic / NXP / STM / …) and communication protocols (e.g. SPI / I2C / UART / USB / BLE / Wi‑Fi / …)


• Skilled at writing unit tests and clear software documentation


• Adept at software debugging with tools such as the GNU Debugger and RTT printing


• Comfortable using lab equipment to debug hardware and firmware (signal generators / logic analyzers / oscilloscopes / DMMs / …)


• Prior experience with automation and hardware‑in‑the loop testing (Jenkins / Github Actions / Bitbucket Pipelines / …)


• Able to read and discuss datasheets and electrical schematics


• Familiar with modern AI tools and is comfortable using them judiciously

Bonus If You Have Any Of The Following

• Experience with safety‑critical systems (medical devices / automotive / aerospace / …)


• Prior work or experience with embedded systems security (threat modelling / encryption / authentication / secure bootloaders / …)


• Working knowledge of Machine Learning and Artificial Intelligence (particularly in the context of embedded systems)

Diverse workforces create the best culture, company, and products. We at Precision are committed to an inclusive culture that celebrates the uniqueness and contributions of everyone.

As an equal opportunity employer, Precision does not discriminate on the basis of sex, race, religion, national origin, disability status, protected veteran status, or any other characteristic protected by law.

The actual base salary offered is determined by a number of variables, including, as appropriate, the applicant's qualifications for the position, years of relevant experience, distinctive skills, level of education attained, certifications or other professional licenses held, and the location of residence and/or place of employment.