Firmware Engineer

Precisionneuro; Santa Clara, Northern (CA, KY); Hybrid; USD 140,000 - 190,000; Full time

Job summary

Precision Neuroscience in Santa Clara is seeking a Firmware Engineer to develop embedded software for our next‑generation brain‑computer interface. You will work in a tight‑knit firmware team and collaborate with electrical engineers and AI researchers to design and test safe, high‑reliability software for implantable medical devices.

This role emphasizes hands‑on coding in C/C++, Python, and microcontroller work, with a focus on validation, documentation, and robust debugging to ensure safety

Qualifications

• 3+ years of experience with embedded software in medical devices or similar
• Proficient in C/C++ and Python
• Experience with microcontrollers (Nordic/NXP/STM) and communication protocols (SPI/I2C/UART/USB/BLE)
• Skilled at writing unit tests and clear software documentation
• Adept at software debugging with tools like GDB and RTT
• Comfortable using lab equipment to debug hardware/firmware
• Experience with automation and hardware‑in‑the‑loop testing (Jenkins/GitHub Actions)
• Able to read and discuss datasheets and electrical schematics
• Familiar with modern AI tools and applying them judiciously

Responsibilities

• Develop and test embedded software for our brain–computer interface across the product lifecycle
• Collaborate with electrical engineers for board bring‑up and validation
• Communicate effectively with stakeholders across disciplines
• Prioritize safety; contribute to software testing and validation efforts

Skills

Embedded systems

C/C++

Python

Microcontrollers

Unit testing

Debugging

Hardware debugging

Automation testing

Reading datasheets

AI tools familiarity

Education

Bachelor’s degree in Electrical Engineering or Computer Science

Tools

Nordic MCU

Embedded protocols (SPI/I2C/UART/USB/BLE)

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.

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

Required Qualifications:

• 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.