Firmware Engineer Manager, Lyft Urban Solutions

Lyft; San Francisco (CA); On-site; USD 180,000 - 240,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Medical, dental, vision

Mental health benefits

Family building benefits

Child care support

401(k) with match

Paid holidays

Job summary

Lyft Urban Solutions (LUS) Firmware Engineering Manager leads a team delivering embedded software for e-bikes, scooters, batteries, and charging infrastructure. You will set architectural direction for core firmware systems and own OTA updates and fleet diagnostics.

The role demands 8+ years in C/C++ embedded, 2+ years leading firmware teams, and strong cross‑functional collaboration to deliver safe, scalable firmware at a global scale.

Qualifications

• 8+ years in C/C++ embedded software development.
• 2+ years directly leading firmware/embedded engineers.
• Strong understanding of embedded RTOS concepts and low-level OS terms.
• Experience with ARM Cortex-M and embedded debugging tools.

Responsibilities

• Lead, mentor, and grow a firmware engineering team across e-bike, scooter, and charging hardware.
• Set technical direction and architecture for core firmware systems (IoT, powertrain, BMS, docking).
• Own OTA updates and fleet operations strategy, including remote diagnostics and field recovery.
• Collaborate with hardware, software, product, data science, manufacturing, and compliance teams on NPI and sustaining programs.
• Plan roadmaps, sprint releases, staffing, and performance management for the firmware group.
• Improve reliability, safety, and rider/operator experience in fielded fleets.
• Represent firmware in regulatory and safety certification efforts (UL, EN standards).

Skills

C/C++ embedded

RTOS concepts

Embedded debugging

Cross-functional leadership

Education

Bachelor's degree

Tools

CI/CD pipelines

HIL testing

Oscilloscopes

Job description

At Lyft, our purpose is to serve and connect. We aim to achieve this by cultivating a work environment where all team members belong and have the opportunity to thrive.

The Lyft Urban Solutions (LUS) Firmware Engineering Manager role is central to the development and delivery of Lyft's micromobility hardware offerings, including e-bikes, scooters, batteries, charging stations, and more! We are looking for a Firmware Engineering Manager who combines deep technical expertise in embedded systems with strong people leadership to grow and guide a team of firmware engineers. This person will drive the technical roadmap for New Product Introduction (NPI) and fleet sustainability programs, while building the team, processes, and technical culture needed to deliver safe, reliable, and field-proven firmware at scale across the cities that rely on our products. Firmware Engineering Managers at Lyft partner closely with hardware, software, product, data science, manufacturing, operations, and compliance teams, and are expected to bring strong technical judgment, organizational leadership, and clear communication to every level of the business.

Responsibilities

• Lead, mentor, and grow a team of firmware engineers building embedded software across Lyft's micromobility product line - e-bikes, scooters, batteries, docks, and charging infrastructure
• Set technical direction and architecture for core firmware systems - IoT, powertrain, battery management, and docking/charging infrastructure - including safety-critical fault handling
• Own the OTA update and fleet operations strategy: secure, staged rollout pipelines, remote diagnostics, and field recovery mechanisms that reduce on-site service visits and fleet downtime across a globally distributed fleet
• Partner with cross-functional stakeholders - hardware, software, product, data science, manufacturing, operations, and compliance teams - to prototype, develop, and ship the next generation of world-class mobility products
• Own team planning: roadmapping, sprint/release planning, staffing, hiring, and performance management, translating ambiguous product needs into clear, actionable schedules and deliverables
• Drive continuous improvement of existing fielded products, prioritizing reliability, safety, and rider/operator experience
• Represent the firmware team in regulatory and safety certification efforts (e.g., UL 2849/2271, EN 18031, and RED/CRA), ensuring firmware practices meet applicable standards
• Build and maintain engineering rigor: CI/CD pipelines, automated Hardware-in-the-Loop (HIL) testing, code review standards, and on-call/incident response processes for fielded fleets
• Communicate technical risk, tradeoffs, and progress clearly to both engineering peers and non-technical stakeholders and leadership
• Support career development of direct reports and contribute to broader engineering org initiatives (technical ladders, succession planning, cross-team standards)

Experience

• Bachelor's degree in Computer Science, Electrical Engineering, or related field
• 8+ years developing in C/C++ for embedded systems, including 2+ years directly managing or formally leading firmware/embedded engineers
• Proven experience translating product and business needs into team roadmaps, staffing plans, and actionable schedules
• Deep understanding of embedded real-time operating systems (FreeRTOS, ThreadX, etc.) and low-level OS concepts (memory management, scheduling, threads, interrupts)
• Hands-on background with ARM Cortex-M processors, electrical bring-up, and embedded debugging (debug probes, signal analyzers, oscilloscopes, power analyzers)
• Working knowledge of IoT, motor control, battery management systems (BMS), and CAN bus protocols in the context of electric vehicles or similar hardware products
• Experience with OTA update systems and remote fleet diagnostics for distributed hardware deployments
• Familiarity with modern firmware development practices - CI/CD pipelines, automated HIL test infrastructure - and openness to modern systems languages (e.g., Rust) alongside C/C++
• Familiarity with functional safety and regulatory frameworks relevant to connected hardware (e.g., ISO 26262, MISRA C, EN 18031, UL standards)
• Strong track record of cross-functional collaboration with hardware, software, product, data science, manufacturing, operations, and compliance teams on NPI and sustaining engineering programs
• Excellent communication skills, with the ability to articulate technical strategy and risk to both technical and non-technical audiences
• Demonstrated ability to build inclusive, high-performing engineering teams and develop engineers' careers

Benefits

• Great medical, dental, and vision insurance options with additional programs available when enrolled
• Mental health benefits
• Family building benefits
• Child care and pet benefits
• 401(k) plan with company match to help save for your future
• In addition to 12 observed holidays, salaried team members have discretionary pa