Founding Software-Defined Radio Engineer

Thalassa Robotics; San Francisco (CA); On-site; USD 144,000 - 176,000; Full time

Job summary

A venture-backed startup in San Francisco is seeking a founding engineer to join their team focused on subsea technology. The ideal candidate will have over 2 years of experience with software-defined radios, proficiency in embedded software, and expertise in PCB design. This full-time in-person role offers a competitive base salary starting at $160,000 plus equity, with relocation assistance available for qualified candidates. Join us in advancing innovative solutions for marine robotics.

Qualifications

• 2+ years of experience with software-defined radios and projects related.
• Proficiency in embedded software including related protocols.
• Experience with FPGA-based DSP and PCB design.

Responsibilities

• Work on firmware for low-level microcontrollers.
• Engage in digital signal processing and PCB design.

Skills

Experience working with software-defined radios

Embedded software proficiency (C/C++)

Verilog/System Verilog for FPGAs

PCB design expertise

Job description

Role Overview

We are seeking a founding engineer with significant experience working on software defined radios to work on our optical modem team. In this role, you will wear many hats and work on areas including firmware for low level microcontrollers, digital signal processing, and PCB design. This will be a dynamic seat, and candidates should be comfortable operating with a high level of autonomy & flexibility.

Required Qualifications

• 2+ years of experience working with software-defined radios and/or extensive projects designing/incorporating SDRs
• Proficiency with embedded software, including C/C++ for microcontrollers, low speed digital protocols like I2C, SPI, and UART, and firmware level code
• Experience writing Verilog/System Verilog for FPGAs & with FPGA-based DSP
• Background in designing PCBs with a focus on mixed signal design

Nice to have

• History of hobby projects and tinkering
• Have designed your own SDR before
• Passion for marine robotics

We are a small, focused team looking for mission-driven candidates who are passionate about their work. If you are excited to advance the frontiers of subsea technology, explore uncharted depths, and protect our oceans and the assets within them, we would love to hear from you!

This will be a fully in-person role in the Bay Area; we can assist with relocation efforts for candidates from other geographies. Total compensation will include a base salary of $160,000+ and equity, both determined based on the candidate's experience.

Thalassa Robotics is a venture-backed startup building the Starlink of the Sea, a mesh network of AUVs coordinated via wireless optical communication. Today, $500B+ in essential subsea infrastructure is inspected by a decaying fleet of specialized vessels that each cost $100K+ per day. Thalassa’s platform enables visibility & adaptability during subsea missions, delivering live data streams to remote operators an order of magnitude cheaper than existing ship-centric solutions.

Check out this video on our team and vision: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=AJSu-hUckFM