Principal Embedded Software Engineer

Formlabs; Boston (MA); On-site; USD 175,000 - 250,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Unlimited printing

Equity RSUs

Healthcare

401K match

Parental leave

Flexible PTO

Sabbatical

On-site parking

Free meals

PD opportunities

Social events

Job summary

Formlabs in Somerville, MA is seeking a Principal Embedded Software Engineer to lead our firmware and embedded software platforms. You will shape technical roadmaps and drive long‑term strategy across hardware and software teams, delivering robust, scalable solutions for our 3D printing products.

You will mentor engineers, translate business goals into engineering plans, and collaborate with product managers to ensure feasible, high‑impact outcomes.

Qualifications

• Proven track record shipping software for complex hardware products.
• Subject matter expert in modern embedded software stacks (C/C++).
• Ability to translate high-level goals into engineering plans and roadmaps.
• Experience mentoring and growing engineering teams.

Responsibilities

• Identify and lead large-scale projects that advance Formlabs' objectives.
• Drive technical strategy and long-term roadmaps for firmware and embedded software.
• Vet new technologies and scale improvements across teams.
• Guide hardware selection and system design from a software perspective.
• Partner with product managers to define feasible roadmaps.

Skills

C/C++ expertise

Embedded software leadership

System architecture

Hardware/software integration

Mentoring engineers

Cross-functional collaboration

Tools

Embedded Linux

Python

Go/JavaScript

Job description

Do you want to change how the world creates?

At Formlabs, we are building the tools that make it possible for anyone to bring their ideas to life, from cutting-edge products to life‑saving medical devices. Our 3D printing technology powers innovation at more than 50,000 industry leaders worldwide, including Apple, Google, Tesla, New Balance, and NASA. Together, we are helping everyone design, prototype, and manufacture faster than ever before.

We are a team of hands‑on builders, engineers, and innovators reinventing how the world makes physical things. If you are ready to shape the future of fabrication, come build it with us.

Software is at the heart of all aspects of Formlabs products. We aim to bring ground‑breaking 3D printers to the desks and shops of designers, artists, and professionals the world over. Our software is integral to ensuring exceptional experiences with our products as it bridges the transition from digital models to beautiful physical form in 3D printing.

We are looking for a Principal Embedded Software Engineer to provide high‑level technical leadership for our Embedded team. This team is the essential component that ties software, hardware, and electronics together to push the limits of 3D printing. As a Principal Engineer, you will navigate ambiguous goals to define technical roadmaps and solve complex, department‑level problems.

The tech stack:

Embedded Linux, C++, Python, and the occasional dip into Go and Javascript.

You:

• Have an extensive track record of shipping code for complex hardware products in the consumer, medical, defense, or industrial space.
• Are a recognized subject matter expert in modern embedded software stacks, specifically C or C++
• Are excited to “make it real”: you can take high‑level vision and context and nail down scope, and design, and execution for a software feature and ultimately a product
• Architect systems for the long term: choose the tech and frameworks used to solve challenges across the team, ensuring scalability and maintainability.
• Possess experience debugging the most difficult hardware and software interactions, often across multiple subsystems and domains.
• Act as a technical bridge and advisor: you translate high‑level business goals into technical requirements and influence cross‑functional partners’ roadmaps.
• Mentor and grow the engineering team: you enjoy leveling up the engineers around you, attracting talent, and maintaining a high bar for excellence.

The Job:

• Identify and lead large‑scale projects that change department‑level goals and advance Formlabs' business objectives.
• Drive the technical strategy and long‑term roadmap for our firmware and embedded software platforms, focusing on a 6 to 12+ month time horizon.
• Champion new technologies: you will vet risks and find ways to test, learn, and scale both incremental improvements and game‑changing breakthroughs.
• Cross the hardware‑software boundary: work closely with electrical and mechanical teams to guide hardware selection and system design from a software perspective.
• Partner with product managers and designers to define the product roadmap, ensuring technical feasibility and long‑term scalability.
• Work in a product‑focused, agile environment onsite in our Somerville, MA office (Optional Hybrid Schedule: 3 days onsite / 2 days remote).

Our Benefits & Perks:

• Unlimited 3D printing with any Formlabs material on any Formlabs printer
• An equity program that will let you build wealth through RSUs
• Healthcare coverage (medical, dental, vision) that includes a totally free employee‑only plan, effective starting on your first day on the job
• 401K matching with no vesting or tenure requirement
• Generous parental leave (fully paid up to 16 weeks)
• Flexible time off so you can take time when you need it
• Six‑week fully paid sabbatical after hitting tenure milestones (with the option to take an additional six weeks after that)
• Free on‑site parking & pre‑tax commuter benefits
• Free on‑site lunch, snacks, beverages, treats, beer kegs, and employee‑favorite local coffee and espresso
• Self‑driven professional development opportunities like conferences, trade shows, and hackathons
• One‑of‑a‑kind activities and events like monthly socials, the annual weekend summer camp, a can’t‑miss company hackathon, and lots of other social opportunities

We are an equal opportunity employer and value diversity at our company. We do not discriminate on the basis of race, religion, color, national origin, gender, sexual orientation, age, marital status, veteran status, or disability status.

Our Candidate AI Guidelines are available here. Please give them a read.

Compensation:

Equity is a big part of the compensation package at Formlabs - every employee receives equity because everyone contributes to building the company. We have a lot of confidence in the products we’re building and the impact we’re making, and you should too.

Base pay is the other part of our compensation package, and it is carefully determined based on your skills, experience, and expected impact. Equity and base pay combine to make up your total compensation package at Formlabs.

The annual base pay range for this role is:

$175,000—$250,000 USD