Principal Embedded Systems Engineer - Exoskeletons

Socket.dev; Palo Alto (CA); On-site; USD 180,000 - 260,000; Full time

Job summary

Edgerun is seeking a Principal Engineer, Embedded Systems, to lead the firmware stack for advanced exoskeleton systems used in combat. You will define architecture, drive real-time motor control, sensor fusion, and safety-critical features while guiding a team of seasoned engineers.

The role requires owning end-to-end firmware development, from low-level control loops to high-level system integration, in a fast-paced environment. Palo Alto-based, onsite with occasional field work.

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in EE, CE, CS or related field.
• 8+ years embedded firmware experience with shipped hardware.
• Proficiency in embedded C/C++ and real-time systems.
• Experience with motor control, sensors, and embedded firmware architecture.

Responsibilities

• Own the full control stack: FOC and current loop, torque control, joint control, gait and assist algorithm, and user intent detection.
• Set architecture, interfaces, and standards for the team.
• Decide behavior under fault conditions and edge cases (sensor faults, low battery, abnormal loads).
• Own OTA firmware updates, rollback, and telemetry link to app.
• Build data collection to inform design decisions.
• Hire and lead firmware engineers and mentor the team.
• Run field tests and translate findings into system changes.

Skills

Embedded C/C++

Real-time systems

Firmware ownership

8+ years embedded firmware

Education

Bachelor's degree in EE/CE/CS

Tools

CAN bus

RTOS

MCU knowledge

Job description

Edgerun is seeking a Principal Engineer, Embedded Systems, to lead the firmware stack for advanced exoskeleton systems used in combat. You will define architecture, drive real-time motor control, sensor fusion, and safety-critical features while guiding a team of seasoned engineers.

The role requires owning end-to-end firmware development, from low-level control loops to high-level system integration, in a fast-paced environment. Palo Alto-based, onsite with occasional field work.