Robotics Firmware Engineer (Rust) - Real-Time Control

Socket.dev; Palo Alto (CA); On-site; USD 120,000 - 190,000; Full time

Job summary

Socket.dev is seeking an experienced embedded firmware engineer to write low-level firmware for real-time robotics. You will bring up custom boards (STM32H7), develop drivers for sensors and actuators, and optimize data pipelines with Rust and C.

You will work hands-on with DMA, interrupts, and RTOS-based development (FreeRTOS/Zephyr), delivering reliable, low-latency control loops for high-dexterity robotic hands. Strong debugging and hardware validation skills are required.

Qualifications

• Pursuing a BS/MS in Robotics, Electrical/Computer Engineering, Mechatronics, or related fields.
• Strong Rust + Embassy and modern C experience in embedded development.
• Experience with real-time systems and RTOS-based development (FreeRTOS, Zephyr, or bare-metal).
• Strong Python skills for test automation, HIL testing, and hardware validation.

Responsibilities

• Bring up custom embedded boards (STM32H7 etc.) from scratch.
• Implement low-level drivers for sensors, actuators, communication buses, and custom peripherals.
• Develop high-reliability firmware using Rust (Embassy) and C, optimized for tight timing budgets.
• Build DMA-based and interrupt-driven interfaces for high-rate data pipelines.
• Implement and tune real-time control loops (position, torque, impedance, velocity).
• Develop high-frequency motor control firmware (100 Hz – 5 kHz loops).
• Integrate motor drivers, current sensors, and high-bandwidth servo feedback.
• Integrate and calibrate force & tactile sensors, multi-axis IMUs, encoders.
• Develop robust real-time safety systems: watchdogs, brownout detection, error monitors.
• Build bootloader/OTA systems for distributed firmware updates.
• Validate new PCB revisions with bringup tests and driver diagnostics.

Skills

Rust

Embassy

C

Real-time systems

Python

SPI/I2C/UART/CAN

DMA

RTOS

Education

BS in Robotics / Electrical Engineering / Computer Engineering / Mechatronics

Tools

STM32H7

Job description

Socket.dev is seeking an experienced embedded firmware engineer to write low-level firmware for real-time robotics. You will bring up custom boards (STM32H7), develop drivers for sensors and actuators, and optimize data pipelines with Rust and C.

You will work hands-on with DMA, interrupts, and RTOS-based development (FreeRTOS/Zephyr), delivering reliable, low-latency control loops for high-dexterity robotic hands. Strong debugging and hardware validation skills are required.