Senior Embedded Software Engineer

Matternet; Mountain View (CA); On-site; USD 190,000 - 240,000; Full time

Job summary

Matternet is hiring a Senior Embedded Software Engineer to develop firmware and embedded software bridging aircraft and ground assets. You will work across microcontrollers and embedded Linux on ARM, owning drivers and firmware for sensors and actuators.

Expect end-to-end ownership from bring-up to flight test and change control. Ideal candidates have UAV/autonomous robotics experience, RTOS proficiency, and familiarity with ArduPilot/PX4 stacks.

Qualifications

• Familiar with safety-critical UAV/robotics environments and RTOS-based firmware.
• Experience bringing up embedded hardware and writing low-level drivers.
• Strong C/C++ coding skills for high-throughput data handling and real-time performance.

Responsibilities

• Design, build, test, and maintain firmware and embedded software for aircraft and station systems, including MCU firmware and ARM-based embedded Linux.
• Own the hardware/software boundary: bring up new boards, write/debug drivers, integrate sensors/peripherals.
• Select and integrate microcontrollers and buses (CAN, SPI, I2C, UART, BLE) for new features and revisions.
• Drive embedded software verification and release, from bench to flight tests and production deployments.
• Debug at hardware/software boundary with scopes/logic analyzers; review schematics/datasheets with EE team.
• Provide senior technical support, triaging field and flight-test issues tied to embedded subsystems.
• Collaborate with Electrical, Mechanical, Onboard Software, Operations, Safety, and Production.

Skills

RTOS experience

ArduPilot/PX4

C/C++ high-throughput

Embedded Linux

Device drivers

CAN/SPI/I2C/UART/BLE

Tools

CMake

Make

Waf

Docker

Job description

Matternet is building the future of delivery with autonomous drone networks that move critical goods faster, cleaner, and at lower cost. We work with partners across healthcare, logistics, food, and retail to deliver everything from medical items to everyday essentials, safely and reliably.

We’re seeking a Senior Embedded Software Engineer to develop the firmware and embedded software layer that sits between our aircraft and ground asset hardware and the higher-level software stack. Working across microcontrollers, embedded Linux, and the buses and peripherals that connect them, you'll bring up new hardware, own the drivers and firmware that make sensors and actuators reliable, and harden the embedded systems our delivery ecosystem depends on for every flight. This is a senior individual‑contributor role with real ownership: you'll own embedded subsystems end‑to‑end, from board bring‑up through flight test and regulated change control, working closely with Electrical, Mechanical, and Onboard Software teams.

In this role, you will:

• Design, build, test, and maintain firmware and embedded software for Matternet's aircraft and station embedded systems, spanning microcontroller firmware and embedded Linux on ARM
• Own the hardware/software boundary: bring up new boards and peripherals, write and debug device drivers, and integrate sensors and peripherals (e.g. encoders, motors, IMUs, LIDAR/RADAR, and similar)
• Select and integrate microcontrollers, communication buses (CAN, SPI, I2C, UART, BLE), and peripherals appropriate for new features and hardware revisions
• Drive embedded software verification and release, from bench and simulation testing through flight test and deployment across production fleets
• Debug at the hardware/software boundary when needed, including hands‑on use of oscilloscopes and logic analyzers, and reviewing board‑level schematics and datasheets with Electrical Engineering
• Provide senior technical support, triaging and resolving field and flight‑test issues tied to embedded subsystems
• Collaborate with stakeholders across Electrical, Mechanical, Onboard Software, Operations, Safety, and Production

Preferred Qualifications:

• UAV, autonomous robotics, aerospace, or other safety‑critical regulated experience
• Experience with Real‑Time Operating Systems (RTOS)
• Familiarity with an autopilot stack such as ArduPilot or PX4, and UAV/avionics technologies (ADS‑B, GPS/GNSS, LIDAR, perception sensors)
• Experience with build systems such as CMake, Make, or Waf, and containerized build/test environments (Docker)
• Experience optimizing C/C++ algorithms for high data throughput
• Experience with battery management systems or smart battery ICs
• Experience using AI coding assistants to accelerate development
• Relevant mechanical, aerospace, or electrical engineering experience

Work Environment:

• This is an in‑person role based at Matternet Headquarters, with access to our flight test facility
• The ability to work and communicate efficiently online with a hybrid team is critical to success

At Matternet, we’re advancing a new era of logistics, one where autonomous drones deliver what matters faster, cleaner, and more efficiently. We know our mission is challenging, but it's worth it, and we are committed to taking care of the people who make it possible.

• Compensation: The expected starting range for this role is $190,000–$240,000, based on San Francisco Bay Area market data. This range reflects the target starting pay for candidates who meet the minimum qualifications for the role. Final compensation will depend on factors such as your experience, skills, level, location, and potential impact.
• Total Rewards: In addition to base pay, our compensation packages include equity, and benefits such as medical, dental, vision, life, and disability coverage, flexible spending accounts (FSA), unlimited paid time off, company holidays, and a 401(k) plan.