Senior Embedded Software Engineer ( C++ / Embedded Linux)

Empo Health, Inc.; San Bruno (CA); Hybrid; USD 170,000 - 210,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Hybrid-friendly

Take what you need vacation

Medical/dental/vision

401(k) with match

Parental leave

Equity options

Job summary

Empo Health, Inc. seeks an experienced systems software engineer to own and evolve the Linux user-space C++ application. You will design robust, multithreaded components and collaborate closely with hardware teams to integrate new features for in-home health monitoring devices.

Ideal candidates bring 8+ years in systems software, strong C/C++ and OO design, and experience with embedded Linux. Hybrid-friendly role requiring onsite presence in San Bruno multiple days weekly with a focus on

Qualifications

• 8+ years of systems software development with a focus on C++ architecture.
• Proven ability to write maintainable, thread-safe C/C++ code for Linux user space.
• Strong collaboration with hardware teams and experience with embedded Linux.
• Comfortable with automation, testing, and build tooling using Python/Bash.

Responsibilities

• Own the Linux user-space C++ application end-to-end from design to delivery.
• Design and implement thread-safe, high-performance components.
• Collaborate with Electrical, Mechanical, and Test teams to integrate hardware features.
• Debug field issues and deliver fixes with proper instrumentation.
• Develop automation, test, and build tooling with Python and Bash.
• Document software architecture, interfaces, and test strategy for a regulated environment.
• Support manufacturing bring-up and provide diagnostics improvements.

Skills

C/C++ architecture

Linux embedded

Multithreading

Hardware-software integration

Python/Bash

Cross-functional collaboration

Education

Bachelor’s or Master’s in EE/CE/CS

Tools

Yocto/OpenEmbedded

Git

Oscilloscope/Logic Analyzer

Job description

Founded in 2020 and based in Silicon Valley, Empo Health is a seed‑funded, VC‑backed, and NSF‑supported startup developing revolutionary in‑home health monitoring products. Empo Health's first product, the FDA‑listed Empo Footprint, is an in‑home foot‑imaging scale that helps doctors and patients monitor for early signs of diabetic foot ulcers. By helping them identify foot complications and risk factors before they escalate into more serious issue, Empo's product aims to assist clinicians with preventing amputations and saving lives.

As a critical member of our small, fast‑paced team, you will work closely with the founders and other early team members. You should be comfortable evaluating the execution of existing processes, suggesting new processes, and collaborating across a variety of team functions. If you’re passionate about remote care and helping prevent the worst outcomes for diabetic patients, then we’d love to hear from you!

The Job

This is a full‑time position with the following responsibilities:

• Serve as the primary technical owner for our linux user space C++ application, ensuring high‑performance execution and a maintainable modern architecture for long‑term scalability.
• Design and implement reliable, thread‑safe, multithreaded software components (synchronization, concurrency mechanisms, performance).
• Collaborate closely with Electrical, Mechanical, and Test teams to integrate new hardware features and resolve integration issues.
• Contribute to debugging and resolution of field issues, including reproducing issues, instrumenting code, and delivering fixes.
• Develop and maintain automation, test, and build tooling using Python and/or Bash.
• Write/maintain user‑space code in C/C++ and apply strong object‑oriented design principles where appropriate.
• Support manufacturing and bring‑up activities as needed.
• Improve software observability and diagnostics (logging, metrics, traceability, version reporting).
• Participate in code reviews and establish maintainable architecture for long‑term product scalability.
• Collaborate on the embedded Linux platform work and Yocto build system.
• Document software architecture, interfaces, and test strategy to support a regulated medical‑device environment.
• Continue use and support of our 3rd party over‑the‑air software updater and device monitor.

You might be a good fit if you…

• Have a Bachelors or Masters in Electrical Engineering, Computer Engineering, or Computer Science or a related field.
• Have 8+ years of experience in systems software development with a focus on C++ application architecture.
• Possess a strong fluency in hardware‑software integration; you don't need to be an EE, but you should enjoy collaborating with them.
• Have a proven record of working as a self‑starter with ownership mentality.
• Have a strong ability to work well with others.
• Possess exceptional communication skills, both written and verbal.
• Have served as the lead on similarly scoped projects.
• Have strong C/C++ experience and a deep understanding of object‑oriented design.
• Have contributed heavily to hardware products that have shipped.
• Are comfortable developing on Linux and in embedded environments.
• Have strong knowledge of multithreading and synchronization.
• Use Python and/or Bash scripting for automation, testing, and build processes.
• Can operate effectively in a small, fast‑paced team and collaborate cross‑functionally.
• Are able to work onsite as needed in San Bruno to support hardware integration and manufacturing debugging, typically 3 days a week.

Even better if you…

1. Are familiar with the Linux Device Tree.
2. Are familiar with the i.MX platform.
3. Have experience with Yocto Project, OpenEmbedded, or other Linux build systems.
4. Are comfortable with lab tools such as an oscilloscope, logic analyzer, and multimeter for low‑level troubleshooting.
5. Have project management experience.
6. Are experienced with Git.
7. Are experienced with factory production and assisting with field issues.
8. Have class 1 medical‑device software process familiarity.

What We Offer

• Hybrid‑friendly working environment
• “Take what you need” vacation and sick leave policy
• Generous coverage for medical, dental, vision, and mental wellness plans
• 401(k) retirement plan with 4% match (after employment for 6 months)
• 12 week parental leave + part‑time transition period at full pay (after employment for 12 months)
• Equity incentive options for early full‑time employees