Senior Embedded Software Engineer (Contract) - Python/RFSOC/Petalinux

Cambridge Terahertz; Santa Clara (CA); Hybrid; USD 83,000 - 165,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Competitive compensation

Opportunity to work with cutting-edge technology

Competitive compensation

Job summary

A pioneering tech company based in Santa Clara is seeking an Embedded Software Engineer to develop and integrate systems for a real-time imaging platform. You will work in Python and C/C++ on embedded systems, collaborating closely with hardware and software engineers. This role offers a fast-paced contract of three months with the potential for full-time employment, and you'll be part of a team focused on innovative security solutions leveraging advanced technology.

Qualifications

• Strong experience writing software for embedded Linux systems.
• Proficiency in Python and C/C++ for real-time or hardware-integrated applications.
• Familiarity with PetaLinux or Xilinx RFSoC/MPSoC/Kria platforms.
• Ability to reason about entire hardware/software systems and identify integration issues.
• Experience working with real-time data or imaging systems.
• Excellent documentation and communication skills.

Responsibilities

• Develop and maintain embedded software in Python and C/C++.
• Integrate imaging systems with AI/ML pipelines.
• Build and test firmware for PetaLinux and Xilinx systems.
• Create scripts for real-time system control.
• Collaborate with hardware, firmware, and software engineers to debug and optimize system performance.
• Contribute to overall system architecture and design, bridging hardware and software boundaries.

Skills

Embedded Linux systems

Python

C/C++

AI/ML pipelines

Real-time data

Documentation

On-site in Silicon Valley

Documentation

Tools

PetaLinux

Xilinx RFSoC/MPSoC/Kria platforms

Job description

Overview

Cambridge Terahertz, based in Santa Clara, CA, is pioneering next-generation security with advanced Terahertz (THz) imaging technology, empowering safer communities through rapid, non-invasive weapons detection and threat screening. Our mission is to save lives by delivering breakthrough sensing solutions that uncover concealed threats—without health risks—enabling protection in airports, public venues, and critical infrastructure worldwide. Leveraging cutting-edge science spun out of MIT, our team is driven by a vision to transform security and safety with innovative platforms that truly make a difference, combining world-class engineering with a passion to solve society’s hardest challenges. Recently featured in CNBC, MIT News and Techcrunch, the company is backed by top-tier investors and five government contracts. Our world-class team includes some of the best minds in RF, THz and hardware, and is passionate about taking on the most difficult technical challenges. We foster a creative, fast-paced, and values-driven culture that nurtures self-growth and learning, and using technology to enrich lives.

Embedded Software Engineer (Contract - 3 months, potential for full-time)

We’re looking for an Embedded Software Engineer with systems experience to help build and integrate the embedded and software systems underpinning our real-time imaging platform. Primarily working in Python and C/C++ on an embedded Petalinux system, You’ll work hands-on at the intersection of hardware, firmware, and software - connecting imaging, AI/ML, and hardware pipelines into a unified system. This is an intense, fast-paced three-month contract role with potential to convert to a full-time position.

Responsibilities

• Develop and maintain embedded software in Python and C/C++.
• Integrate imaging systems with AI/ML pipelines, system management, cloud and GUI APIs, and hardware APIs.
• Build and test firmware and software for PetaLinux and Xilinx RFSoC / MPSoC / Kria systems.
• Create scripts and automation tools to support real-time system control and data flow.
• Collaborate with hardware, firmware, and software engineers to debug and optimize system performance.
• Contribute to overall system architecture and design, bridging hardware and software boundaries.

Job Requirements (Must have)

• Strong experience writing software for embedded Linux systems.
• Proficiency in Python and C/C++ for real-time or hardware-integrated applications.
• Familiarity with PetaLinux or Xilinx RFSoC/MPSoC/Kria platforms.
• Ability to reason about entire hardware/software systems and identify integration issues.
• Experience working with real-time data or imaging systems.
• Comfortable working in a small, fast-moving, experimental team environment.
• Must be based in the Silicon Valley area and available for periodic on-site work.
• Excellent documentation, teamwork, and communication skills.

Also desired (Nice to have)

• Experience with MATLAB for algorithm prototyping or data analysis.
• Exposure to AI/ML pipelines or embedded inference.
• Familiarity with FPGA development workflows and RTL development.
• Fast-paced, high-impact environment with top-tier peers.
• Opportunity to work at the bleeding edge of wireless and imaging silicon technology.
• Duration: ~ 3 months full-time contract, with potential for full-time employee conversion.
• Location: Santa Clara, CA (hybrid — not every day on-site).
• Compensation: Competitive, commensurate with experience.

Cambridge Terahertz is an Equal Employment Opportunity (EEO) employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment and will not be discriminated against on the basis of race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, age, veteran status, disability status, or genetic information.