Senior Firmware Engineer

Lumex Talent; San Francisco (CA); On-site; USD 100,000 - 300,000; Full time

Job summary

Lumex Talent in San Mateo seeks a hands-on Firmware & Embedded Systems Engineer to bridge AI models with physical hardware. You will own real-time firmware development, design motor control loops, perform PCBA bring-up, and integrate core communication protocols on lab hardware.

Ideal candidates have 3–10 years of embedded experience in robotics, RTOS (FreeRTOS/RT Linux), and experience with CAN, RS-485, SPI or UART, plus a BS/MS in EE/Robotics.

Qualifications

• 3–10 years of embedded systems/firmware engineering using C/C++ for robotics or motor control.
• Hands-on experience with RTOS environments (FreeRTOS, RT Linux, or equivalent).
• Experience with CAN, RS-485, SPI, or UART protocols.
• BS or MS in Electrical Engineering, Robotics, or Mechatronics.
• On-site presence in San Mateo; hands-on in a lab setting.

Responsibilities

• Own real-time firmware development and motor control loops.
• Perform PCBA bring-up and hardware integration.
• Integrate core communication protocols directly on physical hardware in the San Mateo lab.
• Collaborate with AI/software teams to align firmware with model deployments.

Skills

Embedded systems

Firmware engineering

C/C++

Education

BS/MS in Electrical Engineering, Robotics, or Mechatronics

Tools

CAN bus

RS-485

SPI

UART

Job description

• Location: San Mateo, CA (100% On-Site / Hands-on Lab Environment)
• Base Salary Range: $100,000 - $300,000

Role Overview

Our client is an elite, well-funded robotics startup building the world's first general-purpose AI foundation model for physical hardware. Their platform serves as a universal robotic brain capable of powering everything from humanoids and quadrupeds to industrial warehouse bots. Rather than operating purely as a research lab, they actively deploy their AI onto production hardware used by major global partners.

In this role, you will serve as a hands-on Firmware & Embedded Systems Engineer bridging these high-level AI models with low-level physical actuation. You will own real-time firmware development, design motor control loops, perform PCBA bring-up, and integrate core communication protocols directly on physical hardware in their San Mateo lab.

Key Requirements

• Experience: 3-10 years of embedded systems/firmware engineering using C/C++ for robotics or motor control.
• Real-Time Systems: Direct experience with RTOS environments (FreeRTOS, RT Linux, or equivalent).
• Protocols: Hands-on experience with CAN, RS-485, SPI, or UART.
• Education: BS or MS in Electrical Engineering, Robotics, or Mechatronics.
• Work Style: On-site presence in San Mateo; fully comfortable working hands-on with physical hardware in a lab setting.

Nice-to-Haves

• Prior experience at high-growth robotics companies (e.g., Boston Dynamics, Agility Robotics, Fetch Robotics).
• Experience bringing up new PCBAs from scratch and integrating with electromechanical systems.
• Familiarity with ROS or DDS communication frameworks.