Senior Firmware Engineer, Research & Prototyping

Cala Health; San Mateo (CA); On-site; USD 150,000 - 210,000; Full time

Job summary

Cala Health is seeking a Senior Firmware Engineer, Research to own the firmware used in clinical studies, build prototypes, and support studies in the field. You will bridge research and commercial teams, ensuring traceability of device logs and clear communication of technical concepts.

You will work on fast-paced benchtop prototypes and on builds destined for patient use, balancing rigor with speed while collaborating with engineers, clinicians, and researchers.

Qualifications

• BS/MS in Computer Science, Computer Engineering, Electrical Engineering, or related field.
• 5+ years developing embedded firmware, including low-power and small-footprint designs.
• Strong C programming skills and proficiency in Python.
• Experience with ARM Cortex M0, M3, or M4.
• Experience with BLE, including debugging connection and throughput issues in the real world.
• Experience with sensor signal processing, data logging, or on-device algorithm implementation.
• Comfortable with hardware debugging tools: logic analyzers, oscilloscopes, power supplies, and current measurement.
• Hands‑on experience using AI development tools to accelerate firmware work or to ramp quickly on unfamiliar systems, with concrete examples you can walk through.
• Track record of adapting to shifting priorities on a small team, and of picking up whatever work the team needs rather than staying in a narrow lane.
• Genuine interest in building technology that treats patients, and a collaborative working style with engineers, clinicians, and research staff.

Responsibilities

• Clinical Study Firmware Ownership: Develop, test, document, and release the firmware used in Cala clinical studies.
• Prototyping New Technology: Build fast prototypes to evaluate new sensing, stimulation, and algorithm concepts.
• Testing & Debug: Write and execute firmware test procedures and perform hardware/firmware debugging.
• Study Support: Support staff during study execution; diagnose field issues and interpret device logs.
• Translation to Commercial: Document firmware for handoffs to product teams and participate in reviews.
• AI-Accelerated Development: Use AI tools to accelerate innovative ideas while maintaining quality.

Skills

Embedded firmware development

C programming

Python

BLE experience

AI development tools

Hardware debugging

Team collaboration

Problem solving

Education

BS/MS in Computer Science/Engineering

Tools

ARM Cortex M0/M3/M4

Zephyr RTOS

FreeRTOS

Linux

Job description

Cala Health is seeking a Senior Firmware Engineer, Research to own the firmware used in clinical studies, build prototypes, and support studies in the field. You will bridge research and commercial teams, ensuring traceability of device logs and clear communication of technical concepts.

You will work on fast-paced benchtop prototypes and on builds destined for patient use, balancing rigor with speed while collaborating with engineers, clinicians, and researchers.