Sr. Embedded Engineer, Hardware (Autonomous Vehicle Team)

Foundation Robotics Labs Inc.; San Francisco (CA); On-site; USD 175,000 - 300,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Health benefits

Vision coverage

Dental coverage

401k plan

Job summary

A pioneering robotics company in San Francisco seeks an experienced embedded systems developer. You will lead the integration of advanced computing platforms within robotic vehicles, requiring strong C/C++ and Python skills along with a solid background in embedded systems. The role offers a competitive salary between $175,000 - $300,000. Join a dedicated team focused on meaningful innovation and the mission to augment human labor with cutting-edge technology.

Qualifications

• 5–8+ years of experience in embedded systems development in vehicles or robotics.
• Strong skills in C/C++ and Python.
• Experience with Linux distributions like Yocto or Ubuntu Core.

Responsibilities

• Lead the bring-up of embedded compute platforms.
• Develop low-level drivers and middleware for sensors and actuators.
• Work closely with engineers to provide stable interfaces for hardware.

Skills

C/C++ expertise

Python skills

Embedded systems development

Linux experience

Version control (Git)

CI/CD familiarity

Education

BS/MS in Computer Engineering

Electrical Engineering

Tools

Embedded compute platforms

IDKs

Job description

About Foundation

Foundation is developing the future of general purpose robotics and electric mobility with the goal to save lives and augment human labor.

Our mission is to create an autonomous, crewless ATV built to be truly all-terrain. Designed for commercial and defense use, it can save lives and take on heavy transport across mining, agriculture, construction, and more.

We are on the lookout for extraordinary engineers and scientists to join our team. Your previous experience in robotics isn't a prerequisite — it's your talent and determination that truly count.

We expect that many of our team members will bring diverse perspectives from various industries and fields. We are looking for individuals with a proven record of exceptional ability and a history of creating things that work.

Our Culture

We like to be frank and honest about who we are, so that people can decide for themselves if this is a culture they resonate with. Please read more about our culture here https://foundation.bot/culture.

Who Should Join

• You like working in person with a team in San Francisco.
• You deeply believe that this is the most important mission for humanity and needs to happen yesterday.
• You are highly technical - regardless of the role you are in. We are building technology; you need to understand technology well.
• You care about aesthetics and design inside out. If it's not the best product ever, it bothers you, and you need to “fix” it.
• You don't need someone to motivate you; you get things done.

Why We Are Hiring for This Role

• Lead bring-up of embedded compute platforms (MCUs, VCU, SBCs running Linux).
• Set up operating systems, toolchains, and integrated development kits (IDKs) for major components.
• Develop low-level drivers and middleware to interface with sensors, actuators, and vehicle subsystems.
• Own integration of sensor SDKs and communication protocols (CAN, Ethernet, serial).
• Build test harnesses and simulation tools for bench testing prior to vehicle integration.
• Work closely with Perception/Planning engineers to provide stable, performant interfaces to hardware.
• Support system bring-up during vehicle assembly; debug software-hardware integration issues.
• Contribute to safety-critical software practices (fault handling, watchdogs, power management).

What Kind of Person We Are Looking For

• 5–8+ years of experience in embedded systems development in vehicles or robotics.
• Strong C/C++ and Python skills; experience with Linux (Yocto, Ubuntu Core, or similar).
• Experience integrating third-party SDKs for sensors, compute, or accelerators.
• Knowledge of vehicle or robotics commercial stacks (CAN, DDS, ROS2, or equivalent).
• Comfortable working across hardware/software boundaries in bench and integration settings.
• Experience with version control (Git), CI/CD, and modern embedded dev workflows.
• BS/MS in Computer Engineering, Electrical Engineering, or related field.

Benefits

We provide market standard benefits (health, vision, dental, 401k, etc.). Join us for the culture and the mission, not for the benefits.

Salary

The annual compensation is expected to be between $175,000 - $300,000. Exact compensation may vary based on skills, experience, and location.