Firmware Engineer - Optical Computing

Job Description

Firmware Engineer Build the Core Software Behind the Future of Optical Computing

Opportunity Summary

A stealth-mode, venture-backed startup is developing cutting-edge optical computing hardware designed to outperform traditional electronics at scale. With a team of experienced founders and deep-tech engineers, were building an integrated system from the ground up, hardware, software, and manufacturing, to unlock the next era of high-speed, low-power computation. Were hiring a Firmware Engineer to own the development of embedded software that brings our first product to life. From bootloaders and signal control to link training and diagnostics, this is a role for someone who wants to work close to hardware, solve real-world timing and signal challenges, and ship production-ready systems.

About Us

We are a Los Angeles-based deep-tech startup operating in stealth, combining photonics, custom hardware, and automated manufacturing to develop a novel computing platform. Our team blends backgrounds in high-performance systems, embedded software, and precision hardware engineering. We're scaling fast and building every layer of the stack internally, from silicon to factory floor.

Job Duties

Design and implement low-level firmware to manage all aspects of transceiver operation, including signal conditioning, startup routines, and real-time link diagnostics

Develop algorithms for link training, automatic eye opening, and adaptive optimization in varying field conditions

Build robust initialization sequences, bootloaders, and fault-recovery mechanisms for high-reliability deployment

Lead validation and release processes for production firmware, including factory flash procedures and traceability systems

Collaborate with hardware teams to define and optimize hardware/software interfaces for power systems, timing, and custom I/O

Push the limits of performance and reliability on bare-metal embedded platforms, optimizing every byte and cycle

Maintain a clean, scalable codebase with automated test coverage and documented workflows

Qualifications

BS in Electrical Engineering, Computer Engineering, Computer Science, or a related field

3+ years of experience developing firmware or embedded systems from first principles

Strong background in C/C++ and scripting in Python

Hands-on experience developing drivers and control logic for IC, SPI, ADC, DMA, or similar low-level protocols

Solid understanding of embedded architecture, real-time systems, and debugging techniques

Ability to reason from first principles and troubleshoot across hardware and software boundaries

Strong communication skills and comfort working across functions in a dynamic environment

Preferred Experience

Experience reading hardware schematics and defining hardware/software integration boundaries

Background in digital signal processing, robotics, or control systems

Familiarity with RTOSs, build pipelines, and hardware-in-the-loop testing

Experience mentoring junior engineers or leading firmware projects to completion

Comfort working with distributed Linux systems and full-stack firmware architecture

Security Clearance

Must be able to obtain US Secret clearance.

Why Join Us

Build foundational systems at a company redefining what's possible with light

Work closely with a technical founding team on complex, high-impact problems

Early-stage equity in a venture-backed, high-growth deep tech company

Comprehensive medical, dental, and vision benefits

Paid parental leave and generous PTO policy

Flexible and focused work culture

Relocation support to Southern California

401(k) plan and future leadership opportunities

Compensation Details

$120,000 - $200,000

Full-time