> Markdown version of [/jobs/ext/2702602-embedded-software-engineer](https://www.wearedevelopers.com/jobs/ext/2702602-embedded-software-engineer). Every page supports `.md` or `Accept: text/markdown`. Links point to the HTML versions so they work for humans too. Agent guide: [/agents.md](https://www.wearedevelopers.com/agents.md). --- # Embedded Software Engineer - **Company:** General Matter - **Location:** Los Angeles, United States - **Experience:** Expert - **Salary:** $125,000.0 - $250,000.0 - **Contract:** Permanent contract - **Skills:** Automation of Tests, C++ (Programming Language), CANopen, Communications Protocols, Computer Engineering, Software Debugging, Linux, Device Drivers, Embedded Software, Ethernet, EtherCAT, Fault Tolerance, Firmware, Hardware Interface Design, Hardware-In-The-Loop Simulation, Linux Kernel, Modbus, PCI Express, Real-Time Operating Systems, Software Engineering, System Testing, Systems Integration, USB, Real Time Systems, Concurrency, Information Technology - **Published:** September 4, 2026 - **Apply:** https://startup.jobs/embedded-software-engineer-general-matter-8097931 ## About the Role * Bachelor's degree or higher in Computer Science, Computer Engineering, Electrical Engineering, or a related STEM field. * 5+ years of experience developing embedded, real-time, or low-level systems software. * Strong, production-level experience in C, C++, or Rust. * Hands-on experience with real-time systems and hardware/software integration, with a strong understanding of deterministic timing, concurrency, and device driver development. * Ability to perform trade studies and make clear recommendations from first principles even with partial information. Preferred Skills and Experience * Experience implementing or integrating industrial fieldbus protocols and masters (e.g., EtherCAT, CANopen, EtherNet/IP, Modbus). * Experience with real-time Linux (PREEMPT_RT, Xenomai) or other RTOS for motion and process control. * Driver and kernel development experience, including bring-up of new sensors, instrumentation, and data acquisition hardware. * Low-level communication protocol debugging and electrical hardware troubleshooting, including assistance in PCBA bring-up. * Experience designing fault-tolerant, observable, and testable distributed control systems. * Experience with automated testing, simulation, or hardware-in-the-loop (HIL) test frameworks. * Background in safety-critical, high-reliability, or regulated industrial environments (e.g., chemical, energy, aerospace, robotics, semiconductor). * Demonstrated technical leadership in setting engineering standards and building and mentoring high-performance engineering teams. * Experience in a fast-paced, startup-like engineering environment requiring a resourceful, entrepreneurial approach to complete tasks within tight timeframes or budget constraints. Additional Requirements * Ability to work extended hours and weekends as necessary. ## Description We are seeking an Embedded Software Engineer to develop the low-level control software, real-time runtimes, and device drivers that directly command test stands and production systems. This role sits at the intersection of real-time embedded engineering and distributed control systems, and is responsible for building performant, deterministic, and fault-tolerant software that drives fieldbus networks, commands actuators, and acquires high-speed signals from scientific instrumentation where safety and accuracy are exceedingly important. The successful candidate will play a central role in defining the real-time architecture, driver standards, and hardware interfaces of mission-critical embedded systems across R&D, manufacturing/test, and plant operations., * Architect and develop deterministic, safety-critical control software on Linux-based real-time operating systems (e.g., PREEMPT_RT), including scheduling, timing, and fault-tolerant control logic. * Build and maintain industrial fieldbus masters and stacks (e.g., EtherCAT, CAN/CANopen, EtherNet/IP) for hard real-time, high-rate closed-loop control of distributed actuators, drives, and I/O. * Write drivers and interfaces for scientific instrumentation, sensors, and data acquisition hardware for high-speed, kHz-class acquisition across low-level protocols and buses (e.g., SPI, I2C, serial, USB, PCIe, Ethernet). * Own software from development through deployment by building automated build, test, and validation infrastructure. * Perform safety analyses and validate control logic to ensure deterministic behavior and functional safety under both normal and fault conditions. * Work closely with hardware, electrical, and controls engineering teams to bring up new systems and integrate firmware with hardware. * Lead debugging, root cause analysis, and reliability improvements across the full software-to-hardware stack, using oscilloscopes, logic analyzers, protocol analyzers, and other laboratory instrumentation. * Contribute to integrated system testing, commissioning, and continuous improvement of embedded software running on production equipment ## Related Videos - [More efficient software for more efficient microchips](https://www.wearedevelopers.com/videos/1164-more-efficient-software-for-more-efficient-microchips) - [Optimizing Land-Based Fish Feeding with Node-RED](https://www.wearedevelopers.com/videos/2032-optimizing-land-based-fish-feeding-with-node-red) - [Docker network without Docker](https://www.wearedevelopers.com/videos/1418-docker-network-without-docker) - [Prototyping with Hardware and the Web](https://www.wearedevelopers.com/videos/651-prototyping-with-hardware-and-the-web) - [Enabling intelligent logistics automation: home-grown Industrial IoT platform at Austrian Post](https://www.wearedevelopers.com/videos/2018-enabling-intelligent-logistics-automation-home-grown-industrial-iot-platform-at-austrian-post) - [Docker exec without Docker](https://www.wearedevelopers.com/videos/1094-docker-exec-without-docker) ## Related Articles - [Is Software Engineering Hard?](https://www.wearedevelopers.com/magazine/448-is-software-engineering-hard) - [Is Software Engineering Over-Saturated?](https://www.wearedevelopers.com/magazine/418-is-software-engineering-over-saturated) - [Where to Find Entry-Level Software Engineering Jobs](https://www.wearedevelopers.com/magazine/397-where-to-find-entry-level-software-engineering-jobs) - [Where To Find Software Engineering Jobs](https://www.wearedevelopers.com/magazine/396-where-to-find-software-engineering-jobs) - [Top Characteristics of a Software Engineer](https://www.wearedevelopers.com/magazine/166-top-characteristics-of-a-software-engineer) - [Best Countries for Software Engineers](https://www.wearedevelopers.com/magazine/267-best-countries-for-software-engineers)