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Lead Embedded Engineer

Backbone

Backbone

Atherton, CA, USA
Posted on Apr 21, 2025

Backbone is seeking an experienced and highly motivated Lead Embedded Engineer to join our dynamic team. The ideal candidate will have a strong background in embedded systems, excellent problem-solving skills, and a proven track record of leading engineering projects. This role involves designing, developing, and maintaining embedded systems and software, as well as mentoring junior engineers and collaborating with cross-functional teams to deliver innovative solutions.

What You'll Do:

Design and Development:

  • Lead the design, development, and testing of embedded systems and software.

  • Develop and maintain firmware for microcontrollers and other embedded devices.

  • Optimize embedded software for performance, power consumption, and reliability.

Project Management:

  • Manage and coordinate embedded engineering projects from concept to delivery.

  • Ensure projects are completed on time, within scope, and within budget.

  • Develop project plans, timelines, and resource allocation.

Technical Leadership:

  • Provide technical guidance and mentorship to junior engineers.

  • Conduct code reviews and ensure adherence to best practices and coding standards.

  • Stay current with industry trends and emerging technologies in embedded systems.

Collaboration:

  • Work closely with hardware engineers to integrate and debug hardware/software solutions.

  • Collaborate with cross-functional teams including product management, QA, and manufacturing.

  • Communicate effectively with stakeholders to gather requirements and provide project updates.

What We're Looking For:

Education:

  • Bachelor’s or Master’s degree in Electrical Engineering, Computer Engineering, Computer Science, or a related field.

Experience:

  • Minimum of 7 years of experience in embedded systems development.

  • Proven experience leading engineering teams and projects.

Technical Skills:

  • Proficiency in C/C++ programming languages.

  • Experience with microcontroller architectures (ARM, AVR, PIC, etc.).

  • Familiarity with real-time operating systems (RTOS) and embedded Linux.

  • Knowledge of hardware design and interfacing (SPI, I2C, UART, etc.).

  • Experience with debugging tools and techniques (JTAG, oscilloscopes, logic analyzers).

Soft Skills:

  • Strong leadership and mentoring abilities.

  • Excellent problem-solving and analytical skills.

  • Effective communication and interpersonal skills.

Bonus Points:

  • Experience with wireless communication protocols (Bluetooth, Zigbee, Wi-Fi).

  • Familiarity with safety-critical systems and standards (ISO 26262, IEC 61508).

  • Knowledge of Agile development methodologies.

  • Experience with version control systems (Git).

Benefits and Perks:

  • Bi-annual off-sites to spend time with the team

  • Hybrid office model (this role can be fully remote)

  • Offices in Seattle and the SF Bay Area (Atherton)

  • 401k match

  • Full medical, dental, and vision for all FTE roles

  • Free Backbone products (sometimes free games too!)