Senior Embedded Software Engineer (San Francisco)
Embedded Controls Engineer Lead Newlight
Location: On-site
Team: Embedded Systems & Real-Time Control
Newlight is developing the worlds first scalable retrofit solution enabling hydrogen-assisted combustion for the existing global fleet. We combine advanced hardware and embedded control to deliver immediate emissions and fuel-cost reduction without replacing engines.
We are seeking an Embedded Controls Engineer Lead to architect, implement, and validate the real-time ECU controlling hydrogen-diesel combustion at sea. You will own the firmware stack and embedded technologies powering our hydrogen-injection unit, and help build the team shaping its future.
What You Will Be Doing
- Own the embedded firmware roadmap and architecture across bootloader, BSP, HAL/LL, drivers, RTOS tasks, synchronization, and safety states.
- Lead and mentor embedded engineers across code reviews, design reviews, planning, and hiring for scaling execution.
- Implement bare-metal drivers in C for timers/ETR, input capture, GPIO, multi-channel ADC, DMA (circular/linked), UART/SPI/IC, CAN-FD, and Ethernet.
- Develop the engine synchronization layer: crank/cam capture, missing-tooth detection, real-time crank-angle resolution, deterministic PWM/valve scheduling.
- Build high-integrity data paths: ADC+DMA streaming pipelines, digital filtering, calibration, fixed-point math, and diagnostic thresholds.
- Integrate FreeRTOS or CMSIS-RTOS v2: priorities, ISRs, latency budgeting, inter-task messaging, watchdogs, timing analysis.
- Architect fault-tolerant state machines and real-time safety logic with deterministic fallback behaviors.
- Validate performance with SIL/HIL, test benches, and full-scale engines; analyze timing, jitter, and actuator response.
- Support vessel integration, commissioning, and troubleshooting during early deployments.
- Contribute domain input to combustion optimization and injection strategies.
- Author & maintain technical documentation including control specs, schematics, timing diagrams, and validation protocols.
- Ensure compliance with maritime class safety rules; drive reliability and change-control processes.
Requirements
- Bachelors degree in Electrical Engineering, Computer Engineering, Mechatronics, or equivalent.
- 5+ years experience delivering real-time embedded control systems in production environments.
- Expertise in timers, input capture synchronization, PWM/valve control, DMA pipelines, and ADC management.
- Demonstrated low-latency driver development in bare-metal C on STM32-class MCUs.
- Strong control-system fundamentals applied to high-speed actuation loops.
- Experience with CAN-FD and industrial comms interfaces.
- Solid understanding of safety-critical IO handling and diagnostic architecture.
- Excellent problem-solving and communication skills; ability to thrive in hands-on, fast-iteration environments.
- On-site presence required for integrated engine test cycles and cross-functional collaboration.
Nice to Have
- Experience with 2-stroke and marine engine controls.
- Hydrogen or hybrid powertrain experience.
- Python/MATLAB tooling for DAQ, HIL/SIL or control tuning workflows.
- Security-aware firmware development (boot encryption, CRC/keys).
- Passion for accelerating clean, affordable maritime decarbonization.
Why Join Newlight?
- Own critical firmware controlling hydrogen injection on real engines at sea your work directly reduces emissions worldwide .
- Build and scale our embedded team and system architecture from pilot to fleet deployments.
- Work in a highly skilled, mission-driven environment where innovation and safety go hand-in-hand.
- Grow into technical leadership roles as the systems and engineering organization scale.
To Apply:
- Send your resume and a brief message on why you want to build this future to recruiting@newlight.blue