Embedded Firmware Engineer – Actuators & Drives

About 1X

We’re an AI and robotics company based in Palo Alto, California, on a mission to build a truly abundant society through general‑purpose robots capable of performing any kind of work autonomously.

We believe that to truly understand the world and grow in intelligence, humanoid robots must live and learn alongside us. That’s why we’re focused on developing friendly home robots designed to integrate seamlessly into everyday life.

We’re looking for curious, driven, and passionate people who want to help shape the future of robotics and AI. If this mission excites you, we’d be thrilled to hear from you and explore how you might contribute to our journey.

Role Overview

We are looking for an Embedded Firmware Engineer to develop and maintain the low-level firmware that runs on actuator and motor drive electronics. In this role, you will focus on robust, maintainable, and well-structured embedded software that enables motor control, sensing, safety, and system integration.

You will work closely with motor control, electrical, and test engineers to ensure that firmware reliably bridges hardware capabilities and higher-level system requirements.

Responsibilities

• Develop and maintain embedded firmware for motor drives and actuator controllers

• Implement hardware abstraction layers, drivers, and real-time infrastructure

• Support integration of motor control algorithms developed by control engineers

• Work closely with electrical engineers during hardware bring-up and debugging

• Implement safety mechanisms, fault handling, and diagnostics

• Support test and validation efforts through logging and debug features

• Improve firmware efficiency, structure, readability, and long-term maintainability

• Document firmware architecture, interfaces, and assumptions

Requirements

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

• 3+ years of experience industry with embedded systems and real-time firmware development

• Proficiency in C and C++ for embedded targets (strong experience in C++)

• Experience working with microcontrollers and low-level peripherals (ADC, PWM, DMA, timers, …)

• Comfortable debugging firmware on real hardware using standard lab tools

• Ability to collaborate closely with hardware and control engineers

Nice to Have

• Experience with motor drives and power electronics

• Familiarity with real-time operating systems

• Exposure to safety-related or fault-tolerant embedded systems

• Experience supporting hardware through prototype and production phases

Benefits & Compensation

• Salary Range: $138,000 - $234,600 + Equity

• Health, dental, and vision insurance

• 401(k) with company match

• Paid time off and holidays

Equal Opportunity Employer

1X is an Equal Opportunity Employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, gender, gender identity or expression, sexual orientation, national origin, ancestry, citizenship, age, marital status, medical condition, genetic information, disability, military or veteran status, or any other characteristic protected under applicable federal, state, or local law.