Firmware Engineer
Location: Huntington Beach, CA
On-site: 5 days per week
Employment type: Full-time
Salary: $130,000 to $260,000 + equity
We are working with a fast-scaling defense technology startup seeking a Firmware Engineer with 3+ years of experience to join a highly hands-on embedded software team. This role is suited to engineers who thrive in early-stage or high-growth environments, enjoy ownership, and want direct impact on mission-critical aerospace and defense systems.
You will work closely with hardware and systems teams, contributing across the full product lifecycle from early prototyping through to deployment. This is a highly practical role for engineers who enjoy building, testing, and iterating quickly in a startup setting.
The Role
- Develop firmware for the control and operation of embedded systems used in aerospace and defense applications
- Work hands-on with prototyping and testing, including component selection, firmware definition, system integration, and troubleshooting
- Implement control algorithms enabling precise movement and operation within embedded platforms
- Collaborate closely with hardware engineers and other technical stakeholders to deliver tightly integrated systems
- Ensure firmware meets applicable defense, safety, performance, and quality standards
Technical Environment
- C
- C++
- Rust
Experience Required
- 3+ years of firmware or embedded software development experience
- Proven background in aerospace, defense, or other safety-critical embedded environments
- Strong C and C++ experience in resource-constrained embedded systems. Rust experience is advantageous
- Comfortable operating in a startup or scale-up environment with high ownership and pace
- Willing and able to work on-site full-time in Huntington Beach, CA
- Must be a US Person (Citizen or Green Card holder)
- Visa sponsorship is not available
This opportunity will appeal to engineers who want to move fast, work close to the hardware, and contribute directly to advanced systems with real-world impact, within a startup environment that values execution, accountability, and technical depth.
